Interview with Victorica Monroe of “Swishing”
Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter: Victorica, wow! You wrote this book! Thank you so much for joining me today, I’m thrilled to have you here. Would you mind introducing yourself and letting us know more about you?
Victorica Monroe: Sure, I’m excited to be here with you too to discuss “Swishing”. I’m Victorica Monroe, I currently run my business, Monroe Pedagogy, and I am also a PhD student at Gallaudet University in the Education Department.
Renca: I have “Swishing” here. You are the author of this book, which was illustrated by Shawn Richardson, a Black Deaf artist. How did you two work together, did you write and he illustrated?
Victorica: Yes.
Renca: What inspired you to write this book?
Victorica: At a time when the Black Lives Matter movement was at the forefront, I took notice of Shawn Richardson’s phenomenal work. I reached out to him, and wow, it was wonderful working with him. He is a Black Deaf man and you know, there isn’t enough representation of Black Deaf men. Especially in the mainstream. So the two of us worked together and I enjoyed being witness to his incredible art. It was a touching experience and we need to acknowledge the work he did on this too. My inspiration for writing this story was growing up and experiencing a lack of representation for Black Deafblind, Black, DeafBlind, LGBTQ, and Queer identities. Where was that representation? In my upbringing, I would always seek it in books but I never quite found it. The most popular DeafBlind representation is always Helen Keller, but our experiences are so different. Helen was white, I’m Black. Culturally, it’s different. That’s why I always wanted to write a book. And it wasn’t until COVID-19, that was a strange time for all of us. When the pandemic started I was a graduate student and I graduated two months later. I found myself unsure of what to do so that’s when I started writing, and I just kept writing. The process was a big source of affirmation for me, to be able to process the experiences I’ve had. It was quite a journey.
Renca: Is “Swishing” for everyone to read? For schools, personal use, is there an age range or is this for all ages? Who is the target audience for this story?
Victorica: It’s written for younger ages, but the story itself can apply to any age. Any reader can discuss the importance of the story, and what they could take away from it. It really applies to all ages. I’m older but I still enjoy reading children’s literature. I am biased because I love children’s literature, but I enjoy reading them. But there’s the willingness to see different points of view that some children’s literature can really educate on, and it may be on topics adults aren’t even aware of.
Renca: I’ve also noticed your story intersects with basketball, and that it’s an important part of your life. Would you mind telling us more about that?
Victorica: Oh yes! The people who know me well know that I love basketball. I’ve retired from the game myself, but I have always loved basketball. Going to and watching games is such a joy. Collecting basketball things too... So yes, I love it. To be honest, looking back on the support I’ve had, my mom always gave me support, but home was far away. So I was often alone. I had people who supported me but not by investing time to talk about being DeafBlind, Deaf Queer, or any intersectionality especially since I was in Mississippi. What do you think, of course, that wouldn’t happen. Mississippi is a very straight, Christian type of state, that is the value of their culture. So basketball is my life- my best friend. It has helped me express my emotions and keep persevering through tough times. And celebrate during the happy times too. Every time I was feeling a certain way, I’d turn to basketball. That’s why I have so much respect for basketball. You know the term “Basketball is life”? I agree with it wholeheartedly, basketball is life. It helped me navigate my own adversity. And the reason why I chose the title “Swishing” is when the basketball goes right through the hoop. It’s always a good feeling because the net is very high up and it’s tough to truly get that “swish”. I want to prove people wrong who think DeafBlind people can’t make that shot. Come on, any student-athlete who is DeafBlind can play and make that score! Basketball has challenges and requires strategy, but yes, I still can play. Generally, DeafBlind students can play. We learn based on experiences. We’re often told we can’t and have limitations. I have directly experienced that. Just wow. Should not be that way. So, that is why I went ahead and brought up the discussion on student-athletes in “Swishing.” That’s the reason behind- the story behind the title.
———
[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
———
Renca: Now that we know anyone at any age can read “Swishing,” what do you hope that people can take away from this story?
Victorica: Yes, of course. The first is that DeafBlindness is not taboo. We are out here living our everyday lives. I want to show Deafblind children and adults alike that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We exist. The second is that LGBTQ and Queer people are out there too- it’s ok to be who you are, but others need to accept it. There are supporters out there and also those who are struggling in their own identities with sexuality and gender, it’s okay! So, my writing this story is not just about myself, but also about educating others that it is okay to be yourself- it is okay. It is not just limited to being DeafBlind, or LGBTQ, it is generally- whoever you are- know that it is okay. Taboos should not exist. It is a society that makes it taboo. So the goal is to open up and ignite that conversation, that having a diverse society all coexisting is okay. We must accept who we are, that is crucial. I do want to emphasize that generally, we need to recognize the important work done by Black and Brown Deaf people. Second, It is important for you to not just read the book but to have a discussion about it too. Really, the things I experienced growing up are things I’m still seeing today. DeadBlind people can feel unrooted and extremely oppressed. They try to find places to belong. I want more visibility brought to this so that we can be more welcomed into the Deaf community where there are more abled people involved. In a community of able-bodied, sighted people, those who claim “Deaf power”…but honestly, the word “Deaf” itself, that “one size” is over. What does being Deaf really mean? This means that there is so much intersectionality of Deaf such as DeafBlind, Deaf LGBTQ, Deaf immigrants, and the list goes on. For Deafness alone, it is not just audio-centric. Yes, there is Deaf pride and Culture -that is okay, but we must also acknowledge the intersectionality of Deafness with other identities together. That is intersectionality. You can buy the book directly from the publisher, Savory Words Publishing. You can buy it directly on their website.
Renca: Okay, perfect.
Victorica: They will ship from there.
Renca: We’ll include that link in the transcript for this interview so people can easily click and buy the book to support your work, and Shawn’s work too! Again, thank you so much for taking the opportunity to share this book. For anyone curious to buy this book, it is titled, “Swishing”. Thank you for your time.