Meet Yecheilyah Ysrayl | Author & Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yecheilyah Ysrayl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yecheilyah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
There is a saying: “Take the risk or lose the chance.”

I think about risks as a part of life; in many ways, everything we do is a risk. Walking outside that door is a risk since there is no guarantee we’ll return. In my life and career, everything I’ve done has been risky. As an introvert, I push myself to do things I am uncomfortable doing because I understand those things will strengthen and challenge me. I also know that, as another saying goes: “Comfort zones are beautiful places, but nothing ever grows there.” Even if you are on the right path, you can get run over if you just sit there. I am thankful to have a work ethic that refuses to settle for basic. I’m a lot of things, but idle is not one of them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke explains: “Can you avow that you would die if you were forbidden to write? Above all, in the most silent hour of your night, ask yourself this: Must I write? Dig deep into yourself for the true answer. And if it should ring its assent, if you can confidently meet this serious question with a simple, “I must,” then build your life upon it.”

This best sums up what keeps me productive. Not a moment passes that I am not thinking of something writing-related. Creative-related. It wakes me up in the mornings and excites me throughout the day. I can confidently and without pretense answer Rilke’s question with a resounding “Yes, I must write.” And so, that I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My go-to would be the Black historical locations in Atlanta, such as: The MLK National Historical Park, King Birth Home Tour, and the Sweet Auburn District in general. Atlanta History Center and Cultural Experience ATL (if they are open). Paschal’s restaurant to eat, Metro Atlanta to eat, and Centennial Park to hang out and for dope pics!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, who has been there for me through every stage of my journey in every way possible. He is deserving of all the flowers. I also wanted to thank everyone who made the intentional decision not to give up on me.

Website: yecheilyahysrayl.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yecheilyah

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yecheilyahysrayl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yecheilyah

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yecheilyah.ysrayl

Other: TikTok: @yecheilyah Black History Book: https://www.blkhistorybook.com Poetry Contest: https://www.yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org

Image Credits
Yecheilyah Ysrayl Black Writers Weekend