Meet Forrest Evans | Licensed Librarian and Activist

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

Hi Forrest, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
To contribute to other great representations of Black Queer and Black Librarians. Librarians are superheroes and titans– libraries are the first place I explored my independence, the world and interests I’m so passionate about. Through reading, that time is also “me” time and safe space– where I can make mistakes, better choices and explore what I don’t know. I want others that have a similar experience, so I enjoy growing “Favorite Librarian” by sharing Black and People of Color Literature.

I’m also a published poet– so, that expression of myself allows me to show parts of myself that Favorite Librarian doesn’t afford. Thus, why I love sharing other parts of myself with my poetry and also on my podcast. Favorite Librarian, the Podcast is where I can also share space and conversations with loved ones and friends. So, that environment summons joy, love and harmony. Something I seek in the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My road to being a licensed librarian has been rocky. I knew from my undergraduate career I wanted to be a librarian; yet, some of my friends counted the profession out, or discouraged me from “wasting my student aid or time.” But I knew what I could do with my knowledge, degree, and experience– want to still pursue my dreams.

Believing in myself has made all the difference. People ask me all the time “What is a librarian doing working for television” or my favorite line… “How did you get to work for television as librarian?”

From working in Columbus, Macon and Fort Valley, to Douglas, Blackshear, and multiple areas of metropolitan Atlanta and the city of Atlanta. As a graduate student, I was used to hearing “no.” “No” from recruiters, job applications I prayed over, to opportunities I just knew I would get– but didn’t.

So, I made sure my professional background was so specific and refined that whatever I applied to or for would have to take me because I am a new standard of professionalism they possibly have never seen, and want.

I solely have worked at HBCUs, Special Research Libraries, and for Warner Brothers Discovery. So, my background reflects my passion and investment into myself. So, it’s undeniable how invested I am into great storytelling, People of Color and Queer history, and narratives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m the best person to ask this question. Let’s start with a whole day tour of Atlanta’s best gems.

We’d start with breakfast at Kenley’s, in downtown Atlanta. It’s a Black-owned business that serves the best Breakfast in the Historic Sweet Auburn District. From there, swing by Piedmont Park to burn a few calories before possibly going down the Atlanta Beltline before lunch.

Then, head to Little Five Points for Bear and Honey’s candle making class– another Black-owned business that solely provides candles made with 100% soy wax, coconut and soy blend, or beeswax, from fragrances infused with essential oils, and more.

After touring Little Five Points, head up to Buford Highway to Hae Woon Dae BBQ. I’ve gone there for years… before I moved to Atlanta and can’t rave enough about this Korean-owned restaurant. After that, head to Blake’s and My Sister’s Room to pre-game and meet up with other friends from the tribe, before ending the night at Ansley Square.

Ansley Square has Atlanta Eagle, Felix’s Atlanta, The Mixx, and Oscar’s. The place to end the night. Now, if it’s a Friday– we’d end the night at Friend’s. If you know, you know.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Fort Valley State University and all of the staff at the Henry A. Hunt Memorial Library– and the English department of FVSU.

If it had not been for that HBCU and the people there– I would not be a librarian today, nor the passionate person you enjoy.

The joy, community, love, and camaraderie at historical Black colleges and universities is unmatched. Yet, they serve the most overlooked and underserved community of scholars– Black talent. My HBCU guided, encouraged and prepared me for wholeheartedly anything. From the programming, professor, the Cafe, and guest speakers, and student organizations– every inch and aspect of my HBCU is simply wonderful. Like my HBCU’s motto– Be Bold. Be Amazing. Be Prepared.

I believe that my HBCU has prepared me for life, my professional career, and how to navigate my own struggles. Specifically Wilmetta Jackson, Archivist and FVSU Historian– she singlehandedly crafted my understanding of librarianship and archival importance. I spent countless hours and weeks by her side preserving and working with the history of Fort Valley, Georgia and Fort Valley State University. With that experience, I’ve been fueled since my undergraduate career to preserve and circulate history, provide a balance circulation of resources, and to empower anyone to make informed decisions.

Website: www.favoritelibrarian.com

Instagram: @FavoriteLibrarian

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrest-evans-964005125/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/msforrestnogump

Image Credits
All photos are provided by Techwood Studios and Sports EXPECT the photo of Forrest wearing pink, in front of a Pride flag– that photo is from the Atlanta Pride Committee 2024.