Roy Kinsey Launches Rapbrary to Preserve Banned Books

Chicago-born artist Roy Kinsey is making a powerful statement against censorship with the launch of Rapbrary, a unique literary arts organization and sanctuary. Kinsey, who is also a librarian and cultural worker, is dedicated to preserving banned books and marginalized narratives, using hip-hop as a vital tool for liberation and storytelling.

What is Rapbrary?

Kinsey describes Rapbrary as a special library committed to fighting erasure and serving as a sanctuary for endangered stories. “It’s an archive that wants to keep these books not only safe, but accessible to the generations of us that need them presently and in the future,” he explained. More than just a library, Rapbrary also functions as a safe space for Black queer creatives seeking inspiration and a platform to find their voices.

As a proud queer Black man and child of the Great Migration, Kinsey’s work deeply explores themes of identity, legacy, and healing. He weaves his personal experiences into broader conversations about race, queerness, and community. Kinsey emphasized the importance of these narratives, stating, “I can’t imagine a world where those stories, black and queer, were inaccessible due to censorship.” He sees Rapbrary as a physical manifestation of the legacy passed down by his “literary ancestors.”

The Story Behind “Deangelo and the Dandelion”

Kinsey’s commitment to fighting erasure is also evident in his children’s book, “Deangelo and the Dandelion.” Stemming from a verse on his album “The Secret Life of Dandelions,” the story is deeply personal, reflecting his own childhood experiences. He shared how he used dandelions to express love, a gesture that symbolized queer love as his mother and stepmother began their relationship. Later, discovering the powerful properties of the dandelion herb resonated with him, symbolizing the story of many Black, Black queer, and LGBT individuals.

Self-Love and Fighting Erasure Through Music

His album, “Dandelions: Gods Don’t Cry,” further explores this theme of self-love and returning to oneself. Kinsey recounted being teased for his voice and dark skin growing up, but later finding power in his melanated skin and femininity. He learned to quiet external judgments, much like he stopped pulling dandelions when told they were weeds. The album is his way of fighting erasure by embracing his true self and collaborating with artists who inspire his vision.

• Roy Kinsey launches Rapbrary to combat book censorship.
• Rapbrary serves as a sanctuary for banned and marginalized books.
• Kinsey uses hip-hop as a tool for liberation and storytelling.
• His children’s book “Deangelo and the Dandelion” explores queer love and identity.
• The album “Dandelions: Gods Don’t Cry” focuses on self-love and fighting erasure.

Roy Kinsey’s multifaceted approach, blending his roles as a rapper, librarian, and activist, creates a powerful platform for preserving vital narratives and challenging literary censorship. Rapbrary stands as a beacon for those seeking to protect and celebrate stories that might otherwise be silenced.