By Madilyn Cataloni, Contributing Writer
On Monday, Oct. 15, the Black Student Union, Brown Nipple Collective and S.U.I.T.S. Collective co-hosted speaker Jocelyn Jackson Malloy to share her journey as an entrepreneur and an author in a discussion of her newly released book, “Hood Prophets: Stories from Babylon: A Street Gospel of Poetry, Prophecy, and Survival.”
Malloy first discussed how her first book, “Many Faces: From Struggles to Strength,” showcases the journey she went on to find faith and heal from childhood trauma. She then described how faith, resilience and legacy led her to where she is today.
Malloy spoke about her background, with her parents splitting up due to her father’s mental health. Malloy’s father developed schizophrenia after working as both a marine and a boxer. Malloy then shared how she became pregnant at 16 and how the father of the baby suddenly died. Despite these challenges, Malloy described how she worked to become successful and start her numerous entrepreneurial ventures. Some of her accomplishments include becoming a self-taught nail tech, her work as a financial advisor and her published books.
Malloy explained that as a single teenage mother without anyone to call for help, she was praying for a maternal figure. She said that while her prayers didn’t exactly come true, a mentor was sent into her life and helped keep her connected to a church.
When describing the role of faith, Malloy stated, “Faith was my compass when the world tried to scatter my direction…whenever lost or overwhelmed, faith was what brought me back to my path.”
Malloy went on to share how resilience through her struggles is what has gotten her to where she is today. Despite being temporarily homeless, raising a child by herself, and losing those she loves, her determination is what keeps her going and progressing towards the future.
Another significant principle Malloy credits to her journey is legacy. She emphasized how her presentation was a part of her legacy by which she hoped to inspire those in the audience.
“We all have some kind of legacy and something we need to accomplish,” she said.
After discussing her journey through life, Malloy then went on to explain the characters and themes behind her new book.
There are four main characters in the book who represent different famous figures.
Painter Jean-Michel Basquiat is represented by the character Zaya. Malloy used inspiration from Basquiat to characterize Zaya as a young teenage girl who prophesies through the murals she creates.
Kendrick Lamar is represented by Kairo, a boy who uses rhyme to awaken prophecy in the hood. Kairo’s rhymes were intended to carry the message that voices can be powerful tools for change. Further, Malloy uses Kairo’s character to stress how everyone has something unique to add to help shape the greater good.
Malloy signs copies of her book for students. (Photo: Madilyn Cataloni/ The Gettysburgian)
Lauryn Hill and J. Cole are also represented by other characters in the book. Hill’s character is used to convey someone who gives a voice to those who have been marginalized and someone who can tell stories that otherwise might have gone unheard. Cole’s character is used to challenge the readers to find contentment and purpose in their lives, just as they are.
At the end of the event, Malloy handed out books to all the attendees and which she individually signed as she met all of the students who listened.
President of the Black Student Union, Denae Bowen ’26, attended the presentation and shared the message she took away from it.
“Learn from it (trauma) and grow. Learn from it and be able to teach someone else how to go through it,” Brown said. “It’s always inspirational to hear a black woman’s story, like the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur and being a black woman in this world in general.”
