At Morehouse College, the development of Black men is at the core of the institution’s mission. For senior education major DaQuan Brown, this mission has become personal and powerful. A proud member of Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Brown is not only excelling academically but also making a tangible impact through his creative endeavors. Hailing from Decatur, Georgia, Brown is the author of the new children’s book “Just Like You!: ABC Edition,” a project designed to empower and uplift Black boys to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Brown’s journey to becoming a published author was fueled by a desire to create something for his community—something that would bring inclusivity and representation to children's literature. His book, “Just Like You!: ABC Edition,” highlights Black boys in various occupations that correspond to the first letter of each word. Importantly, Brown steers away from the stereotypical portrayals of athletes and entertainers, choosing instead to feature doctors, engineers, and other professionals.
“That was intentional,” Brown explained. “I want Black boys to see different things they can do besides playing sports or being entertainers. Not a lot of people know they can be doctors or engineers, and I wanted to bring that faith that you can be whatever you want.”
As a child, Brown was captivated by storytelling, writing his own superhero stories and carrying that passion into his teenage years. His interest later evolved into screenwriting. This creativity seems to run in his family. His mother is a published poet, and his grandfather also authored a children’s book, marking Brown as the next in a line of storytellers.
However, it wasn’t until his Developmental Literacy class at Morehouse that the idea for “Just Like You!” began to take form. Tasked with creating a rough draft for a children’s book, Brown took the assignment to heart. He refined his draft and, with the help of a friend who did the illustrations, soon caught the attention of a publisher.
“I took it to the next level,” Brown said. “I wrote the children’s book and had a publisher that liked my book and suggested I work with them to get it published.”
Brown’s motivation for creating “Just Like You!: ABC Edition” wasn’t just about producing a book—it was about empowering the young Black boys he once was. Growing up on the Eastside of Atlanta, Brown drew inspiration from his community and felt a deep responsibility to give back.
“Anything I do in this world is catered to my community,” Brown said. “I want to have that presence and just be that leader, innovator, and essentially be the neighborhood hero one day.”
For Brown, this book is just the beginning. As he approaches graduation from Morehouse College, his mission to uplift and empower his community remains central to his goals. With a heart set on making a lasting impact, Brown continues to be a leader, innovator, and voice for inclusivity.
“Just Like You!: ABC Edition” is available now on Amazon, offering readers a glimpse into the world of possibilities for Black boys everywhere.
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Student Success