Planet Word welcomes #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds for an empowering conversation with Kier Gaines, bestselling author, licensed therapist, mental health advocate, and author of It All Starts When You Do. A trusted advisor on mental health initiatives, Kier was invited by Vice President Kamala Harris to consult on White House mental health policies, while captivating millions with his insights on well-being, relationships, and fatherhood. From his public speaking engagements to his widely celebrated podcast, Learned the Hard Way, Kier has sparked a movement that challenges societal norms, reshapes conversations around mental health, and empowers individuals to take actionable steps toward emotional wellness. The Between the Lines series seeks to create a platform where local Black authors and wordsmiths explore the power of language to drive social change. In their conversations, Jason and his guests will tap into everything from Hip-Hop culture to storytelling, examining the words and ideas that shape our lives. 4:00 p.m. — Conversation and Q&A (Friedman Family Auditorium) 5:00 p.m. — Reception and Meet & Greet with light bites (Mansard Room)
View Tickets & More Info