Jesse Byrd is an award-winning children's book author, editor, and publisher and the youngest African American NPR Foundation Board Member. He started his professional journey as a Silicon Valley techie before pivoting to pursue his true passion of creating stories for audiences young and old. Jesse's been fortunate to perform readings of his children’s books to over 55,000 kids and is currently in partnership with Airbnb Experiences to provide families and corporations with virtual storytime experiences during COVID. In this episode, Jo and Jesse talk about mission and community and the traditions that sparked Jesse's drive to make a difference.