Alumni Spotlight | Danian Jerry, MFA ’15
I spent hours playing in the backyard as a kid, letting my imagination run wild — building new worlds and creating adventures for my heroes. My He-Man and Transformers toys were the first main characters in my stories.
I also vividly remember my Uncle Carl’s massive collection of comics in the shed behind my granddad’s house. I’d pore over those comics — each story sparking my fascination with mythology and fantasy.
As a teenager, I fell even deeper in love with storytelling through hip-hop.
I was captivated by the lyrical prowess of artists like KRS-One, Public Enemy, Eric B. and Rakim and MC Lyte.
Their words were poetry set to a beat. They didn’t just entertain — they inspired their listeners to read books and write poetry themselves.
The rhythm, the storytelling and the raw emotion resonated deeply with me and helped shape my writing style.
Comics, music and powerful characters still inspire my writing today. And they always remind me where my journey began.
A Dream Come True
As a student at the University of Memphis, I dreamed of becoming a published professional writer.
I wanted to be taken seriously in the craft and worked incredibly hard to make that dream a reality. When the days get long, I always remind myself — I didn’t just ask to be a writer.
I prayed for it. I dreamed about it. And now, I’m living that dream.
“As a student at the University of Memphis, I dreamed of becoming a published professonal writer.”
It started when I realized that to be a writer, you need to really learn how to write. For that, I’m thankful to the University of Memphis’ creative writing department, which helped me find and refine my voice.
I was inspired to attend the University after watching my sister graduate. The excitement and fervor in the atmosphere moved me.
I also had a strong support system — primarily women — who were attending school and earning degrees. They knew I was an avid reader and encouraged me to turn that love of storytelling into a future.
No doubt, my time as a Tiger was invaluable.
The professors and fellow students there taught me lessons I still carry into my writing today. If this article were a book, I’d dedicate a special page to Cary Holladay, Courtney Miller Santo, and Dr. Kas Saghafi in the Philosophy Department.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the power of character development — how to create characters whose hearts, thoughts and emotions burst alive on the page. That lesson came into focus during my time in the Master of Fine Arts program, and I continue to strive for it in every story I write.
And recently, I was honored to receive the Anna Julia Cooper & C.L.R. James Award for Outstanding Scholarly Publication in Africana Studies, presented by the National Council for Black Studies at their 49th Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
It was a full-circle moment — recognition not just for the writing, but for the purpose and passion behind it.
As a writer, I’ve always believed in the power of words to inspire and uplift.
That’s why I started an organization called Neighborhood Heroes. We use comic books and fantasy to teach literacy to young people. It’s all about passing on the same passion and excitement I felt for reading to the next generation. We give out comic books, school supplies, masks and superhero costumes — everything kids need to create their own stories and embrace the magic of reading.
For me, giving back to the community is essential because everything is connected.
The people, the stories, the world we live in — it’s all intertwined.
I’ve received so much support from my community, especially growing up in Castalia Heights in Memphis. They’ve embraced my stories, purchased my books and shown me endless love.
How could I not return that same support?
My Stories
One of my proudest writing accomplishments is a story called “Blood in Cold Water.”
It’s being published in an anthology called “The Map of Lost Places.” The story pulls from some of my favorite childhood memories — especially family reunions in Mississippi — and blends them into a horror tale that honors those moments in my life. The setting, the characters, the love — it all comes together to create a piece I’m incredibly proud of.
I’ve loved Stephen King’s work for years, so writing a horror-focused story of my own feels especially meaningful.
I’m also proud that my writing appears in a story in the Marvel anthology, “Captain America: The Shield of Sam Wilson” and another story I wrote appears in “Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda.”
Currently, I’m working on my novel, “Boy with the Golden Arm.” It’s about a young boy who runs away from home to become a rapper. The story is set in a not-so-distant, futuristic version of Memphis, where rap and art mean life or death. It’s a testament to the power of hip-hop and its influence on my writing. I’m excited to share this novel with the world and showcase how music and storytelling intersect in powerful ways.
Make the World a Better Place
I’m a proud alumnus of the University of Memphis, and I owe so much of my success to the education and support I received there.
The University of Memphis was the springboard that launched me into the world of professional writing, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities and experiences it gave me.
I also want to give a shoutout to the Memphis art scene, which has been a constant source of inspiration and support.
Together, let’s keep using our art — and our love — to make this world a better place.
