An Interview With Edward Sylvan
I believe that in my book “The Korean,” people seeing a story about two cultures coming together despite a bumpy beginning can have an impact. Seeing my mixed-race family Black and Korean, and how well we get along and how deeply we love each other, is essential now. People have heard so many stories lately about how we disagree. This is one where we are in love.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Africa Byongchan Yoon.
Africa Yoon is an author, television host and celebrated activist known for working with young people on issues from education, poverty eradication, racism, at-risk youth, obesity, bullying, sexual health and sport. She was awarded the Golden Graal humanitarian prize in Rome for using film and television to educate about HIV/AIDS and named one of the Top 40 Youth Activists in the world by MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation in her late teens. She has spoken around the world including the United Nations and is recognized for ending her speeches in song and dance. A graduate of New York University / Tisch School of the Arts, Mrs. Yoon bridges culture, activism and entertainment in all her projects.
Born into a family of diplomats including an Olympian turned United Nations ambassador father, and activist mother, she is currently the CEO of Blackyoonicorn, a mommy and me cultural company that sells language and cultural toys for children, and affordable luxury global home goods for their mothers. With a passion for Korean food and health, she runs the popular “Korean Cooking Friends” Facebook Group and cooking app by the same name. Mrs. Yoon lives in Oahu, Hawaii with her husband and children and splits her time in Busan, South Korea.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or change your life? Can you share a story about that?
No. Great speakers most influenced me. As you will see in my book “The Korean,” I grew up with a United Nations Ambassador father, so great speakers influenced me most. That and dance I loved the Alvin Ailey dance company. Global foods also inspired me; I loved to smell, taste, and eat them. I first ate Kimchi which is central to my healing in “The Korean,” my book, at age 6.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
I had an assistant who spelled the name of someone I had a tremendous amount of respect for wrong. Both first and last names were wrong on a package; I didn’t check and, at that moment, I found out, I wanted to pass out. I realized no matter how busy I am, double-check. Details are huge.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
I believe that in my book “The Korean,” people seeing a story about two cultures coming together despite a bumpy beginning can have an impact. Seeing my mixed-race family Black and Korean, and how well we get along and how deeply we love each other, is essential now. People have heard so many stories lately about how we disagree. This is one where we are in love.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
I was 250 pounds at a bakery that was outside Korean Grocery store H Mart. The saleswoman at the bakery was giving me samples of delicious Korean cream bread. Suddenly, I heard someone say, you are too fat. You shouldn’t be eating that bread. When I realized it was an elder, I respected her despite her harsh words. I was taught as a child, to ask myself out of uncomfortable situations with questions. So, I asked her what I should eat? She said Korean food. She also agreed to help me grocery shop. After eating Kimchi regularly and a massive number of fruits and vegetables (which led me to a long period of raw veganism) and Korean sides called “banchan,” I lost 110lbs.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
I was going through a rough time postpartum and was drawing lessons with the Korean grandmother. I wasn’t well at all, and I decided that I would write my ending to my story literally and decided it would end well. “The Korean,” my debut book, is my happy ending, and I was part of making sure it went well. I am well.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Well… I genuinely don’t believe that I am the helper of people; I think I am used to serving the community a lot. So that isn’t really about saying who was impacted by me. That is a place of ego. I am very proud when God uses me or my life to serve others. With my book “The Korean” and my story, where I aim to have an impact is that someone in a tough spot, whether it is like mine or not, may think to embrace another culture. They might know this can lead to their transformation, knowing that doing so can affect the world.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I think that children should be taught to embrace other cultures much earlier in life. It should be part of early learning worldwide to know about different foods, languages, and cultures. This can lead to peace. If people only find out about each other in times of conflict, it is dangerous.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Nelson Mandela coming out of prison after 35 years and then deciding to include the people that oppressed him, imprisoned him, and cost him years of life in his presidency is the most significant example in the world. That is leadership, and we should all look to emulate. This theme can be found in “The Korean,” my book in my relationship with the grandmother. Had I chosen to hate her, this would be a different story. I learned that from my parents and President Mandela and his life.
What are your “ 5 things I wish someone told me when I first started and why”. Please share a story or example for each.
I don’t wish in any of those things because everything that happened to me led me here. I don’t have any advice for a younger me, and she is fine just like she was. I learned a lot from the girl I was. She was a wonderful girl, and she taught me almost everything I know now. I have no advice for that sweet girl. For others, trust the process and the timing of the way your life will unfold. Pay attention to every stage of your life, and it will unlock the beauty that is meant for you. In my book “The Korean,” you will find that all the things I wish happened better than I imagined.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Rumi -Raise your voice, not your words. It is rain that grows flowers not thunder.
In my book “The Korean,” my first reaction when I was called fat was hurt, and there are always two choices when we are hurt, choose the rain. Look beyond the ego and on the other side is your transformation.
Is there a person in the world or the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? They might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to have lunch with my mother. She is in Cameroon, and I haven’t seen her now in years with how the world turned. So, I cannot wait to do that.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
To purchase my book http://thekoreanbook.com or Instagram @africayoon
This was very meaningful; thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Thank you and also with you ☺
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Africa Yoon of Blackyoonicorn Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.