Tyler Merritt Knihy

This emotional and honest picture book explores a racist encounter from the perspective of a young Black boy, while offering a message of unconditional love and acceptance to soothe the pain of blind prejudice.

Tyler Merritt shares his personal journey as a 6'2" black man navigating a world rife with racism, emphasizing the transformative power of proximity and understanding. Drawing from his viral video "Before You Call the Cops," he recounts humorous and poignant stories from his life, including his multicultural upbringing and unexpected detours, such as leaving sports for musical theater. Through these narratives, he addresses themes of privilege, historical racism, and the importance of empathy, ultimately aiming to bridge societal divides and foster compassion.