The Story Behind the Book
The Story Behind the Book
The inspiration for Black Boy Joy began with a simple conversation between a mother and her son. One honest question led to a deeper understanding of mental health, healing, and the importance of listening without judgment. This book was created to help families start those conversations before it's too late.
Meet the young man behind the story
Meet the Young Man Behind the Story (Koi)
Koi James Young
Black Boy Joy is inspired by my son, Koi James Young. Like many young people, Koi faced challenges that weren't always visible to others. His journey through mental health struggles, healing, and self-discovery became the inspiration behind the Just Listen Project.
By sharing his story, we hope to encourage honest conversations, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind young people that they are never alone. Koi's courage to speak up inspired a movement dedicated to helping families listen, connect, and heal together.
A mission born from a family learning to listen
About the Just Listen Project
The Just Listen Project is a youth mental health initiative created by the Young & Striving Foundation. Inspired by a true story, this project was born from the personal journey of my son, Koi James Young, and our family's experience navigating conversations around mental health, healing, and support. What began as one honest conversation became a mission to help other families create safe spaces where young people feel heard, understood, and valued.
Meet the author
LaShay Smith-Young RN, BSN, MBA
Founder, Young & Striving Foundation
As a mother, advocate, and founder of the Young & Striving Foundation, LaShay Smith is dedicated to helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her passion for youth mental health advocacy was inspired by her son, Koi James Young, whose journey became the foundation for the Just Listen Project and Black Boy Joy.
Through storytelling, education, and community outreach, LaShay empowers parents and caregivers to create safe spaces where honest conversations can lead to healing, hope, and connection. She believes that every child deserves a voice and every parent has the power to make a difference through one simple act: listening.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply listen.”
A place to begin
Download the free Parent Guide
Start with practical language for recognizing what your teen may be carrying and listening in a way that builds trust.