ODE TO KEISHA is an autobiographical comic that explores themes of friendship, racism, and identity.
Jamila recounts her Kindergarten friendship with Keisha and why this bond was fundamental in shaping her concept of sisterhood.
Trinidad’s beautiful black-and-white illustrations tenderly convey how racism and shared culture impacted the budding friendship between these two 5-year-old Black girls living in the Netherlands.
Written by Jamila Rowser
Illustrated by Trinidad Escobar
Script edited by Marly Pierre-Louis
18-page PDF
Ode to Keisha was originally created and published by Versal for their VERSO/ subscription box.
Accolades
Award for Best Writer | Broken Frontier Awards 2021
Nominated for Outstanding Comic | Igantz Awards 2022
The Very Best Comics of 2021 | The Nerdist
Press & Reviews
Ode to Keisha Review | Buy Why Tho?
Interview: Jamila Rowser’s “Ode to Keisha” | Women Write About Comics
ODE TO KEISHA is an autobiographical comic that explores themes of friendship, racism, and identity.
Jamila recounts her Kindergarten friendship with Keisha and why this bond was fundamental in shaping her concept of sisterhood.
Trinidad’s beautiful black-and-white illustrations tenderly convey how racism and shared culture impacted the budding friendship between these two 5-year-old Black girls living in the Netherlands.
Written by Jamila Rowser
Illustrated by Trinidad Escobar
Script edited by Marly Pierre-Louis
18-page PDF
Ode to Keisha was originally created and published by Versal for their VERSO/ subscription box.
Accolades
Award for Best Writer | Broken Frontier Awards 2021
Nominated for Outstanding Comic | Igantz Awards 2022
The Very Best Comics of 2021 | The Nerdist
Press & Reviews
Ode to Keisha Review | Buy Why Tho?
Interview: Jamila Rowser’s “Ode to Keisha” | Women Write About Comics