There are tons of great authors out there who have written excellent books that have been adapted for the big screen. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of diversity, which is a problem. That’s why we are happy to hear that RITA Award Winner Kennedy Ryan’s book Before I Let Go is set to be adapted by Peacock.
Before I Let Go is about Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a divorced couple co-parenting their two children while trying to overcome the pain they have caused each other over the years. Malcolm D. Lee is set to direct and executive produce the project via his Blackmaled Productions banner. Ryan will also serve as an executive producer. No official writer for the project has been announced at this time.
I am beyond excited to hear that Lee is attached to this project because he’s responsible for quite a few of my favorite films centered around the black experience, like The Best Man series, Roll Bounce, and Girls Trip. I don’t doubt that this project is not in good hands. While I haven’t read Before I Let Go yet, I have read many of Ryan’s books, and I could not be happier to finally get something based on one of her books. We previously told you that several of her books were to be adapted, and I have been waiting for this moment.
As I said, many books have been adapted for the big screen. Some by a few of my favorite authors, but the problem is that it’s the same crop of authors of the non-POC variety. There are some fantastic black authors whose books are not being adapted as frequently, and that’s a shame. I hope that Ryan’s book being adapted shines a light on other black authors who have written great stories. Diversity matters everywhere, and that includes deciding what authors to work with. If you stay with the same people all the time, you miss out on something that could end up being magical. Our stories deserve to be told just like anyone else, and I cannot wait.
