Lindo Jones, a resident of Germantown, has turned his struggle with social anxiety into a powerful career as a spoken word artist and now author.
Growing up, Jones frequently rehearsed conversations in his mind to ease his anxiety before heading to school.
While initially a coping mechanism to combat his fears, this practice unexpectedly paved the way for his artistic expression.
“I was always trying to look for the most impactful expressions or ways to say something that led to the best impression of myself, because I felt like a lot of times in high school I was embarrassing myself,” Jones explained.
As his poetic skills blossomed, peers began to notice the lyrical quality of his words, leading to encouraging feedback that steered him toward the poetry scene.
It wasn’t long before he transformed from Lindo Jones into LindoYes, establishing himself as a spoken word artist.
This past month, he celebrated another milestone with the release of his debut graphic novel, “PawnShop,” a work that expands on his poetic themes around mental health and Black identity.
“PawnShop” envisions a reimagined Philadelphia where universal healthcare exists and emotional well-being is managed by fantastical entities known as Emojis and Cupids.
In this world, Emojis assess happiness levels while Cupids handle romantic connections and the complications of love.
Through this imaginative lens, Jones seeks to prompt readers to consider the possibilities of a better society.
“One of the things I have often come across in being part of a writer community is that when you want to say facts, you write fiction,” said Jones.
He believes that by framing serious issues, like universal healthcare, within a fictional narrative, readers can envision solutions and be inspired to act.
“PawnShop” falls under the Afrofuturist genre, intertwining science fiction with vital aspects of Black culture.
For Jones, setting the story in Philadelphia—a city with a rich Black heritage—felt entirely authentic.
“I wrote the book without the idea of the white gaze,” he remarked, emphasizing that his work reflects the reality of Black experiences.
The creation of “PawnShop” also involved collaboration with two local artists from Philadelphia: Jovan McKoy, who brought the illustrations to life, and Jaz Malone, who added vibrant colors to the imagery.
McKoy, a fellow poet who first met Jones at an open mic, expressed enthusiasm about working as an illustrator.
He appreciated how Jones fostered a creative space where both he and Malone could fully invest emotionally in the project.
“The themes of community, social justice, and personal stories resonated deeply with me,” McKoy shared, highlighting the heartfelt connection they aimed to deliver in the graphic novel.
Beyond its imaginative narrative, “PawnShop” serves as a love letter to Philadelphia itself.
The story’s first chapter unfolds in Germantown’s Vernon Park, a location close to Jones’ heart.
With deliberate choices in the story’s settings, the narrative moves away from famous tourist attractions to highlight the everyday landscape of the city—row homes and corner stores that are often overlooked.
“I love this city with my whole heart,” Jones expressed.
He noted that even during his toughest times, Philadelphia provided support and inspiration.
The narrative features familiar locales like the intersection of Broad and Olney Streets and areas in West Philadelphia, showcasing how integral the city is to the story.
While there are only a handful of major characters, Jones considers Philadelphia the sixth character in the narrative.
“I wanted to showcase the city, not just the landmarks that we know of,” he stated, underscoring his dedication to portraying the real Philadelphia.
In celebration of “PawnShop,” Jones is hosting a release party in his neighborhood at the Braid Mill coworking space on August 16 at 2 p.m.
The event promises a lively atmosphere with a DJ, dancing, and discussions about the book.
Jones hopes the gathering will not only celebrate his work but also inspire meaningful conversations among attendees.
“For me, it’s not just important to have these ideas, but I want to be able to organize around these ideas,” he concluded, demonstrating his commitment to activism and community engagement.
image source from：chestnuthilllocal
