Part 2 Interview With Joe Patterson, Author Of Melanin Memoirs

This is my second interview with Joe Patterson. His 4th anniversary writing on Vocal will be in March 2026. He has one achievement on Vocal, The Other Foot. He has over 17,000 reads on Vocal since he started on Vocal in 2022. Joe Patterson is very creative poet and rapper. Joe is deep thinker and I feel it is reflected in his latest published book, Melanin Moirs.

Mariann: What inspired you to publish your first book?

Joe: I was going through a bad time struggling with my mental health because of having been in a car wreck and my aunt dying this time last year. Writing is what kept me alive and as an African American male, I feel like mental health in the the black community has never properly been addressed. So, I wanted to write a book of poetry addressing mental health issues in our community that lead to poor mental health experiences.

Mariann: What is the title of your new book? How did you come up with the title?

Joe: Melanin Memoirs: A poetic story of mental health issues in the Black Community. I really just let the title rite itself. It’s a poetic series of confessions from the viewpoint of Melanite people, and I thought it was the perfect fit for a title.

Mariann: How long did it take you to put your book, Melanin Memoirs, together? Did you have any road blocks?

Joe: It took me nearly ten months to out this book together. The reason why is because I needed to make sure it was just right. I wouldn’t really say I had roadblocks other than just dealing with life and being too tired to write some nights.

Mariann: How many poetry are in this book?

Joe: 16, though one is repeated for emphasis.

Mariann: What is the title of the poetry that you repeated in the book and what did you want to emphasis?

Joe: “To my Brothers and Sisters” is the repeated poem and I specifically wanted it repeated because it’s a direct message, to my fellow black people to start taking action in regards to our mental health and just like how the issue of mental health are repetitive, I wanted this poem to be a reflection of that.

Mariann: What is your favorite poem in your book and why?

Joe: The repeated poem, "To My Brothers and Sisters", because I feel like it is the icing on the cake that we as Black people need to finally confront and resolve our issue with mental health.

Mariann: What advice would you give to someone going through a mental breakdown especially someone from a black community?

Joe: The advice I would give is to not be afraid to speak up and don't be afraid to seek help for yourself. I think it's also important to ground yourself in healthy activities to feed your mind in a healthy way.

Mariann: What inspired the cover the cover of your book?

Joe: I wanted something that simply displayed shallow pain that was being held underneath in a great degree.

Mariann: What does your writing space look like?

Joe: I actually don't have a writing space; I just pull out my phone and start writing wherever I am.

Fun Facts: Joe rap and write music. Hip Hop is the biggest influence over these poetries he wrote.

The rapper Scarface is Joe's biggest influence over the book subject matter about mental illness.

The songs "Pale Pale Moon" from the movie Sinner and" Spotlight" by Jennifer Hudson inspired his writing his book, Melanin Memoirs.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Melanin+Moirs+written+by+Joe+Patterson&crid=33BEO7I10UH6H&sprefix=melanin+moirs+written+b

I hope you support Joe in his 1st published book

Happy Black History Month!