Nyasha

Williams

Social Justice Griot

Children’s Author & Deck Author

Travels from: Denver, CO

“Accompanied by simple yet expressive illustrations, this is a loving and much-needed story that encourages kids to make a difference… Empowerment to children to be the change they wish to see in the world.” ― Kirkus Reviews

Nyasha Williams is a visionary, storyteller, and ritualist devoted to helping people see beyond what currently exists.

Her medicine moves through three portals: water, dreaming, and creativity. She believes the universe is multiple choice, and that imagination is one of the most powerful tools we have for calling in the world we actually want to live in. A world built on abundance instead of scarcity. A world with regenerative systems that support people, the Land, water, and all of nature. A world where everyone is housed, fed, connected to their food and their Ancestors, and free to create without barriers.

Nyasha is deeply rooted in Ancestral connection and veneration. Her Ancestors move through her daily, and she leans on them for guidance as she navigates this work. A huge part of her medicine is divination, supporting people in returning to their Golden Thread, who they were at their core before scarcity, before fear, before the world told them who they were and they began to carry that weight themselves.

She has a gift for helping people take the blinders off. For seeing what’s broken and what could be more just, more equitable, more aligned, often something off the beaten path that hadn’t been considered before. She believes our individual visions of abundance, of justice, of what’s possible, expand each other when we share them. Her version may look different from yours, which may look different from your neighbor’s, and in sharing those versions with each other, something new gets to be built.

Nyasha is the author of fifteen published works, including eleven children’s books (one self-published, ten traditionally published) and four divination tools: a tarot deck, an oracle deck, and two spiritual journals. She is a three-time Nautilus Book Award winner. Once Upon a Kwanzaa received the 2026 Gold Award, Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story received the 2025 Silver Award, and Keep Dreaming, Black Child received the 2024 Silver Award.

Her current work centers on The Dreaming Table, a gathering practice built on her three portals, water, dreaming, and creativity, where participants come home to their Golden Thread and practice imagining what’s possible together. Each gathering is divined in conversation with her Ancestors, and participants leave with a custom collage and a personalized sound healing track created specifically for them.

The Dreaming Table is the living foundation for Fire + Honey, a creative sanctuary Nyasha is building as a permanent home for artists and communities to create, rest, and reconnect with Ancestral wisdom, free from financial and systemic barriers. A space for collaboration, for collective dreaming, and for the kind of recovery and remembering that creativity makes possible.

Nyasha is available for author visits, speaking engagements, and Dreaming Table facilitation work with spaces and communities ready for this practice.

Nyasha's Featured Titles

Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story

Running Press Kids |

June 11, 2024

Children’s

An ode to the family, friendship, and the beautiful tradition of Hoodoo practice, this book celebrates the magic and symbolism to be found in every day, written by bestselling author Nyasha Williams.

Dayo practices Hoodoo with her family. One Saturday, she wakes from an interesting dream about a yellow bird. What could it mean? She knows that it’s up to her to figure it out. Over the course of the day, as Dayo and her family move through their daily rituals (mantras and affirmations included), the message sent from her Ancestors through her dream reveals itself. This celebration of spirituality (and heritage) highlights the rich history of Hoodoo and the beauty we can find in everyday magic.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Friendship & Community, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Keep Dreaming, Black Child

Running Press Kids |

December 5, 2023

Children’s

An inspirational picture book for BIPOC children about the power of big dreams—for their future selves, their communities, and the larger world.

Nyasha Williams’s latest picture book is a moving and powerful invitation to BIPOC children to fully explore their dreams for the future. Dreams provide purpose and meaning—they are ideas born of love. They take time to sprout and can sometimes be clouded by the doubts of others, BUT with patience and discipline, we can rely on our visions for a better world by following our dreams. Interspersed with explanations of what dreams are and why they are important, are affirmations that offer precise ideas for ways our dreams can effect change. Encouraging readers to reach for the stars and embrace others for what they are or wish to be, Keep Dreaming, Black Child reminds children of the power of hope.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Elemental Alchemist Oracle Deck and Guidebook

Andrews McMeel Publishing |

September 19, 2023

Meditation

The Universe is speaking. Are you listening? Do you know how to?

This deck will teach you how to not only hear the universe, but to connect with it, and to recognize the voices of your ancestors as they guide you to new levels of clarity, insight, and evolution. Get the most out of this experience by using this journal in tandem with the Elemental Alchemist Guide Journal.

Sisters Nyasha Williams and Grace Banda—with vibrant illustrations by Kimishka Naidoo—present Elemental Alchemist Oracle Deck and Guidebook, a beautifully informative and grounded guide to divination by way of decolonization of the mind and spirit. As a young woman who grew up in both South Africa and the U.S., it didn’t take Nyasha long to realize that if she wanted to tap into and celebrate the traditional spiritual practices of her ancestors, she would need to first break down the oppressive walls within her own mind placed there by centuries of colonization, and help others in her community to do the same. With this beautifully designed 40-card deck and guidebook, she and her sister are doing just that.

If you are ready to slow down, tune in, and get grounded, this intentional collection is for you.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Inspiration & Spirituality

The South African Alphabet of Affirmations

Penguin Random House South Africa |

June 27, 2023

Children’s

A book of affirmations that highlights each of South Africa’s eleven official languages: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

I Am Somebody

Running Press Kids |

June 27, 2023

Children’s

An empowering picture book about the importance of stepping up (and speaking up) to address injustice and effect change within our daily lives, from the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.

I Am Somebody takes the reader on a journey over the course of a day, as our main character notices various forms of neglect and injustice—from trash on the sidewalk and students butting in line waiting for the bus, to not sharing on the playground and bullying about food. In each instance, the young child remarks that SOMEBODY should do something to remedy the situation(s) until, eventually, they realize that they are the person that can effect change. This powerful story reminds us that every living thing is unique and should be treated with kindness and respect and that we are ALL “somebody.”

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Environmental Concerns, Friendship & Community, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Black Tarot: An Ancestral Awakening Deck and Guidebook

RP Studio |

December 6, 2022

Spiritual Guide

Awaken ancestral ties and connect to the divine with Black Tarot, a deluxe tarot deck and guidebook set from author Nyasha Williams, featuring and celebrating exclusively Black figures and imagery.

Let your guiding spirits and ancestral figures come through with this stunningly illustrated tarot deck and guidebook. Black Tarot is the tarot deck you’ve been missing, complete with 78 tarot cards featuring all Black representations of classic tarot figures and iconography (The Sun, The Moon, Judgement, etc.). An accompanying illustrated guidebook with information on each card including traits, descriptions, action steps, flower, element, chakra, affirmations, and more. Throughout, find lessons on how the moon’s cycle and the element of water influence your life, your readings, and your connections with the divine.

DELUXE SET: This set includes 78 full-color illustrated tarot cards (3 X 5 inches), shrink wrapped in an interior travel case; a 144-page, full-color illustrated flexibind book (4 3/4 X 6 inches); and a keepsake magnetic closure box with a flocked tray and metallic highlights on the box and cards.
FULLY ILLUSTRATED TAROT GUIDEBOOK: A 144-page full-color guidebook explaining how to best use the cards is included.
ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS: Each card features stunning art created exclusively for this tarot deck and guidebook.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Inspiration & Spirituality

Ally Baby Can: Be Feminist (Ally Baby Can, 1)

HarperCollins |

June 21, 2022

Children’s

Ally Baby Can books introduce allyship to tiny change-makers! Perfect for shared reading with an adult.

Ally Baby Can: Be Feminist models how young kids can stand up for women and nonbinary people in the fight against sexism and gender inequality.

Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for allyship, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you.

It is never too early to learn about ways to change our world.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Gender & Sexuality, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids

Running Press Kids |

May 4, 2021

Children’s

Learn the power of language and love with this empowering alphabet book of affirmations to inspire and remind Black children of their inner power, strength, and worth.

From A is for Afro, to J is for Justice, to R is for Rally, this alphabet book offers affirmations featuring Black children and role models to help children nurture and embrace their authentic selves and to enjoy the magic of childhood.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Friendship & Community, Inspiration & Spirituality, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

The Seven Sips: A Kwanzaa-Inspired Tasting Experience (Family-Friendly)

Best for: Festivals, libraries, museums, schools, markets
Bring Kwanzaa to the senses with a vibrant, interactive experience where families can enjoy a rotating tasting of seven drinks or desserts—each one inspired by one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Each tasting station includes:

A themed flavor or recipe linked to a principle
A short reflection or activity card
An optional read-aloud moment from Once Upon a Kwanzaa

The Seven Plates: A Kwanzaa Dinner Storytelling Experience (Family or Adult Versions Available)

Best for: Special events, fundraisers, cultural programming, schools
Host a soul-nourishing, multi-course meal where each course is thoughtfully curated to reflect one of the seven Kwanzaa principles. Between each course, Nyasha Williams introduces the principle through stories, history, community reflection, and excerpts from Once Upon a Kwanzaa.
Dinner includes:

A guided meal experience with intentional pacing
Optional musical, divination, or interactive elements tied to each principle
Connection cards at each table to spark discussion and reflection
Opportunity for Q&A, book signing

Add-on Option: Partner with local chefs or youth culinary programs to spotlight community collaboration.

Optional Add-Ons for Either Event:

On-site or pre-ordered book sales with signed copies
Printable family guide or take-home recipe cards
Integration of local artists, drummers, or dancers

Saturday Magic: Hoodoo, Healing & Heritage Through Food

Best For: Libraries, schools, festivals, museums, wellness centers, culinary based programs
Rooted in Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story, this vibrant, hands-on event invites participants to engage with the sacred everyday magic of Hoodoo culture through food, storytelling, and intentionality. Centering on Grandma Rose’s Watermelon and Orange Salad, this program offers a heartwarming, sensory way to explore Ancestral knowledge and family rituals.

Read-Aloud of Saturday Magic with reflections on Hoodoo, Ancestry, and tradition
Story Circle: Participants are invited to share memories or dreams about family, food, or ritual
Salad-Making Activity: Guided by Nyasha, participants prepare a simple, refreshing Watermelon & Orange Salad inspired by Grandma Rose
Gratitude & Intention Setting Ritual: Honoring the sacredness of food, we close with a short affirmation or blessing

Add-On Options:

Recipe card of Grandma Rose’s Watermelon & Orange Salad for participants
Create-your-own Kitchen Magic zine or journal
Signing station with Saturday Magic
Collaboration with local wellness, food, or cultural organizations

Showing up! Allyship as a Creative: Social Justice on the Page

Dive into the intersection of allyship, social justice, and creativity as a creative- writing and illustrating. Explore how to authentically incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into your storytelling while engaging young readers. This session welcomes creators at all levels passionate about using their craft as a platform for positive change. Discover strategies for crafting impactful narratives that resonate with audiences and empower own voices.

Breaking the Rules on Picture Books: New Approaches to an Old Form

Explore innovative techniques and unconventional storytelling methods with Nyasha Williams toward getting noticed by agents and publishers. This breakout session challenges the taught conventional norms and encourages participants to push boundaries creatively. Suitable for writers and illustrators seeking fresh perspectives on getting your work out into the world.

Author Talks: Seasons of Black Tarot

Join us in celebrating the current (season) by celebrating a written and illustrated Tarot deck centered around ancestral connection. During this sacred gathering we will connect with the creators and welcome (season) using the deck. Nyasha Williams, a passionate social justice griot, grew up living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. Nyasha’s mission is to use words and stories to decolonize literature, minds, and spiritual practices.

Co-Authoring a Book

Co-Author of four, two published and two in progress books, join Nyasha Williams describe her journey of co-creating various projects with thirteen different authors she has co-written with in total.

“Nyasha met with my class virtually to discuss her experience being an author while she was creating this book. My students were incredibly moved by this experience and many claimed they wanted to be an author someday. Inspired by this story, we created an ABC book all about our school and classroom community. I Affirm Me has been a classroom staple ever since then.” ― Hailey Muncy

“I AFFIRM ME is an alphabet book full of affirmations to help inspire and empower Black kids as they embrace their identity. This book is well-written and has many examples to help discuss social justice.” ― Brad Kuljinder

“We are always looking for books that will educate, inspire,and affirm our identity. I Affirm Me did just that. It is a book that the whole family loves and one you will go back to over and over. I wish when I was younger books like this were available but I am happy they were written in the years my daughter is young and can benefit from. You will not regret buying and reading this book.” ― Gabrielle Bridges

“A BEAUTIFUL and inspiring walk through the alphabet. The image are gorgeous and the words are inspiring. A favorite in our little library.” ― Whitney R.

“My students really loved this book – from the beautiful mermaid to the richly-illustrated sea life. The Earth-friendly message was clear and easy for my kindergarten kids to understand the importance of the ocean to humans and sea creatures. The ocean facts at the end were great conversation starters, and my students loved coming up with ways they could do their part to save the ocean! A gorgeous book that should be in every classroom!” ― Sophie Rose

“Thank you for writing! Love the book and cards! Great to have things for us by us!” ― Diamondd Cohen

“There were so many amazing aspects to the book, I honestly don’t know where to begin. The author gave us 26 different ways to let us know that we are loved, important and matter! The illustrations were so bright and inviting, and paired beautifully with the text. I really want to give a huge thanks to the author for creating a book like this!” ― Kayla Spears

“When I first read this book to my son, he was in love with the colorful illustrations! But as he’s gotten older, it’s been great to engage in conversations with him about all of the important topics included.” ― Misty Castaneda

“Nyasha Williams is not just a talented author, but a visionary that is impacting the world, and that of children’s literature, in such a positive way. We can’t wait to continue purchasing her books and learning from her in new and exciting ways.”

“Before I was introduced to Black Tarot, I had a limited understanding of its impact and importance in multiple cultures. Nyasha did a fantastic job of making tarot accessible to all, while teaching an important lesson about the history of tarot and how it connects to your past and current life. The written is are amazing and elevated even more by the artwork.” ― Andi Rosenblatt

“We are so glad to know that this beautiful book exists! Now, more than ever, we need accessible and representative books for children that advocate for the protection of our earth and oceans. Ms. Williams’ story is fun and engaging, while also providing excellent information. The story uses kid-friendly, rhyming language and encourages kids to take specific steps towards being part of the solution. The pictures are gorgeous, full of all kinds of sea dwellers in vibrant colors. We highly recommend this book for families who want to learn more about pollution and how to help clean up our oceans!” ― The Antiracist Little Library

“Have you ever noticed how some ABC books seem a bit forced and strangely worded? This is not that! Ms. Williams has written a lovely book with language that flows through 26 unique affirmations – one for each letter of the alphabet! The pictures are beautiful and complement the text perfectly. This book covers topics from HBCUs and taking a knee to take a stand, to practicing mindfulness and protecting our earth from pollution and climate change. This book centers Black joy and celebration, empowering Black and Brown children who read it to love and embrace themselves. I Affirm Me clearly sends the message imprinted on its back flap – “You are strong. You are powerful. You are beautiful. You are worthy.” A must have for your child’s library!” ― The Antiracist Little Library

“This beautifully illustrated book is a different, enjoyable experience for kids (and adults) of all ages! Younger children will love the brightly colored, inclusive pictures and rhyming language while older kids will enjoy learning new terms and how to use them to empower and support others. In the appendix, Ms. Williams has included a helpful glossary called Ally Baby’s First Words, as well as a great reading list for parents wanting to find more books that uplift women and girls. Following the story, there is a reminder of the specific steps Ally Baby took to support gender equality like asking for a hug and waiting on consent to give it; played with toys Ally Baby liked, regardless of the type; and supporting girls for expressing true emotions.” ― The Antiracist Little Library

“I loved, loved the great ideas Ms. Williams shares with kids in this book and the pictures are so brightly colored and adorable! In this story, Ally Baby learns how to advocate and care for our earth – a lesson we all need! Because of the helpful glossary in the back and definitions shared in the body of the book, this is one you can read with kids of any age – from babies on up! Ms. Williams also provides a fantastic reading list for parents who want to find more books to teach their kids about how to care for the earth. Following the story, there is a reminder of the specific steps Ally Baby took to care for the earth, including: learning about some of the problems we’re facing, becoming more connected to her food, picking up trash, voting for sustainable policies, and enjoying nature!” ― The Antiracist Little Library

“I am beyond thankful to my sprit team for guiding me to this deck. I was lucky enough to stumble into a bookstore and grab this deck the week it came out. When I saw it on the bookshelf I knew right away this deck needed to be in my collection. The moment it picked up the box and saw the description of the deck I felt inner joy and joy from my ancestors. This deck has brought me closer to my ancestors, higher self, and community. As a spiritualist and reader this is my go to deck, when I am ready to hear the truth and receive a powerful message. I am obsessed with the illustrations, imagery, prints, and colors used in the deck. From the print on the back of the cards to the contemporary Black essences of the characters in the cards. The way the author interpreted the RWS deck took my breath away and blew my mind. It is clear that there was so much intention, respect, and honor put into this deck and each card. Can we talk about the guidebook. The guidebook alone is worth the price of the deck. I love love love the way the creator told the story of each card in the deck. The major arcana included journaling questions, related flower, element, chakra, yin vs yang meanings, ways to align and my favorite an affirmation. I have never seen this done before and I am so appreciative of the thoughtfulness as it help me embody the essence of that card. The minor arcana. I can’t say enough good things about this deck. Many of the readings I have done with this deck has provided me with the most profound impactful messages I needed to hear. My ancestors, guides, higher self, and I thank you and your team for creating such a powerful much needed deck. A deck that represents the essence of our Blackness in such a beautiful light. I look forward to grabbing the accompanying Oracle deck when it comes up.” ― Christine Ghill

“I wanted to reach out regarding this deck and guidebook. As I walked through Books a Million with my girls, I always make it a point to visit the spiritual section of the store. Yesterday, this black box popped out and me…”The Black Tarot”. Hmmm I was like oh-kay and grabbed it. No deck has ever called out to me as this one. “An Ancestral Awakening Deck and Guidebook”. I’ve been heavy on veneration lately as well…the key!!! Get it home, bless it, placed it on the altar for blessings and cleansed as well. I opened it today…and as soon as I looked at the deck, there was an immediate call or connection again! In awe of the beautiful artwork, I was completely taken aback! Not to mention this card stock is AMAZING!!! The guidebook…ma’am, from the Deck Story, to the moon rituals, the house cards, spreads, yin/yang etc. you really outdid yourself with this work!!! It spoke to me and called out to me, and I understand why!!! Many blessings to the ancestors known and unknown for divine guidance and wisdom and protection ✨?. Thank you so much for this ??.” ― Deshawna Clark

“I found Nyasha through TikTok and had to add her books to my shelf. This was the first one I read my kids (4 and 5) and I absolutely love that they’re seeing and discussing representation and inclusivity as part of everyday life. My daughter especially loves “M” is for Mindfulness because her name starts with M. A must-buy!” ― Abigail Levine

The Creative Playground with Nyasha Williams

Nyasha’s Events

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2026 Gold Winner Nautilus Book Awards, 30 B – Children’s Picture Books/Non-Fiction (Ages 2-6 Years) for Once Upon a Kwanzaa
2024 Silver Nautilus Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category for Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story
2024 Silver Nautilus Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category for Keep Dreaming, Black Child