More Than Words on Pages: University of New Haven’s Living Library Highlights Charger Stories of Resilience and Identity

As part of the University of New Haven’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, the Marvin K. Peterson Library hosted a weeklong Living Library Project. This consisted of stories, poems and art in which students, faculty and staff shared personal stories and life experiences that transformed into powerful lessons. This project consisted of 16 written pieces and four artworks that invited readers to slow down and reflect. Each piece explored themes of resilience and identity, reminding me that behind every face on campus, there is a story we may never fully know.

The artwork displayed offered a different yet meaningful form of storytelling. Through color and texture, the artists depicted emotion, faith, and love. These visual pieces reinforced the idea that stories do not need to be told through words to be understood, as, at times, the deepest emotions are communicated through imagery, allowing viewers to feel before gaining an understanding.

As I walked through the exhibit, three written pieces stood out the most, all different in their own way, while sharing a similarity of strength, struggle, and humanity.

Resilience & Strength, by an anonymous author, deeply resonated with me. The writer reflects growing up in a close-knit family where love was expressed through sacrifice, encouragement, and support, even when resources were limited. Throughout this, academics became central to their identity, where reassurance was given but also pressure. The pressure to succeed and to never fall short. I deeply resonate with this, as I often tie my self-worth to achievement and the desire to make my family proud.

One of the most impactful moments in the piece was the author’s decision to move abroad for post-secondary education. Leaving behind family and friends to grow as a person is never easy, but it can be transformative. That decision reflects the reality that many students face as, sometimes, personal growth requires discomfort. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” This piece reminded me that resilience appears quietly – through courage and the perseverance to move forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Another piece that stood out to me was Guilty Until Proven Black: My Life As a “Suspect” Before I Was Even a Man by Jaylan Andrew ’28. This story was heartbreaking and quite difficult to read. However, it was extremely important. Jaylan recounts being accused, interrogated and processed by the justice system as a teenager despite his innocence. What stood out to me the most was not only the injustice itself, but the silence that was driven by fear. The overwhelming anxiety and pressure to remain quiet revealed how deeply trauma can impact a person at such a young age.

His story highlights the painful reality that black boys are often seen differently in the eyes of society – viewed with suspicion rather than innocence. In MLK’s words, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Injustice is never secluded – it shapes lives, silences voices, and reinforces systems that continue to impact black youth long before they are given the chance to simply be seen as children. By sharing his story, Jaylan breaks that silence and challenges readers to approach uncomfortable truths about race, fear, and justice.

The third piece that stood out was Homes, written anonymously. The author reflects on growing up in apartments, moving frequently, and being raised by a single mother who made countless sacrifices to support her family. Based on this narrative, the writer challenges the idea that financial status or housing defines a person’s worth. Despite not living in a traditional suburban home, the author stated that love, resilience, and support were what truly made their space a home.

What I appreciated most was the powerful reminder that socioeconomic status does not define who we are. The author also addresses how society often stereotypes individuals based on income, race, and where they live, especially when navigating professional spaces or looking for different opportunities. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” By fighting assumptions about wealth, housing, and self worth, the piece refuses the act of silence, especially toward families who are doing their best with what they have.

Together, the written pieces and artwork create a space where vulnerability was honored, and voices were heard. The visual art, much like written narratives, encouraged viewers to sit with their emotions rather than rush past it. Storytelling takes many forms, and they all matter.

Reading these stories reminded me of something crucial – you never truly know what someone is going through. Each piece carried its own struggles, yet all reflected resilience, courage, and growth. The Living Library Project demonstrated how powerful it can be when people share their truths – no matter how uncomfortable or vulnerable the process may be.

This exhibit was more than a collection of stories; it was an ask to listen, reflect and lead with sympathy. It reminded me to appreciate those who support us, to be kinder to one another, and to never give up, no matter what obstacles are thrown your way. Always know that you matter and sometimes, change begins by simply taking the time to hear someone else’s story.