In his memoir,  A Black Boy Misunderstood, Jy’Quan Arnay Stewart navigates the complexities of life with Asperger’s syndrome in the heart of Rensselaer, New York. Raised solely by his mother, Lakeisha Stewart, Jy’Quan’s journey is marred by the absence of his father, Lewis Watkins, and the societal misconceptions that shadow his every step. This poignant narrative delves into Jy’Quan’s struggles with acceptance as he faces rejection from family, friends, and educators. Misdiagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia, he is thrust into an unfamiliar environment at a specialized school in Castleton, New York, further alienating him from the world he knows.

As Jy’Quan grapples with the stigmas attached to his condition, the memoir sheds light on the harsh realities of being misunderstood by those meant to protect and nurture. Police, teachers, and psychologists label him a potential threat, a misconception that threatens to define his future. A Black Boy Misunderstood is a testament to resilience and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. It is a call to society to look beyond labels and see the individual, a narrative that challenges us to question our perceptions.