Taye Diggs Discusses Children’s Books and Identity at Wilmington Public Library Event
The actor and author appeared at the “Stories, Stage & Screen” program to talk about fatherhood, race, and self-acceptance.
WILMINGTON – The Wilmington Public Library transformed into something special on October 23, 2025, when actor, author, and Broadway star Taye Diggs sat down for "Stories, Stage & Screen," an evening that proved the man behind those romantic leading roles has substance to match the charm.
You know Diggs from films like The Best Man series, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Wood, and Brown Sugar, plus his breakout Broadway role in Rent and TV series like Private Practice and All American. But what many don’t realize is that he’s also become a children’s book author with a mission.
More Than a Pretty Face
Diggs has written several children’s books that tackle real issues: identity, race, self-acceptance. His titles include Chocolate Me!, about a young boy learning to embrace his unique features, and Mixed Me!, which explores a mixed-race child navigating identity and friendships. He’s also written I Love You More Than and Why?, the latter specifically addressing conversations about race and injustice with kids. These aren’t just cute stories. They’re tools for parents and teachers to have meaningful conversations with children about diversity, inclusion, and celebrating what makes each of us different.
The Evening Itself
Former Executive Director Jamar Rahming flew in from Ohio to conduct the interview, and I can tell you from being there that Diggs was exactly what you’d hope for. Down to earth, intelligent, cultured, and genuinely warm. The audience was completely engaged, hanging on every word as he shared stories from his career and opened up about his son, the inspiration behind Mixed Me!
That book wasn’t just another project for Diggs. He wrote it specifically for his son, addressing the real questions and experiences of growing up mixed-race. Hearing him talk about fatherhood and why these conversations matter added a whole different layer to the evening. It wasn’t just about celebrity or entertainment. It was personal.
Let’s just say the crowd wasn’t immune to his charm either. As one attendee put it: Stella definitely isn’t getting her groove back anytime soon. But beyond the star power, the evening highlighted something important: artists who use their platform to create resources that help the next generation understand themselves and each other.
That’s the real story here.
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