Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Brings Message of Hope to Minnesota State

The acclaimed author discusses his unique writing process and belief in humanity during his Nadine B. Andreas Residency.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:23am

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass reflecting bright light, conveying the fragility and resilience of the human experience through an abstract, high-contrast visual metaphor.The author's powerful words about hope and humanity shine through the abstract texture of his literary work.Spring Valley Today

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of acclaimed works like 'Friday Black' and 'Chain-Gang All-Stars,' visited Minnesota State University for his Nadine B. Andreas Residency. Despite his dystopian narratives, Adjei-Brenyah emphasized a strong belief in hope and the power of individuals to shape the world around them. He spoke about his unique writing process, the influence of his father, and his desire to honor even the most 'insignificant' lives through his fiction.

Why it matters

Adjei-Brenyah's work is often described as 'dystopian,' exploring themes of systemic violence and inequality. However, his visit to Minnesota State revealed a deeper message of hope and humanity, challenging the perception that his writing is purely bleak or cynical. His perspective on the role of the individual in creating change resonates with readers seeking meaningful social commentary through fiction.

The details

During his residency, Adjei-Brenyah discussed his writing process, noting that he often starts with the environment or 'world' of a story before developing the characters. This attention to setting shapes how he understands people, keeping him 'curious' about the diverse experiences of those he meets. Adjei-Brenyah also spoke about the musical quality of his language, emphasizing the importance of sound and rhythm in his work. Despite the serious themes he explores, he aims to honor every life, even the 'most insignificant ones.' The author's father, a defense lawyer, also had a profound impact on Adjei-Brenyah's perspective on moral complexity and redemption.

  • Adjei-Brenyah visited Minnesota State University for his Nadine B. Andreas Residency in April 2026.
  • He spoke at a workshop in the Centennial Student Union during his residency.

The players

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

An acclaimed author known for his dystopian works, including 'Friday Black' and 'Chain-Gang All-Stars.' During his residency at Minnesota State, he emphasized a strong belief in hope and the power of individuals to shape the world.

Nadine B. Andreas

The namesake of the residency program that brought Adjei-Brenyah to Minnesota State University.

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What they’re saying

“Life is precious. That's the message.”

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Author

“I usually have a setting first, even before I have the character. I have their world, or parts of it. Then I think about how living in that place would change them.”

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Author

“I get reminded there's so many people that exist in places I would not know. I wouldn't necessarily imagine, 'Oh, I'm going to meet someone from Nepal today.' It helps me stay curious.”

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Author

“In some ways, the questions are the same. Why do we so easily turn to violence? Why is it so easy to fool people into being kind?”

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Author

“I genuinely believe in hope. I think hope without honesty is a lie. If I act like nothing is wrong, that's false. But it would also be false to act as though there is no beauty, no grace, or no love. There's a lot of it.”

— Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Author

What’s next

Adjei-Brenyah's visit to Minnesota State was part of the university's Nadine B. Andreas Residency program, which brings acclaimed authors to campus each year. The author's message of hope and humanity resonated with students, who were inspired by his perspective on the power of individuals to shape the world around them.

The takeaway

Despite the dystopian themes in his acclaimed fiction, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's visit to Minnesota State revealed a deep-seated belief in the power of hope and the inherent value of every human life. His unique writing process and emphasis on the 'music' of language challenge readers to find beauty and grace even in the face of systemic violence and inequality.