Maya Williams
Farrin [Reading]
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Woman
About the Job
Maya, a second-generation Jamaican-American, has spent much of her life seeking approval—trying to find her place within both her family and the world. She works as a grocery store clerk in New York, hoping to move forward, but often feels stuck.
Growing up, Maya struggled with a deep disconnect from her mother, Tanya. Their relationship is strained; she often feels unseen, overshadowed by her mother’s expectations. While Maya longs for Tanya’s validation, she also resents the constant criticism that comes with it.
When Maya receives a grant to create a graphic novel about the Jamaican Maroons, it feels like an opportunity—not just to connect with her roots, but to bridge the gap with her mother. However, as she travels to Jamaica, meeting family she barely knows and immersing herself in a culture she never fully understood, she realizes she isn’t just telling a historical story—she’s searching for herself.
But in this new country, Maya feels like an outsider. She doesn’t fully understand the language or customs, and her queer presentation makes her stand out. The same sense of dislocation she felt at home follows her abroad, forcing her to confront what it truly means to belong.
