We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Burk recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents have been ministers since before I was born. Traveling with them all over the world while I was growing up, exposed me to all types of people. It didn’t matter if the groups we ministered to were wealthy, middle class, or the poorest of the poor, my parents would treat everyone with the same respect and dignity every human deserves. They remained the same whether it was on stage, at the dinner table, or if they happened to meet someone at the grocery store. From the beginning, they set the example. People are the same, and we treat them the same no matter their status, title, disability or life situation. Everyone deserves respect.
Jordan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In the years I spent as a caregiver to my Uncle Kelly, who had Down syndrome, there were always children who would approach curiously and ask questions about Kelly. I always loved to answer their questions, and as I looked to find what kind of resources were out there about people with Down syndrome, I realized there wasn’t much that showed what it’s like to truly love someone with Down syndrome. That really inspired me to start writing children’s books that help kids understand that even though some people may not look or act like they do, that doesn’t mean they don’t need friends, too.
One of my proudest moments was when Hillview Elementary School in Pennsylvania took my “Kelly and the Great Pinewood Derby” book and made it a reality. They held a pinewood derby race on World Down Syndrome Day and each kindergartener received a copy of the book. It’s a beautiful thing to see a single book inspiring change, Inclusion, and cultivating a culture of love miles away.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the years following Kelly’s passing, we lost the home I’d grown up in for the past 21 years. That eventually led to my parents, who I’ve always had an extremely close relationship with, to move across Texas, back to the town they grew up in. Just 2 short months after they moved, the morning after Thanksgiving 2018, my Dad, who was my rock and my very best friend, suddenly passed away. My world was turned upside down in a matter of hours. This came only weeks before I was to release the first book, “Kelly and The Great Pinewood Derby.” The release of that book was very bittersweet, because my dad was my biggest cheerleader, and I wanted to be able to show him what I had accomplished. I am forever grateful for all of my friends who basically got my business up and running while I grieved the loss of my father. If not for their constant encouragement and support I don’t think I’d have some of the incredible opportunities that are in the works.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal has never been to just sell books. Getting feedback from parents and kiddos with different abilities is what keeps me going. Hearing how excited they are to finally see someone “like them” in media is coal that keeps the fire burning. I love waking up to new messages from readers about how Kelly and Kelso has impacted their life.
Contact Info:
- Website: kellyandkelso.com
- Instagram: @KellyandKelso
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyandkelso
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-burk-kelly-and-kelso-4ab945234/