Crystal Jordan: Advocating with Purpose, Writing for Representation

Kami Redd
Jan 20
3 min read

A Personal Story Becomes a Public Mission

Crystal Jordan didn’t set out to become an advocate. She simply wanted to raise her son with love, dignity, and understanding. But when she realized that the world wasn’t built to support Black and brown children with autism—especially boys like hers—she found her voice, her platform, and her purpose. That mission became Zachariah World, a brand and movement named after her son, created to normalize the conversation around autism in communities that are often left out of the narrative.

Her first book, Just Like You, was never intended to be a business. It began as a way to tell her son’s story and create something personal for their family. But as she shared it with others, Crystal quickly saw that her story resonated. Parents across the country, especially Black mothers, began reaching out to say thank you—for putting into words what so many were feeling but had never seen reflected in a book. Crystal leaned in.

What began as a family project evolved into a growing business centered around books, resources, and media appearances that push autism awareness and acceptance within underserved communities. Today, Crystal Jordan is not just a mother on a mission—she’s a social entrepreneur, a public speaker, and a published author who is changing how people talk about neurodiversity in Black and brown spaces.

Finding Her Voice in Visibility

It wasn’t easy. Her biggest challenge? Sales and visibility. “Marketing was hard,” Crystal admits. “But I started putting myself out there—over 20 podcast interviews, reaching out to publications, sharing my message wherever I could.” That persistence is paying off. With each new platform she appears on, she moves closer to her goal of making autism acceptance part of everyday conversation.

Crystal’s growth didn’t come just from exposure—it came from action. She shifted her business strategy to become more goal-oriented and plan-driven. “I used to move without a plan,” she explains. “Now I create action steps that actually lead to results.” That approach is helping her scale more strategically while staying grounded in her mission.

Strengthened by Family, Guided by Faith

The support of her parents has been vital. They’ve served as her anchor and village, making it possible for her to show up fully for her son and her business. “Without them, I don’t know where I’d be,” she says. “Their help has allowed me to grow into a role model for other families.”

Crystal acknowledges that there’s no such thing as balance—at least not yet. “Right now, I’m building an empire for my son,” she says. “I do my best to create moments with him—cuddles, presence, quiet time—but I’m honest that this phase of life is about building.” That honesty defines her brand.

Leading with Truth and Representation

Crystal isn’t just writing books—she’s writing her truth. And she’s doing it for children and families who rarely see themselves reflected in stories about autism, strength, or healing. “Representation matters,” she emphasizes. “Being a Black woman only pushes my mission further. I want our kids to see themselves. I want our parents to feel seen.”

She writes with cultural understanding, clarity, and conviction, creating materials that uplift rather than explain, celebrate rather than pity. Her work disrupts narratives that have historically overlooked children of color with disabilities.

Looking Ahead

Her long-term vision includes seeing Just Like You become a household title—something families across the country keep on their shelves and use as a tool for conversation. She also sees herself taking the stage, speaking publicly about autism, social change, and advocacy. Schools, nonprofits, and parenting organizations are all on her radar as strategic partners.

She’s already taking steps to get there. Crystal pitches her books to 10 schools per day, seeking both sales and visibility. She shows up consistently and urges others to do the same.

“Write the vision, make the plan, build the business, and go,” she says. “That’s the advice I give to every young Black woman trying to do this work.”

Her brand is rooted in heart, but driven by discipline.

A Message That Started at Home

For Crystal Jordan, advocacy didn’t start in boardrooms or on stages—it started at home. With love for her son. With stories that needed to be told. With a mission that grew out of motherhood and became a message for the world. Through Zachariah World, she’s giving voice to families who’ve felt invisible and helping shift the national conversation about autism, inclusion, and what representation should really look like.

Crystal’s work reminds us that advocacy isn’t just about speaking—it’s about living. And through her books, her voice, and her determination, she’s creating a world where all children are not only seen, but understood.