This is for the...

The origin of our "Telling Our Own Stories" Digital Anthology 🫶🏾

This is for Toni

Cade Bambara

And Judi

And Earl

Who's a soldier now

Which makes me frown

But who's still deeply bound

To US

This is for every little black girl

Who's been told to “hush now”

Or hide their crown

To grin and bear it

Or "you betta not have a fit"

This is for each and every one of us

Who's had to manufacture trust

Or search for love

Who were deprived of hugs

Belonging

And truth

Black femmes who've been used

Abused, abandoned, and disregarded

This is for those broken hearted

Those left to drown

But who are still around

Still standing their ground

Still holding it down

We see you

We hear you

WE LOVE YOU

And this one's for you

It's an affirmation

A reclamation

A proclamation

Your voice matters

Your truths matter

Your experiences matter

YOU MATTER

And we hope you never forget it 🤸🏾‍♀️

And in case you do

This one's for you.

There were times when I let fear deter me from doing the things that I dreamed. When I let the idea of failure force me to never even try. I never had that problem with writing. Even if I didn't share it, I could always find safety on the page. Roots in my own truth. Patience and grace between the blank pages. And I've always wanted to be that for my community.

A safe space. A listening ear. A megaphone. A secret hiding place. Whatever was needed. And this is a seed. One among the many I've planted. A wish finally granted.

Won't you celebrate with me?

The FULL anthology text will be exclusively released on patreon, February 13th, Black Love Day, and all proceeds will go towards paying Black women and femmes for their creative labor!! Until then, check out the first 100 pages and let us know what you feel, think, dream after what you've seen!!! We can't wait to hear from you!