Who Are You?
I describe myself as an educator and digital storyteller.
Where do you currently reside?
Chicago, IL although I’m a Bay Area native.
How long have you been writing professionally?
I have never really viewed myself as a professional writer even though writing has always been an important part of who I am. I loved writing as a kid. I was a curious and effective writer as a student in school. I also taught Writing as a 4th and 5th grade teacher at the beginning of my career. It wasn’t long before I realized the art of teaching kids the fundamentals of writing actually helped me become a better writer. Even then, I hadn’t yet claimed “writer” as a part of my identity. However, I’m finding it to be true that the more I write, the more I discover my unique voice. So, I’m bending the corner.
Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?
Storytelling is my jam, so I am often inspired by hearing the interesting and emotionally engaging stories of others. Sometimes I get these stories through current events, a conversation with someone, or even a random documentary I stumbled upon the internet or Netflix.
When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?
Writing, like many other art forms, is an evolutionary discipline. I’m still arriving.
What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?
I am extremely proud of my most recent piece “Many Black People Will Vote Nov.3--Begrudingly” It is a longform body that explores the state of the Black electorate. It examines Black people’s history, voting record, activism, and political contributions while also confronting the challenges Black people encounter inherently, and in spite of our civic engagement.
It was the most comprehensive piece I’ve written in a long while. It took over 20 hours to shape, research, and draft--just ‘cause I felt it needed to be said. It certainly was the strongest piece I think even I have read in the election cycle...not to toot my own horn.
What is your favorite quote from yourself and from your favorite writer?
“History belongs to she who holds the pen”
Said often by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, a great mentor, and writer. I believe that we are the historians of our generation, and what is written will be recorded as history for future generations to consume and make sense of.
It’s a powerful statement.
What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you?
Being a Black woman writer means I get to define whoever the hell we want to be.
I think Black women writers are a part of the artist collective that determines our cultural identity as a people. Black women play a very important part in catching the pulse of the people. In every art discipline Black women are defining who they are: from the Knowles family, to Lena Waithe, Megan thee Stallion, Shonda Rhime’, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie...the list is forever long.
We have something to say, and we’re taking pride in saying it our way.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I’m a racial equity consultant so I am usually creating content, reading, working out, or cooking. Simple life during these times. Lol
Any last words?
Write, and be free.
How can people keep in touch with you?
