a special moment with a founding member.
A special conversation shared between Founder of BlackStack and the first Founding Member of BlackStack.
Hello BlackStack family!
Over the past two months, this community has grown so much and continues to grow. I tell y’all all the time that this was just an idea that I took action on when the urge came up, now look at what we have cultivated!
There has been an overwhelming amount of support with paid subscriptions which shocked me. I never had the intention of turning on paid subs initially but when I did the response was incredibly overwhelming.
This piece is a special conversation Badiana agreed to have with me to share with the BlackStack family about why she became a founding member.
I leave room for you to define what a founding member is to you and if you desire to become a founding member based on your definition we can share a conversation about it. That’s how we grow!
I love each one of y’all so much!
Jacquie
Jacquie: Hey
! We finally got the draft out of the text messages. I’m excited to see how this turns out!Badiana: Absolutely, I am excited too. It’s amazing how some of our best ideas seem to effortlessly emerge when we’re able to let our thoughts flow freely and have the space to express ourselves without interruptions. That happens often during our voice memos 😂. Also, real talk, with our involvement, this piece will flourish ❤️🔥.
How did you find BlackStack?
Jacquie: Now how long have you been on Substack in general?
Badiana: Since June 6th of this year, my focus shifted from Medium to Substack. Substack became my primary and only platform for sharing my work. Transitioning from Medium, where I briefly dabbled, was a pivotal move for me. It was simple to transfer my content and email list to Substack. I appreciated the ease with which I consolidated my online presence. Medium, while valuable to many, did not resonate with me personally. That led me to seek a more fitting space for my writing, on a platform that made consistent writing easy to do.
Jacquie: What was your experience on Substack like before BlackStack?
Badiana: Before the existence of Blackstack, Substack was giving predominantly white institution energy. Having navigated similar spaces my whole life, I initially accepted this as the norm, though the lack of representation left me yearning for a writing community that mirrored my own identity. The algorithm-generated articles failed to captivate my interest and my use of Substack was an online journal with future potential when I had the time. However, starting my own publication marked a turning point. With an immediate pledge and the swift adoption of some paid subscriptions, the platform revealed its potential. Just as I was contemplating Substack's significance, Blackstack emerged like an unexpected gift, resonating with my desires and filling the void I had been feeling. The serendipitous timing of Blackstack’s arrival (on Juneteenth, no less) solidified my belief in this platform's value and affirmed the importance of embracing new opportunities. Blackstack is quite literally why I am as engaged as I am. Like,
, said in a Note, Blackstack made Substack the HBCU experience I wanted.Jacquie: Do you remember how you found BlackStack?
Badiana: I discovered Blackstack at my first writing session with LockedIn.
made sure to recommend and announce that we all should check emerging publications. He said others, but my ears were attuned to the publication that he said focuses on black writers. When he mentioned Blackstack, the buzz had already begun leaving me eager to know more. That was all I needed to dive headfirst into this developing community powerhouse. There is an unparalleled excitement being present and part of the beginning of a movement. It pulses with this ‘what a moment to be alive’ energy. This is a sensation that I do not take lightly. Blackstack for me is a well of inspiration meant to be harnessed and channeled into remarkable stories, experiences, and evolution. It is allowing me to light a flame to the imposter syndrome outfit I have been wearing as it relates to being a writer. Blackstack has given me the security and validation to follow the breadcrumbs of the universe through my gift of the written word. What I am finding is it leads me to one aspect of my purpose, one aspect of my passions, or whatever truth I am meant to find in this wild ride we call life.What does BlackStack mean to you?
Badiana: Blackstack to me is more than just a publication for us by us. It is a digital home where I find solace and connection. It is a place where the experiences and emotions of the black community are woven into words that I deeply resonate with. It reflects our collective pain and our boundless joy. In this space, I witness the raw honesty of generational trauma alongside the unapologetic celebration of black culture. I recognize the varying perspectives within our community, I remain committed to showing up authentically, even in moments of disagreement. Blackstack serves as a mirror for my own healing journey, a reminder that wounds can be acknowledged and transformed through shared understanding and compassion. There is power in coming together over our individual dialogues.
Is there something that made you become a paid subscriber specifically?
Badiana: In my opinion, Blackstack is a movement with profound depth that deserves financial support. To ensure its lasting impact on future generations, we MUST invest in it. This could be the next frontier in news and entertainment and I proudly became a founding member to solidify my belief in its potential. By backing Blackstack, I am investing in the transformative power of words, especially when they come from black creators. It was a decision driven by conviction and a clear understanding of the change that can be achieved. Investing in Blackstack is not about supporting a publication, it is about amplifying our voices and making a lasting impact on how our stories are shared and valued.
Jacquie: Badiana, this truly means so much to me. I’ve shared with you how much BlackStack means to me and how this feels like more of a personal Divine mission than just an online community. The connections made through BlackStack are healing and I am grateful for how our relationship can attest to that. Do you have any final words you’d like to share with the BlackStack family?
Badiana: Fam, let’s take a moment amidst our writing journey to reflect on our purpose. Why do we write and for who? Exploring our inner selves and motivations reveals the true essence of our words. By embracing self-love and nurturing ourselves, we create a solid foundation for our authentic expression. Aligning with our goals helps us navigate distractions and stay focused. Embrace the transformative power of your words, allowing them to lead you towards your purpose. If Blackstack has poured into you in any way, consider becoming a paid subscriber or a founding member so we can elevate together.
I love all of y’all for what you uniquely bring to the table! 🤎🖤
I love you, Jacquie, for bringing this to life & for your continued dedication! 🖤 🤎
Jacquie: Thank you again so much Badiana, The Original Baddie! I love you so much, girl! 🫶🏾
Connect with Blackstack’s First Founding Member’s work:
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I love the ease in which this came together! Grateful 🥹
A. I’m nosy.
B. A purely emotional response. I sub to a lot of people but only pay for 4. I’d be poor if I paid for every person I sub to. There is too much good here and sometimes I have to do without if it’s behind a paywall.