Black Reads: Issue 014

A couple of worlds you can escape with a first class seat riding the words of Black authors just like you, written just for you.

Samuel L. Jackson said in an interview recently that he reads so he can escape into other worlds besides his reality, he went on to mention how the power of reading helps him in this career because he has a point of reference from a book. As I’ve been reading more for the Study Hall Residency I started and for my own personal enjoyment, I’ve found myself inspired to expand my writing style.

And I’ve found myself escaping into the pages of a book, or your newsletters, to enter a different reality than mine. While my soul will not let me dwell, my heart and mind are at play as my eyes race through the pages of inspiration.

I believe better days will come, and I believe those days will be co-created through the action steps we take today. The community has been built here in Blackstack, the time now is for us to commune with each other. In comments, in restacks, and note shares. In community writing events, zine workshops, virtual salons, and most importantly in these newsletters.

We write for a reason, we write to inspire our people, we write the things we were once seeking. We read and engage with each other because we are all here for the same thing. Community, and in some way to escape our reality.

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As many of you know, I lost my Daddy December 3, 2024, and babygirl has not been okay. I’ve been working endlessly to stay afloat. Even times I thought I was “better” the weight of my grief came crashed down causing me to crash out. I’ve been “glowing up” in my Saddie Baddie era, and nobody gets me better than

kamil

. In this essay “our grief is talking. are you listening”, I had to admit to myself I have not been listening to it. If you’ve lost a parent, friend, or mourning the old version of yourself or the one you long for - there is something in this essay for you. It’s that good.

our grief is talking. are you listening?

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Birds are such a huge communicator with me when I’m in nature. It’s as though they come to send me messages from another realm. If you are anything like me when it comes to spirituality, you probably believe this to be true as well.

Jamiya, the Writer

truly captures that message in this essay in the most beautiful, blues filled way. A reminder I might add that we just need to focus on strengthening that inner connection we have within ourselves, because God/The Universe/Spirit (whatever feels best for you) is always communicating with us if we’d just slow down to listen. 10/10 Recommend!

When the Blue Jay Sings

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As DJ Fannie Mae says, “I’m from the South, so watch yo mouth!” And that’s exactly the energy I’m coming with about my girl

Makéila NéVette

with her new Southern-izms publication for the Southern gaze. The issue opens up with the line, “I didn’t always understand the power of my accent.” Again, if you are from the South you understand the power in that sentence alone, you may also be recognizing the power of your Southern draw. I know I am in my own way. Even if you aren’t from the South, this piece will give you a new appreciation for the South and the people you know from there. Sweet as Grandma’s Sweet tea.

Southern-izms #01: Where's That Milk On Ya Tongue?

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