Notice there is no “too” at the end of the hashtag. Just like it’s namestake moniker, “black lives matter”, black people are not just additions. We are not additions. We are not afterthoughts. We matter. We have stories and perspectives that need to be told. We need get to a place where you can read literature by people of any race and not dub it a “black book” or “Asian book” and then dismiss the product because of that. There are too many talented people of color who get overshadowed by mediocrity. The same thing goes with movies, music, and all other creative endeavors. That has got to change.
In honor of celebrating Black History Month, it is pinot to celebrate black authors period. Not just for this month, but for the entire year too. Though all three books reviewed in January were by men (two white men), SURPRISE: those are the the only books written by cis straight white men Thriced is reading this year. If that bothers you in some way, then you should really think about why.
The reason why we are celebrating black women specifically is very simple: there is something to be said about intersectionality. Although, black men and other POC also experience a variety of struggles and have a diverse set of stories there is a specific set of challenges that black women encounter. In other words, we have two minority contributing factors plaguing us at once. Not to mention the additional layer that some queer black women have as well. Let’s not act like we don’t know the statistics either: Black women are some of the most under-appreciated people in almost all fields including literature. That is why it is important to shine a light on those literary contributions and accomplishments of black women especially in literature since we are so underrepresented there.
From a personal standpoint, ish really can be like that Scandal episode:
We feel you Oliva, girl.
While representation is getting better each year with more black female authors being recognized critically and awarded appropriately, we still have a long way to do. There are much for advancements that can be made to make the publishing world a more inclusive place. In the meantime, we as my mom says “ need to give people their flowers while their living.”
I once heard one of my literary black feminist icons Roxane Gay say something that has stuck with me for a while. It was said on comedian and bestselling author Phoebe Robinson’s amazing podcast Too Many White Guys:
“Over the past two years, I’ve had young black women write me and say ‘my agent pitched an essay collection, but the editor said there already is a Roxane Gay.’ And that breaks my heart. I don’t want to be the fly in the ointment. I don’t wanna be the impediment to other black women being able to narrate the world as they see it. And it actually is disgusting that someone would think that because we are all different. It shows how narrowly they understand diversity. You can’t just have one. That’s ridiculous. That’s not diversity, that’s actually even worse than having none in some ways.”
Roxane Gay with actress Gabourey Sidbe (#Easteregg #Butnotforthismonth)
In that spirit, we are reading three diverse works by black women this February. Black women from all walks of life. Although, I love the classics I wanted to focus on newer authors. Don’t trip though: there will be plenty of fun content throughout the month celebrating those classics we love as well as other black female artists in different mediums.
We will be announcing the 1st book tomorrow around 10:00 AM. Mark your calendars. Set your alarm clocks. You’re definitely not going to want to miss this one. I’m predicting it’s going to prove to be required reading for our society today when it comes to issues of intersectionality.
Try to guess in the comments: what book you think we’ll be reading!
Please join us this February this Black History Month in appreciating and reading the diverse works of black female authors. And remember #blackgirlswrite. No “too” needed.
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