When authors write about POC, the very last thing they should be worrying about is what word to use to describe a character’s skin color. (or the slant in the eyes, the shape of the nose, etc.) Once an author has elaborated on the exact skin hue … well, exactly what do readers really know […]
Chocolate or Coffee? Read More »
I’ve heard numerous white authors use variations of that phrase when they decide to include characters from marginalized groups in their stories. Writers make things up all the time, they insist. They seldom appear capable of seeing any other reason for negative reaction to their work. Readers, critics, and reviewers who complain about their works
I’m a writer, I can just use my imagination Read More »
On Feb 9, 2018, I was among thousands of librarians attending the 2018 American Library Association Midwinter conference in Denver, Colorado. Patrtisse Cullors, one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter network, presented the opening keynote for the conference. Cullors is a performance artist, organizer, and freedom fighter. As a child, she believed her
Patrisse Cullors – BLM co-founder & Social justice warrior Read More »
I had never gone to a movie on opening night before. I didn’t pre-order my ticket (I know, shame on me) but I was able to get one at the last minute for my local theater. It’s located in a predominantly white, upper middle class suburb of Chicago, which translated to a large crowd, but