Write On, Black Girl!
Creator, Nikita Haynie
During an extensive period of writer's block, the passing of renowned author, Toni Morrison, rocked my world. In my reflection of Morrison's passing, I wrote my thoughts in a Pedestal Post titled, "Write On, Black Girl!", quoting the legendary writer, "Being a black woman writer is not a shallow place but a rich place to write from. It doesn't limit my imagination; it expands it. It's richer than being a white male writer because I know more, and I've experienced more" (Morrison 2003). From this quotation, inspiration to compose the poem Write On, Black Girl!
WRITE ON, BLACK GIRL! THE POEM
Although you don't see yourself now, if you keep writing one day, you will.
Don't write for yourself, write for the generations after you.
Write for the little black girl who desperately wants a character that reflects her soul.
Write for the little black girls whose stories have gone untold.
Standards? They don't exist because when black girls write, they are limitless.
There is power in your voice; they know this too.
Write on black girl, never let them silence you.
Our stories are complex and multifaceted, with grace and grit.
All black girls matter; all stories will fit.
Write, Write on, Write now; there is power in your voice; they know this too.
Write on, Black Girl! Never let them silence you.
Write On!
The Mission
Write On, Black Girl! is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women who write. We aim to elevate and honor Black women writers by affirming Black women's storytelling, creativity, and influence. Write On, Black Girl features book reviews, book recommendations, recognition of Black women writers, resources for writing, workshops, and more.