So here we are, nearing the end of March, the beginning of the spring equinox, the month of my grandmother’s birthday, and women’s history month. Looking back on March, I’ve faced a good amount of ups and downs, highs and lows; but only my journal will hear about the L’s I took, and some few trusted folks. It’s not that I don’t trust you suge, it’s that, we don’t know each other well enough to share secrets. And well, since that time will never come, the only thing I can say is, March was a hell of a month. Oh! WAIT A MINUTE NOW! I can share something with you darlin!
I recently reconnected with a person that at one time I would consider my best friend, we were really close in middle/high school, a really tough time for me. Let me just say, with the way I’d been feeling pretty much all month; having you back in my life has been a breath of fresh air! I’d almost forgotten what a genuine loving and completely supportive friendship felt like. It’s not that I was not experiencing that with other more current friendships. It’s that, without going into the specifics, I have been blessed with debilitating trust issues. Seriously, they are no joke! With the return of you friend, it feels like we’ve never stopped talking. You’re a true blessing and I am so grateful for your company and wisdom. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart darlin, I appreciate you and love you.
To switch gears a bit, with it being the end / beginning (if you’re an astrology girlie than you know) of the month and year I wanted my entry to be meaningful. My entire newsletter IS meaningful but you know what I mean. Remember when I said we were getting to know one another? Well, I’m sure you’ve seen the posts of my short stories drifting about, and I’m so proud of them. I work on my writing and brand tirelessly day in and out. What makes it on my newsletter is probably the 20th version of my first thought. Although my writing is a work in progress, the only way to make something better is? TO. DO. IT! Anyway, check out my short stories and be sure to subscribe as there is more to come. I’m dedicating my creativity to changing an industry and genre that is important to me and near to my heart. One day soon, my stories will come to life, with me directing and bringing them to life. I.e, directing and writing. Horror, sci - fi, fantasy, I love these genres, they allow so much creativity and imagination, shit, if it’s something I’m good at its imagination.
Early on, I noticed that these particular genres left girls that looked like me completely out the loop. Rarely, any Black girl scream queens, directors or writers in the room. The way there are countless notable white women in various popular horror franchises, but if I ask you to name one Black girl your first though I’d probably Kelly Rowland or Brandy. I’m going to change that no, I am changing that. Because listen, as a Black women I am TIRED of all of the Black generational trauma movies. You know the ones: slavery, police brutality, etc, etc. Surely, that is our reality in America, but we are allowed to have nightmares of Freddy slicing us with his finger knives, we’re allowed to survive a zombie apocalypse. Sheesh. It’s just that for a long time these genres have been lorded over by white men and what they want. Chile I’m tired and I want something different,and I know others do too. Now overhauling and entire industry is ambitious but I’m up for the challenge. I look forward to the future of Black Girls in Horror. Oh yes! Now with that in mind tell me, darlin? Have you read Parable of The Sower?
Now, if you haven’t than suga what are you doing? Why haven’t you snatched up a copy from your local book store? Apps are cool, but the way physical media is disappearing from the shelves these days you’d do ya self a favor if you had a physical copy. Just a little reminder suga, remember what I said? My newsletter is not a research project, it’s not an essay, it’s a conversation between me and you! Us sitting at the kitchen table at grandma’s up the bayou drinking tea! It’s NOT research paper but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give you a little Herstory.
Okay so - Parable of the Sower is the first book of a 2 book series, it was written to show what the consequences of climate change would look like in America. It depicts a future where society in America has collapsed due to wealth inequality, corporate greed, poverty, crime, etc etc. Does any of that sound familiar? If not, how about you take a look around sweetheart? Because it looks and feels familiar to me. What’s even more alarming is that the time period that the book takes place is the 2000’s.
Chile the way this book could have been written yesterday. Parable of the Sower is a book that I recommend everyone read at least once. Especially if you love sci-fi and it’s a reflection of what our world looks like today. But the biggest reason is because of the phenomenal mind that came up with this masterpiece; Octavia E. Butler. No, no, not Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer, although she is an actress extraordinaire, that is who I am not talking about. Octavia E. Butler is whom I like to refer to as a special spirit. Baby she is so talented and gifted, truly blessed by God. Not only is she a pioneering and prolific sci - fi writer she is an advocate for Black voices. She is one of the reasons I had the courage to be who I am, and write!
Octavia Butler is on my Mt. Rushmore of people whom I adore and career I follow along with Viola Davis, Nina Simone and Angela Davis
Butler is one of the first African American and female science fiction writers, writing novels with the themes of injustices towards African Americans, women, climate change, and politics. She was and is a literary heavy hitter indeed. Butler is the literal definition of diamond in the rough - shining brightly among white men in the same lane (looking at you Mr.King). Today her novels are being studied in classes across the country, rightfully so. She is an incredible writer and time traveler. She is not the sole reason for me pursuing my dreams, but she is a prominent one.
To you, Octavia, thank you - for writing this piece for all Black girls to come about know that they too can be as great as you are. Thank you for inspiring me and being the representation that I needed at a time I was afraid to dream. I love you suge, I’ll see you next time. Oh? And before you leave, make sure you subscribe!