What I learned during the second annual BLK INK Book Festival in New Orleans.
Black writers are on a unique journey to share experiences and imaginations that enhance a reader’s personal and professional growth. We write to heal ourselves and share our blueprint for overcoming life’s hardships. We write to inspire and empower those around us, hoping that what remains after the last word is read is a strong belief that positive change is possible.
As Black writers, our stories symbolize dreams fulfilled. Our words give voice to the ancestors who were devalued and censored through the chains of racism and oppression. Many of our books are remnants of the pain we experienced, the path we took to overcome what did not destroy us, and the promise of a future that will be bigger and better for the next generation.
As a three-time self-published author and the founder of the Black Writers Workspace, Direct2Author.com, and the BLK INK Book Festival, I find it exhilarating to be surrounded by multicultural writers with unique perspectives. The BLK INK Book Festival, held in New Orleans over the past two years to honor new and independent authors, inspires me to look introspectively at how honoring Black writers is necessary for the growth of the literary community. In light of the need for all readers to be intentional when seeking books by Black authors, I wanted to share the six things readers need to know about Black Book Fairs to encourage them to attend and support writers of color.
1. The Black story is the American story.
Black authors are storytellers on a mission to celebrate the Black experience and educate readers of other cultures who think the work isn’t for them. Think of it this way: Our story is the American story colored only by an undeniable culture that brings brilliant light to the reader’s imagination. Turning away from authors or stories because of their race perpetuates what centuries of racism and discrimination represent — the belief that one race’s life experiences are more valid and humanistic than another’s.
2. Black book fairs re-open doors that book bans have closed.
The book fair itself isn’t to separate Black from non-Black authors but to bring together people who have been marginalized and left to address issues often created by the outcomes of racism, discrimination, and oppression. Our books, and the books of other marginalized people, aren’t filled with Black rage, sexual perversion, and non-conformity to hurt young minds as book bans suggest. Instead, they challenge, shape, and inspire youth to become educated and mature change-makers who see the world for what it is. When books by Black and gay writers are banned, our youth are left with misinformation and a flawed view of this vast and ever-changing world. However, the power of a Black book fair is found in its ability to showcase work purposefully designed to educate, empower, and represent diversity in literature.
3. White readers (all readers!) are welcome. So, please don’t hesitate to join us on this literary journey.
Black book fairs are not just for Black authors and readers. Like all authors, we take pride in our stories and are eager to grow our fan base across a diverse market. When non-Black readers stay home, it solidifies a literary and cultural divide that Black authors face. It also perpetuates the idea that only Black readers care about Black books — which isn’t true. Books are for book lovers; for this reason, we welcome all readers to Black book fairs.
4. We are FAMILY! — The Black Literary Community is Powerful and Unrelenting.
BLK INK is the official Black Authors Family Reunion. Yes, we created and claimed the title! Black authors need a stomping ground in every city across the country — a place where we can unite, support each other, let the words connect us, and share our experiences. The creation of the Black Writers Workspace was the start of this effort, and now BLK INK and other book fairs are changing the game for new and independent authors of color.
5. Yes, we write in that genre, too.
Don’t avoid Black book fairs because you think Black writers can’t write in your favorite genre. Crime, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and many other genres have been fine-tuned by Black authors to explore how Black life impacts art. So, yes, we write in every genre and do it well! When BLK INK author Omari Richards described his fantasy book, The Kimoni Legacy, as a cross between Roots and Game of Thrones, I immediately knew his work would take me down the painful road of oppression and back up to a place of power. His unique spin on a fantasy novel is captivating; it’s what readers look for in a great work. So, please don’t let personal biases make you think we can’t master the world of horror, romance, speculative fantasy, children’s literature, and true crime. Trust me, we got this!
6. Don’t believe the hype — Black books don’t focus on white hate.
We write about what we feel and what we love. Our books aren’t always angry and filled with hate towards any one race — unless that is the message we want to give. We write in love, peace, and poetry. The fact that certain books are characterized as perpetuating hate, sexual deviance, and racism are issues best dealt with on a book-by-book basis. But this is a democracy, a free land, and our Founders fought for us to have freedoms void of censorship. However, when I walked the floors of BLK INK, I saw more books on self-empowerment, growth, fantasy, love, and romance than anything meant to demean any race.
In conclusion, Black book fairs matter! We welcome everyone to join us on our journey and to help us bridge the gap between good writing and high book sales. We encourage you to intentionally support books by Black authors and be a voice for diversity and change in this country.
Until next year!
PRSBizNews 