Speaking of CluthMagOnline, they featured a wonderful article about how the stories by African American Women Writers are sometimes not given the attention and praise that they need. As a Black woman and an avid reader, I have noticed the lack of appreciation of this genre. These authors are missing from reading lists. Yes, Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison always have a place but what about the other Black women writers? Don't get me wrong I love Maya and Toni ; it is because of them that there is even space for other Black women writers. I've spent many a Saturday morning reading the likes of Pearle Cleage, Ntozake Shange, Cupcake Brown, and Trisha R. Thomas. I could go on and on about the correlation between the plight of black women and the lack of interest in these authors but I won't. The musings of the Black woman are not all the same; they are vibrant, heart wrenching, happy, and moving among other things. We, Black women, have so many stories and experiences to tell. I think despite being "Lost in the Stacks" we should continue to put our pens to the blank page. You never know who may find solace in your words.
Leslie Pitterson said it best, "There are some lines I will always remember. Moments when the author’s words resonated in my soul. These are four very different women — some we all know and others I hope we can come to embrace into the fold of writers we quote and love....It is my hope that our generation will produce more women writers of color who I know will fill the minds of my (future) daughters."
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