Black Women Writers at Work. Then & Now

I recently read that Sundays set the tone for your entire week, and I’m glad I had the pleasure of spending mine in the company of delightful poetry and pleasantries provided by Dasia Woods, Founder and Creator of HerStory Collective, an organization that empowers women and shared community through storytelling and writing workshops.

The workshop was designed to inspire the attendees to dig deep and get creative while also taking time to reflect on our own experiences. Ever since I found out about the writing groups and gatherings of like minds that took place during the Harlem Renaissance and carried into the 70s with groups like The Sisterhood Writers Collective (pictured first), I’ve possessed dreams of sharing similar spaces with modern writers. The afternoon created space to be in good company, have great discussion, and make new connections. We spent time reading and discussing the works of Zora Neale Hurston and Alice Walker. Later, there was the opportunity to hear from contemporary poets like myself and Zakia Holland (@bo0gie.z), and even a panel discussion featuring the expertise of Seryn Bentley, Public Speaker & Entrepreneur (@simply.seryn), and Maya Black, Founder of Harvey and Hurston (@harveyandhurston). I’m very appreciative of the opportunity provided by Dasia Woods (@herstorycollective_) that brought that vision to life.

This is your sign to visit work written before you and contribute your own writing to be a part of the collective voice of today’s time. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the experience. I’ll cherish the time we spent on that rainy Sunday for years to come.

For the rest of the week, I’ll carry the gratitude, insight, and love that was exchanged in that room. Thank you again to everyone who came and got to hear me read from @dismantleddamsel. I’m excited to continue celebrating poetry and sharing my own with you all.

See you all soon! -KAMPWOODS