Planting seeds

Local book celebrates voices of Black women

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Stories center the cultural experiences of diverse authors. While, writers shape the course of history by reimagining the present and constructing a new future filled with infinite possibilities. This process of creating art for social change is key to building a more just and inclusive society. It is illuminated in the new Aya Collective’s anthology, “Let the Black Women Say Ase’.” The book is published by a local Black woman-owned press in Saint Paul, Minn., Aya Media Publishing (https://ayamediapublishingllc.com/). This organization was founded by the pioneering educator and author, Ebony Johanna Adedayo.
As editor of the anthology, Adedayo focused on creating space for the voices of Black women primarily from Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. These writers range in age from their 20s to 60s, and encompass all walks of life.
The writers in the anthology fully embrace the diversity of their life and spirituality. Readers will find stories of courage and thankfulness when life is good and stories demonstrating the bravery of Black women to lean in and carry on – even when life is immensely painful. There are stories of strength that transcend individual experiences and are shared by Black people across the African Diaspora.
The writers cover subjects encompassing loss, liberation, and their ancestors. The anthology’s stories are helping to craft a new narrative for Black women by defining who they are, their beauty and spirituality, and who they are as people.
Each page of this anthology explores the power of hope fueled with purpose. This is an invitation to Afro-futurism where writers reshape the course of history. The writers share their vision for a future where Black women can be free from the social norms of biases, stereotypes, and prejudice. It is a world where they can stand tall in their heritage and take pride in their Blackness.
Reading “Let the Black Women Say Ase’” is the perfect way to celebrate National Literacy Month. You can gather a group to read the book and learn more about the rich cultural experiences of Black women. Also, you can check out a copy of the book at your local library since it is Library Card Sign Up month.
September is National Literacy Month and Library Card Sign Up Month. In addition, Sept. 8 is International Literacy Day.
Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach.

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