Why I Write About Black Women?

Stories shape the way we see the world. They dictate whose voices are heard, whose experiences are validated, and whose lives are deemed worthy of exploration. As a Black woman, I write about Black women because our stories deserve to be told—fully, richly, and without limitation.

For too long, narratives about Black women have been flattened into stereotypes or erased entirely. We are often seen through the lens of struggle, hypersexuality, or servitude. Yet, our realities are far more expansive. We are warriors, thinkers, lovers, innovators, and creators. We exist in joy, in complexity, in vulnerability, and in power. Writing about Black women is not an act of exclusion—it is an act of reclamation.

I write to counteract the erasure. In a world that often overlooks or distorts our experiences, writing becomes a tool of resistance. It allows us to define ourselves on our own terms, rather than being defined by those who do not understand our lives. Literature, media, and storytelling are powerful forces, and we must use them to elevate our voices and assert our place in history.

I write to celebrate. Black women’s lives are not solely a series of battles against oppression. We experience love, ambition, friendship, and the everyday moments that make life beautiful. Our stories deserve depth and nuance, reflecting the full range of who we are. I want to show the joy in our laughter, the bonds of our sisterhood, and the quiet triumphs that define our journeys.

I write to inspire. Representation matters. When Black women see themselves reflected in literature—not as side characters, but as protagonists with agency—it affirms that our voices belong in every space. Whether in fantasy, historical fiction, or contemporary narratives, we deserve to see ourselves in all the ways we dream. When young Black girls read stories where they are the heroes, it tells them that their aspirations are valid and achievable.

Some may call this focus essentialist, but I see it as intentional. Writing about Black women does not mean ignoring others; it means ensuring that Black women are seen. It is a commitment to truth, to justice, and to love. Our voices are not a niche—our stories are as universal and necessary as any others.

Black women have always shaped history, culture, and storytelling. From the oral traditions of those gone to the ground-breaking works of today’s authors, our narratives have always been rich and varied. My work is simply a continuation of that legacy. I write about Black women because our stories matter, and I will continue to write until the world listens.

And even then, I will keep writing.