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Gather round family! Because it sat on our spirits, we wanted to say this.
We all have to be careful how we frame our calls for more inclusion. We can't word those calls in such a way that it erases the work of Black folks out here doing it. There's a way to speak to the- 1/11
We all have to be careful how we frame our calls for more inclusion. We can't word those calls in such a way that it erases the work of Black folks out here doing it. There's a way to speak to the- 1/11
issues without diminishing the strides and accomplishments of the many Black writers in the SFF industry making headway.
Let's not assume some demographic is nonexistent (because it's usually not). Let's ask for more abundance. Let's ask for those already here and doing- 2/11
Let's not assume some demographic is nonexistent (because it's usually not). Let's ask for more abundance. Let's ask for those already here and doing- 2/11
the work to be uplifted. Let's seek out ways to make space for those writers and their works to be talked about beyond diversity. There should be whole classes taught on P. Djeli's worldbuilding and Victor LaValle's use of atmosphere. But instead, our Black writers- 3/11
constantly have to go through the hoops of screaming "we're here! we're here!" again and again.
FIYAH was formed in part because of the critique they weren't enough Black writers out there writing SFF and that served as justification for horrible publishing numbers. 4/11
FIYAH was formed in part because of the critique they weren't enough Black writers out there writing SFF and that served as justification for horrible publishing numbers. 4/11
We knew it to be a big ass lie and the fact we're standing where we stand today proves it. So it can be disheartening, even when its unintentional, to see Black folks and others ask "where are they?"
We're right here! We've been here! 5/11
We're right here! We've been here! 5/11
And now let's have a call to action. If you're someone wondering where a particular kind of Black author is at, stop and check yourself first.
Have you done the sufficient research to ask that question earnestly? When's the last time you posted- 6/11
Have you done the sufficient research to ask that question earnestly? When's the last time you posted- 6/11
on your TL about a Black book that you loved? When's the last time you left review for a Black book on Amazon (yes, we all hate it lol)? When's the last time you actively went outside of the Black writers you know to seek out a new one? Because they're plenty!
For many- 7/11
For many- 7/11
of us, we need to call ourselves to the table and do an audit of the ways we personally engage with Black work before we do industry call outs. It feels good to get that quick hit off a RT about how the industry doesn't work in favor of us but are you yourself working- 8/11
for the greater good of Black writers in the SFF field? There's a camaraderie sometimes built in the trenches assuming that the entire industry is out to maliciously destroy Black writers. And make no mistake, this industry has SO MUCH WORK to do in order to do better -9/11
by us. But we can't let the systemic inequities of the industry move us to a place where we start erasing the work of our brothers and sisters. And we certainly need to make sure we're giving our best efforts (whatever that may look like) in personally uplifting Black SFF. 10/11
We say all of this with love and the intention always of wanting more and better for the Black writers we so cherish.
Go and be great because we've always known you are!
Go and be great because we've always known you are!
