Show some love to a truly incredible person… YOU! The theme for Black History Month 2022 is Mental Health and Wellness. During this time, we are reflecting on the role of self-care as a crucial part of activism, artistic creation and daily life. Practice self-care with five Black artists from the Girls Write Now community as they lead us through healing workshops, write odes to self-love and revel in Black joy!
Build a Powerful podcast
with DR. JOY HARDEN BRADFORD
Start with some empowering podcast exercises and mental health tips from our salon with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a renowned therapist, writer and popular podcast host.
Through a series of prompts based on her award winning podcast, Therapy For Black Girls, we dig deep to shift our perspectives and claim our place in the world. Dr. Joy closes with a Q&A session, on what it takes to make a great podcast and mental health and wellness tips!
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Teaching Artist
WRITE POETRY THAT SHATTERS EXPECTATIONS
with mahogany l. browne
We all need a hype-woman, and author Mahogany L. Browne has got you covered. In her Friday Night Salon, the poet talked with our community about how to ignore the voices of nay-sayers and feel confident in your skin.
Follow along with our recorded event as Mahogany L. Browne takes you on a journey of poetic self-discovery using her YA novel-in-verse, Chlorine Sky. Break down the prescriptive norms of being “girl”, write a powerful poem about identity and hear Mahogany answer questions about poetry, writing in verse and living the poet’s life.
Mahogany L. Browne
Teaching Artist
IF ONLY YOU KNEW
BY MENTEE NATALIE HENRY
“If only you knew that the value of conversation with others is just as important as communicating with yourself… I know the satisfaction of sharing those moments are adoring, but sometimes the only person you need to talk to is me. I know what you’re thinking before you even say it. I know what you’re feeling before you even acknowledge it. I know you, so why can’t you trust me?”
Natalie Henry is a returning mentee and memoir writer. She wrote this piece during a time of deep self-reflection: “I’ve always depended on others to be happy and through this pandemic where other people aren’t an option, I’ve had the chance to explore the relationship with myself. One night, I imagined hearing all the things that I’ve always wanted to hear. Then I explored that dynamic by saying those things to myself.”
Natalie Henry
Current Mentee
Note to Self
by MENTEE ALUM MIKAYLA AUGUSTIN
Live, Do your thing
You’re so blessed to be who you are
You’re a dark young lady shipped from heaven
Your pain ain’t nothing but a chapter
A chapter to make the history books made about you much better
Mikayla Augustin is a class of 2020 Girls Write Now mentee based in Queens, NY. “Note to Self” is an inspiring, rhythmic poem that is an instant self-esteem boost and beautiful ode to Black womanhood.
MIKAYLA AUGUSTIN
Mentee Alum
ENROUTE TO MYSELF
by BRITTANY BARKER
This departure calls for no baggage.
Where I’m headed,
I need my hands empty,
new things to dig,
reaping blessings too big.
Brittany Barker is a Girls Write Now mentee alum and teaching artist. Her poetry is defiant, triumphant and always soul-enriching. She wrote “Enroute to Myself” as part of the Girls Write Now Different Perspectives campaign, which asked six mentees and mentee alum to view the same footage and write a piece from their unique point of view. The result is simply stunning.
Brittany Barker
Mentee Alum and Teaching Artist
Vahni Kurra
Vahni Kurra (she/hers) hails from disparate parts of the American Midwest with roots in Southern India. She recently earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Kenyon College, where she co-edited Hika, Kenyon’s oldest, student-run literary magazine. Vahni’s work centers on themes of displacement, and her personal essay, “Banana Republic,” was published in Oyster River Pages. She is currently the book review editor for Sweet: A Literary Confection. Vahni has always been a strong advocate for the rights of women and trans* folks, as she has interned for NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and helped facilitate a peer support program for Kenyon students impacted by sexual assault. Vahni is excited to blend her passions for gender equality and creative writing as she works with Girls Write Now to ensure that all mentees have the same opportunities that she did to pursue their artistic and personal dreams.
“If not for me—brown skin, spike-studded leather gloves, combat boots and sculptural woolen coat—this place could be 1963, still.”
– MENTOR & MENTEE ALUM KAT JAGAI
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