Subconscious writes a letter to assure Natalie of the doubts she has about her self-worth.
Black Art & Writing: A Story Collection
I see myself I am mesmerized by my power. Emmanuella My name means God is with us I will not fail I see my cocoa-colored skin My delicate dark brown eyes The first to go to college in my family. The first published writer. I am taking my place in history Like women who have done it before me Like all the girls like me Whose skin is as dark and beautiful as night. –Mentee Emmanuella Agyemang
palatable
“palatable” is a product of my experiences as a young black girl at a predominantly white school. Particularly, it’s my examination of the concept of palatability, and what it means to prepare yourself for consumption.
To the only girl that understands
This poem is a love letter to myself.
My Mother’s Allegiance
My Mother’s Allegiance focuses on the essential factors that encouraged my mother to flee to America, and the assimilation and racism often present in the experiences of an immigrant.
Between the World and Me’ & James Baldwin
This piece was inspired by one of my favorite books, Between the World and Me. Everyone should read this book and these writers.
The Diaspora
This poem is about the African diaspora and the struggles and experiences of being a Black woman.
‘ALL LIVES MATTER’
“All Lives Matter” is a collaborative protest poem that takes both formal poetic writing techniques and a sample of an informative article to express the detriment of using the phrase, “all lives matter.”
Deadly Militia
A short story that portrays the life of a young child soldier during the Congo War.
Natural Hair
This story pertains to a time when I confronted my mother about changing my hair.
Angry Black Women
I made this presentation because within American society, black women are at the bottom of the totem pole. Whenever we speak up to defend ourselves, we are seen as aggressive, overbearing, and too much to handle. This common approach to our struggles reinforces the denials of our pain and further pushes preconceived notions from those we’ve yet to meet. I don’t want black women to humble themselves in order to not be seen as a stereotype.
Erasures of ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ & ‘Lift Every Voice’
These pieces are erasures of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the national black anthem. My mentor gave me prompts to erase both of them, side by side, after noticing the differences between them.
Culture Loss Prevention
My podcast is about many things, hence the name. I talk about many topics, from problems with social media to the lack of success of arobeats. I hope you enjoy it—you just never know what to expect with Gifty.
Note to Self
“Note to Self” is a poem that was written in the midst of a wave of high self-esteem that shows itself rarely. This is when the power of Melanin Beauty reveals itself unapologetically.
Blackbird
Like blackbirds we lived in a constant state of struggle trying to survive. Every time we tried to fly there were others pecking away at our wings. Like that bird, fueled by our need to survive, we learned to soar.
Agatha and the Naming
“Agatha and the Naming” is the story of me, in a way trying to claim my place in my family’s history. While Agatha’s struggle is name-based, mine is skill- and future-based. She gets to meet her namesake while I still question mine.