As a first generation Nigerian woman, writing has been my outlet to express both the hard and beautiful things in my life. I was raised in a predominantly white blue collar town in rural Massachusetts, so in many ways I consider myself Afro-rural…one of those Black people growing up in a forest who was itching to move to a place like New York or Oakland, CA (where I ended up living for seven years). As a child, I experienced marginalization in many arenas. It was impossible to have a sense of pride in who I truly was.
At school, I had to prove that a Black girl could be intelligent and of value to her peers and teachers. At home, I had to prove that children, especially girls, did not have to constantly submit to silence and familial duty. Having imagination and a perspective beyond my circumstances has been my saving grace. It has also been a source of tension in my writing, as the characters I write are often female protagonists that must reconcile their ancestral and familial history to move forward.
My love of literature and finding stories of everyday people faced with insurmountable challenges gives my writing a social justice lens. When I write, I write with many people and communities in mind. I believe these different experiences I’ve gathered will be a unique contribution to your fellowship because I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist who is devoted to the written word. I think it’s essential to use one’s whole self when writing.
I’m also a podcaster, playwright, editor, healer, avid meditator and lover of all things vegan dessert…just to name a few. I hope you check out my page and find something that resonates with you.
