The MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is one of the most highly debated degrees. Do you really need it to be a successful writer? The definitive answer is no. You don’t. I’ve been telling writers for years that you don’t need an MFA to be successful—and now, in the second year of my MFA, I still maintain the same opinion.

Out of all of the literature I’ve read, it has been the voices of gay, queer, and lesbian Black women who have made the most profound impact on my thinking and writing, shaping narratives and breaking boundaries with their unique perspectives and powerful storytelling.

We are pleased to introduce the newest group of contributors to Spoken Black Girl Magazine Issue 5: Motherhood. Read about them and follow their journeys!