I’ve always been weary

of people who are more concerned

with my expression of pain

Than what caused it in the first place.

Today we're joined by a guest! Christie Ann Cruise, Ph.D. is an educator, author, and social justice advocate with a passion for empowering Black women and girls to speak their truths boldly and unapologetically. Her new book, Thick Black Lines, is coming out on June 28, 2024. Join us as we discuss her writing journey with this new book! Be sure to pre-order Thick Black Lines to support this amazing Black woman author! https://www.christieanncruise.com/

I will protect you

I wanna protect what’s mine 

I wanna protect because I wasn’t 

Protected 

Breeze flows through my hair. The clouds are big and puffy.

Podcasts hum in the background and children play outside.

I drift higher and higher as the cool air touches me reaching towards the sky.

A bird passes me and I realize I am flying.

Interview with Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie.

Happy Halloween! To end this month’s theme of Transformation, we present to you three poems from an accomplished and talented poet, Safia Jama.

Poetry from Jamica A. Whitaker

Poetry from Maggie Smith

Poetry from Zahura Akter

All the weight of the world is placed upon you as a Black woman.

Especially if you are a Black woman that is well aware of the intricacies of social inequalities.

Is there such a thing as a Black woman that could truly say she isn’t anymore?

Crown your glory

Honey and melanin

This golden tone is your identity

To unify within the gentrified community

I will not be your puppet in a minstrel show

Because I guarantee no Mammy, Jezebel, or Sambo lives here

You may try to control my thoughts and dreams

But I will not be your Venus Hottentot

Poem from SBG Poetry editor Sherese Francis