Genres

“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.”

~Audre Lorde

We seek evocative poetry that captures the essence of the Black experience, whether it’s through love, struggle, joy, or resistance.

Send us up to five of your finest unpublished poems that reflect your unique perspective and resonate with readers. Send us your most empowering and change-making verses.

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it”

~ Toni Morrison

Tell us a story that captivates and transports you. We welcome short stories that explore the rich tapestry of Black life, culture, and creativity. Whether your tale is set in the past, present, or future, we want narratives that are compelling and authentic.

With a limit of 6,000 words, craft a story that is succinct yet profound, offering a glimpse into worlds shaped by heritage, identity, and imagination.

“Art offers sanctuary to everyone willing to open their Hearts as well as their Eyes.”

~ Nikki Giovanni

Showcase your artistic vision through powerful visuals. We are looking for photography, paintings, and drawings that celebrate the beauty, resilience, and creativity of our people. Your artwork should tell a story, evoke emotion, and spark conversation. 

Please include a brief paragraph (no more than 100 words) explaining the artwork in relation to the theme. This paragraph will be reviewed by our Visual Media editor and other necessary staff members. 

“We must reclaim our own stories, our own narratives. We must tell our own truths.”

~Jesymn Ward 

In the black community, so many stories of life experiences go untold and never recorded due to the wide history of western refusal to uplift black voices. We must right this wrong by carving out space to record the stories of our legends. We want insightful and engaging conversations with family, elders, artists, writers, activists, and community leaders. 

Within 6,000 words or less, conduct an interview that delves deep into the journey, challenges, or triumphs of your heroes and beloved.

“All which I feel I must write has become obsessive. So many truths seem to be rushing at me as the result of things felt and seen and lived through. Oh, what I think I must tell this world.”

~Lorraine Hansberry

Share your truth through creative non-fiction. We invite you to submit personal essays, memoirs, and reflections that explore your lived experiences or observations of the surrounding world. 

Whether you’re recounting a pivotal moment, examining cultural identity, or sharing a unique perspective we want stories that are honest, heartfelt, and impactful. 

“Literature shows us who we are, takes us into history, tells us not just what happened but how it felt and teaches us… Books shape our understanding of the world.”

~Chimamanda Adichie

We are looking for well-crafted essays that expand the lens of what it means to be a black creative. Your essay may address the social, cultural, and political concerns of our community or explore topics that are often left untouched in black literature. 

Your essay should be insightful, well-researched, and persuasive, offering readers a fresh perspective on important topics.

“Writing about people helps us to understand them, and understanding them helps us to accept them as part of ourselves.”

~ Alice Walker

Write a letter that comes from the heart. Whether it’s a letter to a loved one, an open letter to the community, or a missive to your future self, we want letters that are personal, poignant, and powerful.

Share your thoughts, hopes, and dreams in a format that is intimate and direct. Your letter can be a bridge, connecting readers with your innermost feelings and experiences.

“I am a writer. I suppose I think that the highest gift that man has is art, and I am audacious enough to think of myself as an artist – that there is both joy and beauty and illumination and communion between people to be achieved through the dissection of personality.”

~Lorraine Hansberry 

We are seeking one scene plays that packs a powerful punch in just 5-6 pages. Whether it’s a dramatic exploration of complex emotions, a comedic take on everyday life, or a thought-provoking piece that challenges societal norms.

We want your scripts that captivate and inspire. Your play should provide an unique and engaging that leaves a lasting impact. 

“A writer’s heart, a poet’s heart, an artist’s heart, a musician’s heart is always breaking. It is through that broken window that we see the world.”

~ Alice Walker

Break the boundaries and blend genres to create something unique. We encourage submissions that defy categorization and merge different forms of expression. Whether it’s a combination of poetry and visual art, a narrative essay with elements of fiction. 

Let your creativity flow and bring forth pieces that challenge conventions and captivate the imagination.