Yvonne J. Combs offered a session on May 20.
Yvonne offered a workshop, “Writing Through Intersections of Race.”
Often cited as Third Wave Feminism, Black Feminist Thought, challenges us to imagine and acknowledge the ways markers of identity, namely, race, class, and gender intersect producing a unique worldview. Moreover, the spotlight on diversity, equity, and inclusion calls the writer to consider the ways our writing reflects engagement in the social construction of a reimagined society. As black writers, we are called from the margins of society to voice our truth.
In this workshop, we give special attention to our emerging voices. These voices are privileged and empowered through the long and arduous history of Black Feminist Thought.
Yvonne’s love of words manifested at age fifteen when she wrote an essay about her grandmother. The essay earned first in a state contest.
Following a military career, earning a doctoral degree in sociology, and retiring from academia she returned to her love affair with words. Bundling the things, she learned, experienced, taught, believed, and voiced, she recently rebranded herself as an independent scholar. Making use of the AWA writing method, she is called to explore the craft of writing.
For me, the experience of writing with others is transformative. It gives me a place to connect with personal authenticity.
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From Yvonne:
This group of writers responded in such a generous fashion. Additionally, group
members were alert, engaged and courageous. It was a pleasure to introduce a
complex idea and listen to the ways they approached the topic in their writings.
I am encouraged by this experience and am giving great consideration to offering the
workshop on a quarterly basis.
Inspired work on behalf of AWA. Thanks for a job well done.
Untitled
by Anonymous Group Poem
Below, the rest of the world trudged along and I blew kisses as I curtsied to the Sun.
For generations each newly minted age is convinced it can change the world, yet the
pressures continue.
It helped when someone pointed out that Beethoven was Black so I kept his music on
the top of my pile.
I may never find myself and this identity I so long for in this mixed-race body, to let me
know I am enough, but I sure know of those who were killed. I must continue to say their
names…
Thank you for joining us to Write Around the World!
For the rest of the summer, watch our blog! We are sharing writing from AWA’s yearly marathon fundraiser, which happened this year all-online throughout the month of May.
We offer this series in appreciation for the incredible community of writers and workshop leaders that sustain us. If you’re inspired and would like to be part of the fundraiser, please donate!