Mama’s Writing is Raising Mothers’ monthly interview series, curated by Starr Davis. What recent writing accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? Was this accomplishment shared and supported by your children? The most recent writing accomplishment I am most proud of right now is a piece I wrote that represents my unique voice and style as an afro-futurist author. It is an encouraging story of hope, love and purpose meant to inspire and engage human spiritual memory. I definitely had my children and young generations in mind as I created it. I personally believe that every soul has a vital role to play in helping all of us ascend higher as a collective society and each generation must be affirmed in knowing the power and purpose they possess in order to bring about better tomorrows. This story seeks to serve as a manifesto of prophecy and strength for those who read it. It also is the chrysalis behind my emerging writings that are currently in the making.  Tell about a time mom-guilt emerged (or emerges) in the …

Mama’s Writing is Raising Mothers’ monthly interview series, curated by Starr Davis. What recent writing accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? Was this accomplishment shared and supported by your children? There are several key writing accomplishments I secured [last] year for which I am very grateful. First one: I became a writer for Race The Bronx which is a running company that creates races in Bronx parks. I wrote articles and interviews I conducted with runners in our community. Second one: I studied with Mitchell Jackson at the Kenyon Review Workshop in Ohio [last] summer. I engaged with new writers–BOOM, BOOM, BAPS–and returned to my writing practice after a bit of a hiatus. Third one: I launched a Substack account in November after running my second marathon of the season. All of these accomplishments were supported by my college-aged daughters. Whenever I shared the updates they simply replied: Mom, this is so you! Tell about a time mom-guilt emerged (or emerges) in the midst of your writing process. Mom guilt emerged when I was in my …

What recent writing accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? Was this accomplishment shared and supported by your children? My 2-year-old was born on the day that my collection of poems Plantains and Our Becoming was sent off to auction by my agents. Looking back on that moment now feels so cosmic. This book of poetry feels directly intertwined with my story of motherhood. When I think of myself as a writer, I always also think of myself as a mother and it is so grounding to view my work from that lens. I always want my accomplishments to be a part of who I also am as a mother. I want my children to see me as an individual and to know that I lived a full life and did not allow the one-dimensionalizing of the patriarchy’s gaze upon women to flatten me not for one second. If I can accomplish that through daily action, that is what I will be most proud of. Plantains & Our Becoming has yet to win an award but …