Standing in Solidarity
Recent news headlines have brought to the forefront, once again, the deeply ingrained systemic and institutionalized reality of racism in America. We are appalled and deeply pained by the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and we acknowledge the many who have fallen before them. It is past time for us all to take this seriously. As Hedgebrook’s Board of Directors, we stand with all those working to address these issues.
As a global community of writers, Hedgebrook is committed to raising the voices of those who have been historically marginalized—including, and especially, those of black women. The all-too-familiar nature of this moment calls for the sustained uplifting of women’s voices. We know that the power of women’s voices can inspire change in our society and now, more than ever, we cannot remain silent in the face of such horrific injustice. This is a moment in history where women’s voices need to rise above the hateful rhetoric and point to a path long overdue. Through our combined voices, we honor those generations that came before us and fought for justice as we commit to a better future for the next generation. Over the years, our alumnae have authored many works that we believe serve as useful resources in this moment. As such, we invite you to read the words of our alumnae, share them, and make sure this all-too-familiar pattern of events does not continue. We also invite you to add your own unique story speaking truth to power on our social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
This moment reminds us all that we have work to do, and Hedgebrook is no exception. We must redouble our efforts on two fronts. First, we are not where we want to be in terms of diversity and inclusion across our organization and we commit to continued work on this. Second, we still have a lot more to do through our programs and residencies in order to better support the voices of the many women around the world that we wish to reach. This moment reminds us to redouble our efforts and our commitment to these goals. Our work is not done.
Signed by the Hedgebrook Board of Directors:
Jessika Auerbach,
Judy Belk
Abigail Carter
Arian Colachis
Donna P. Hall
Sonora Jha
Sarah Ladipo Manyika
Sue McNab
Rachel Robert
Darshana Shanbhag
Eunice Valentine
Huong Vu
Shauna Woods
We invite you to check out these relevant articles, books, poems, short stories and plays by some of our alumnae:
Articles
Why there will be another Trayvon by Rinku Sen
For police accountability, look beyond individual racial bias by Rinku Sen
Op-Ed: Surprised that black people have a higher risk of death from COVID-19? I’m not by Judy Belk
Coming of Age in the Time of the Hoodie By Sarah Ladipo Manyika
50 Years Ago, Gloria Steinem Wrote an Essay for TIME About Her Hopes for Women’s Futures. Here’s What She'd Add Today by Gloria Steinem
Alicia Garza on How Women Are Battling Mass Incarceration
Poetry:
In Praise of Our Black Women Poets by Arisa White
Racism, Redacted by Minal Hajratwala
Books/Novels
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QBNKJTZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Girl, Woman, Otherby Bernardine Evaristo (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Woman-Other-Booker-Winner/dp/0802156983
Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594633401/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Black Imagination by Natasha Marin (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Imagination-Voices-Futures/dp/1944211845
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/Brown-Girl-Dreaming-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0147515823
Red River by Lalita Tademy (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OT8GUI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Ordinary People by Diana Evans (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLKHGRS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Sugar-Novel-Natalie-Baszile/dp/0670026131/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRZGS76/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
When we Speak of Nothingby Olumide Popoola (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072R1B248/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
An Imperfect Blessing by Nadia Davids (IndieBound Link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVSF6X8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Theatre/Plays
Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith
In the Continuum by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter
At Her Feetby Nadia Davids
And so many more in our Farm House Library!
About our cover image
Call to arms for artists poster
Our Cover Image was created by Hedgebrook alum, Courtney E. Martin, who wrote this call-to-arms for all artists in 2017. You can order