Thursday Throwback: Our Black Writers Symposium Series

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Howdy. While we cook up a new episode, here's your chance to catch up on some of our past goodness. Did you miss our Black Writers Symposium Series wherein we invite brilliant Black writerly folk to discuss their experiences as Black storytellers, give insight into their creative processes and how they make sense of the world with their words? 

If so, dammit, you're in luck. Listen here or on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, TuneIn, Stitcher, MixCloud, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform.

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In one of our most candid episodes to date, we're joined by the dynamic duo of educator, "Long Division" author, and Southern-fried scribe Kiese Laymon and RaceBaitR's H.N.I.C. Hari Ziyad for our first ever "Black Writers Symposium". We discuss the necessity of the creative spaces they occupy, the delicate balance of selling their artistry while not selling their souls, and the roles and responsibilities of writers within the pursuit of true Black liberation. Additionally, Alex has a thing for Crunch Berries, Jay shops at Gordon Gartrelle, and Amtrak stations ain’t nothing nice.

More Kiese Laymon: Web | Twitter

More Hari Ziyad: RaceBaitR | Twitter | Instagram | RaceBaitR Twitter & Facebook

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Back by popular demand! We sit down with two more beautifully Black ass writers for "The Return of The Black Writers Symposium". However, this time we're joined by Shanita Hubbard ("The Root", "Ebony", "Griots Republic", "Abernathy Magazine", etc.) and newly christened Teen Vogue columnist Lincoln Anthony Blades to discuss navigating between Black-owned and mainstream media outlets, how protecting our publications and luminaries from outside criticism is counterproductive, and how to protect both yourself and your bank account from exploitive business practices. Additionally, Alex is perfectly fine with leftovers, Jay extols the virtues of the Black Speculative Arts Movement, and Beyonce's baby daddy is a struggle rapper.

You can also get your blessing via SoundCloud | iTunes | TuneIn | Stitchr

More ShanitaWeb | Twitter 

More LincolnThis Is Your Conscience | Teen Vogue | Twitter | Facebook

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In a unique take on our Writers Symposium series, writers Tonja Renée Stidhum (Blavity, Shadow & Act, The Root, etc.) and Shamira Ibrahim (Very Smart Brothas, Washington Post, etc.) explore their ongoing journeys with depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and mental illness. They bravely detail how they sought the support of their friends and family members, how each of them chose their therapists, and what gave them the will to carry on even in their darkest hours. 

More Tonja:

"My Name Is Tonja. And I Think About Committing Suicide" | Website | Twitter | Instagram 

More Shamira:

"Body Image and Me: My Struggle With Body Dysmorphia" | Website | Twitter 

Who would you like to see on our next Black Writer's Symposium? Let us know in the comments below.