Dear Black Writer: Writing On The Black-Lived Experience

Summary

The web content is an empathetic letter addressing Black writers, acknowledging the emotional toll of writing about the Black-lived experience, and encouraging them to value their work, prioritize self-care, and share the burden with other Black voices.

Abstract

The article titled "Dear Black Writer: Writing On The Black-Lived Experience" is a supportive message to Black writers who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of writing about their experiences with race and identity. It reassures them that their work is valuable, even if the immediate feedback is not apparent. The piece emphasizes the importance of self-care, suggesting that writers should not push themselves to the point of detriment when addressing Black issues. It advises creating a mindfulness routine to cope with the emotional labor of unpacking race-related trauma. The letter also reminds writers that their primary audience should be their Black peers, to affirm their experiences, rather than focusing on educating White people. It concludes with a message of mutual support and the importance of giving oneself grace.

Opinions

The work of Black writers is valuable and impactful, regardless of engagement metrics.
Black writers should not feel obligated to address every Black issue if it becomes too burdensome.
It is important for Black writers to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually before writing about their Black-lived experiences.
Writing about the Black experience can be emotionally draining due to the unpacking of race-related trauma; a mindfulness routine can help ease this process.
The primary purpose of writing about the Black experience should be to affirm other Black people, rather than to educate White people.
Black writers are encouraged to share the work of other Black writers when the emotional toll becomes overwhelming.
Self-compassion is crucial; Black writers should give themselves grace and understand that they are not alone in their experiences.

Dear Black Writer: Writing On The Black-Lived Experience

Photo by Khaleelah Ajibola on Unsplash

Dear Black Writer:

Do you often feel invalidated when writing on your Black-lived experiences?

Do you often feel obligated to confront every Black issue?

I wanted to check in with YOU because I wanted YOU to know that the work that you’re doing is VALUABLE, even with little to no engagement. Just know that someone is reading your story and being positively impacted, or changed by it!

Continue confronting Black issues, but not to your own detriment. Share the work of other Black writers if it becomes unbearable to confront.

Prior to writing on your Black-lived experiences, make sure to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Writing on your Black-lived experiences can be emotionally exhausting because you’re unpacking race related trauma — Create a mindfulness routine to ease into writing on your Black-lived experiences.

When writing on your Black-lived experiences, think of it as affirming the Black lived-experiences of your Brothers and Sisters and less about educating White people.

I love YOU—Give yourself grace; I’ll give myself grace too!