Black Roses

After the “I Aim’ series and the “To Be True” collection, I began writing with the intention of Christ, with the peace of God, and the healing of the Holy Spirit. To be plainly and truly what I was born to be. A godly woman and poet. I am choosing now to be found in Him and to minister through this creative outlet of mine. Black Roses is my first chapbook of an unknown series or maybe a book all on its own. When I first heard the term “black rose” in a Dead Prez song I was inspired and created my own story based on those two words. They hold power just as much as any other. For me, it was the story of being unapologetically strong and beautiful in my blackness. Ultimately being a stand in mother turned out to be as complex and testing as true motherhood. Finally, going back in my family history and speaking on the Tulsa/Greenwood District massacre that is still longing to be remembered. This is our return to a state of “black roseness” that I can only express through a poem or two. I hope that this chapbook is everything you need and more. For my ancestors and for my future children, I try to leave a piece of my truth on each and every word, so as to convey the emotions and stories that are untold or forgotten. So please enjoy and spread what you can, because this is all that I am.