My Teen Authored a Book to Empower Black Girls to Discover Their Inner Sparkle

My Teen Authored a Book to Empower Black Girls to Discover Their Inner Sparkleartificial insemination kit for humans

In the spirit of Toni Morrison’s powerful words, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” my daughter took this wisdom to heart. Frustrated by the lack of journals designed specifically for Black teen girls, she decided to create one herself. Her book, titled Discovering Your Black Girl Magic: 100 Journal Prompts, is now available for Black teen girls everywhere.

As a writer myself, my daughter has grown up surrounded by the art of storytelling. She has seen me dedicate countless hours to writing articles, publishing books, and engaging in media discussions. Writing is woven into our family culture, and it brings me immense joy to see her embrace this passion.

While my kids adore reading and writing, they often find it disheartening that there have been so few stories featuring characters who look like them. The publishing industry has long marginalized Black voices, not for lack of talent but due to systemic barriers. When they do come across books that reflect their experiences, these stories often center on themes of slavery and civil rights—narratives filled with trauma. Additionally, the majority of these works are written by white authors.

Fortunately, the landscape is changing, with more Black authors and illustrators stepping into the spotlight to share their narratives. My daughter is among them, and it is truly magical to witness her shine, especially as she just turned 13.

She has learned that sharing her gift involves risk and vulnerability. It can be daunting to expose oneself to potential criticism or rejection, but holding back her creativity wouldn’t have the same impact as sharing it with the world.

Throughout this year, my daughter has dedicated herself to her book—working on weekends, holidays, and late nights. She has navigated the intricate process of writing, from drafting and revising to overcoming writer’s block. We’ve printed pages, made notes, and revised until we got it just right. I’ve watched her embrace the highs and lows of the writing journey, fueled by determination and passion.

Reflecting on the past few years, I marvel at the surge of representation for Black creators and the joy it brings to audiences. I recall the groundbreaking moment when I saw Brandy portray Cinderella—a significant milestone in representation that took years to follow with characters like Tiana.

Now, representation flourishes in every medium. My children are captivated by shows like “Karma’s World” and “Family Reunion,” which highlight Black experiences. They devour books by authors like Jacqueline Woodson and Brandy Colbert, and our family has shared countless moments watching “Black Panther” and “Jingle Jangle,” both of which have profoundly resonated with them.

The influx of new and inspiring Black representation is undeniable. My daughter now proudly identifies as a creator, having authored a book filled with 100 journal prompts that encourage self-exploration. These prompts cover a range of topics, from personal likes and memories to social issues like racism and equity. She also includes quotes from influential women, asking readers to reflect on their wisdom. Each page invites girls to embrace self-love and creativity in a fast-paced world.

While she may not fully grasp the significance of her contribution just yet, I know she will one day understand the bravery it took to embark on this journey. The act of putting pen to paper and sharing her words with the world is a powerful expression of Black girl magic.

Through her writing, my daughter challenges the stereotypes often placed on Black girls. Discovering Your Black Girl Sparkle empowers them to embrace their identities and take the time to reflect on their lives.

She embodies Morrison’s wisdom by creating a book that didn’t previously exist. Now that it’s published, we eagerly await the impact it will have.

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In summary, my daughter’s journey in writing her book has been a testament to creativity, representation, and the power of sharing one’s voice. As she inspires her peers to embrace their uniqueness, we look forward to the positive change her work will bring to the lives of many.