We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikita Haynie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikita , thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Historically Black women have persisted in creating space for ourselves fighting against systematic barriers discrediting our experiences and knowledge; however, the irony is through this resistance we have found the value of our experiences and shared those through storytelling. Since childhood writing and reading have been a safe space for me and I deeply desired to create a safe space for Black women and girls to be able to have a community in regard to both of those.

Nikita, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

bell hooks once said, “That sense of the sacredness of words, of writing, has been inside my mind, heart, and imagination for such a long time. I can no longer remember a world without words on the page calling me…No passion in my life has been a constant, as true as this love”. No truer words have resonated with my personal journey as a black girl with an affinity for reading and writing. I’ve known my entire life that my devotion to literature and writing was unique to most, my deep appreciation for the expression of words from the depths within me was a calling over my life. As a black woman writer, I understand the power of amplifying my voice. I am committed to leaving a legacy of writing, black womanhood, and creativity in the world. I live by the words, “Writing is my superpower” as I believe it is my purpose to galvanize and continue to create space for Black women and girls’ voices to be heard. Black women and girls’ experiences hold depth, and internalizing the magical place we internally hold empowers us to continue to dismantle the gatekeepers and prevail past limitations.

My vision for Write On, Black Girl is to serve as the bridge to galvanize the gap that exists for Black women and girl writers and readers. It is my hope that Write On, Black Girl continues to become a platform that flourishes into a central hub for Black women and girl writers, authors, and readers. Write On Black Girl brings awareness to Black women and girls’ experiences, voices, and stories by providing resources, workshops, and highlighting publishing opportunities.

I am most proud that Write On Black Girl presently continues to be a community space that affirms Black women and girls that enjoy writing and reading regardless if they are just discovering the benefits of both or have been avid readers and writers. Writing and reading for Black women and girls has always been an act of resistance, joy, healing and power and I am honored to continue making space and exposure to our voices.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

Watching an idea, dream, or vision I’ve created come into full manifestation. Knowing that no matter how small or big it’s making a difference in someone’s life specifically for me as it pertains to Write On Black Girl knowing that my platform is empowering someone to tell their own story or create one to impact others. Language and storytelling are sacred to Black women and girls, it’s our safe space, and it’s how we connect with one another. Stories have an undeniable power to transform lives.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Being a light and change agent for Black girls and women. In my opinion, Black girls and women aren’t celebrated, acknowledged, and praised enough for our talents, gifts, and mere existence. It’s important for me to create space for all Black girls and women to be able to exist in their fullness unashamed and unafraid, to know we matter, our stories, our experiences, they matter. I believe Write On, Black Girl! is my activism toward creating that change

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.writeonblackgirl.com/
• Instagram: writeonblackgirl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-haynie/

Image Credits
Logos-Jasmine Chinnery Photos-Damethius Ewing