Shared knowledge is positive in that it 1) is deliberate, 2) ensures growth and success in those who want to receive/ utilize the information and re-invest, 3) becomes an act of kindness and/or social responsibility, and 4) has the potential to reach and impact the masses.
We must advocate for equal knowledge the way we advocate for equal opportunity. Why else is so much information becoming available to us on the internet? Unfortuntely, not everything that is freely available will be taken advantage of. Not all recipients of knowledge will put in the required effort to experience accomplishment or freedom.
…But going back to being in service to others, you never give up on community. You never get tired of sharing. Of giving. You essentially become a butterfly, forever flying and fighting for the potential of others.
This weekend, my non-profit organization kicked off Black History Month by celebrating 6 prolific black women writers.
These women have authored fervent, heartfelt narratives that are diverse in style and genre. Each book is unique in its own right.
While SMMEIIS’ ultimate goal is to promote literacy, one thing we endeavor to uphold with our annual literary festival and book fair is the act of knowledge sharing.
In a panel discussion with the authors, we learn about the opportunities and obstacles literary artists experience on their publication journeys. Audience members also receive resources and information that encourage them to write their stories and produce their own manuscripts. Knowledge and resources shared by this year’s 6:
1. Just write. Even if it means the material comes out random and all over the place. Get a journal. Write everthing down immediately because you will forget things.
2. Don’t worry about what other people think. It could be that the very people you are worried about won’t even take time to read your book.
3. Invest in a good editor and if you can’t afford one, self- edit using a website like grammarly.com or find an English major/ English teacher who can assist you.
4. Build your own book using free (upgradable) programs such as Kindle Direct Publishing, Fiverr, or Canva.
5. Get a writing coach or accountability partner… someone who will constantly ask you how the writing is coming along. Join a collective of writers or surround yourself with people who genuinely support your dream.
For more on SMMEIIS’ programs, visit our website and sign up to receive our newsletter. Also, like or follow our page on Facebook and catch the latest footage from our book fair. Photos by Surbrina Cameron.
Alexa, play “Black Butterfly” by Sounds of Blackness. 🖤
Clinnesha is a writer, wife, mom, meta-artist, and social entrepreneur who feels most accountable to southern, black citizen-artists, elders, children, and families. Her work is at the intersection of arts, culture, innovation, and community.
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