Q&A: Cook’s Activism at Philly Bookshop
The owner of the recently opened Harriett’s Bookshop, which specializes in the work of Black and women authors, talks about the arts as a tool for social change and her vision for the store.
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The owner of the recently opened Harriett’s Bookshop, which specializes in the work of Black and women authors, talks about the arts as a tool for social change and her vision for the store.
The #PublishingPaidMe hashtag highlights anti-Black bias within the publishing industry and opens up the conversation about how editors determine book advances.
“Where do Black folks put all this pain? Where do we put all our anger?”
“You place yourself in the story, and one by one you begin to fill in the holes the world has left behind.”
“How can I love a people who want to destroy me? How can I protect myself in that love?”
Eleven writers pen letters addressed to fellow Black writers, to their ancestors, to gatekeepers, to members of the media, and to allies, among others.
“If you, too, hear the voice of white supremacy ringing in your ear, know that writing is resistance.”
“I continue pushing and trudging through blanketing whiteness so heavy it often obstructs my vision.”
“I fear that this moment will not last long enough.”
“I write sporadically and edit often.” —francine j. harris, author of Here Is the Sweet Hand