upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024
Debra will publish a collection of short stories and poems that will address issues of relationships, racism, sexuality, and concepts of beauty as told from the perspective of American, African, Caribbean, and British women of color contributors who live around the world. The collection, For Women—In Tribute to Nina Simone, was inspired by Debra’s essay, “Four Women—For Women: Black Women All Grown Up,” which examines the lyrics of Nina Simone’s classic, Four Women and Talib Kweli’s hip-hop tribute, For Women. An accomplished spoken word artist and poetry writing workshop facilitator, Debra’s goal for this collection is to offer an opportunity for publication to authors outside of the academic arena, similar to the opportunity offered to her by publication of her essay in the anthology, Examining The Black Female Body. Debra will facilitate readings at community-based venues for the purpose of bringing together diverse groups and engaging in stimulating dialogue about the issues addressed in the collection.