I could quite easily find a poem or an excerpt from one of her books and that in itself would be enough to validate my choice. But here we are and I am unapologetic about my choice.
I am also aware that only having a month to discuss the accomplishments of black people is a contentious issue. I guess my reticence to name her first was fear of being somewhat cliche. Admittedly upon reading the brief, she was the very first person that came to mind. I'm sure there are millions of us who have at some point posted ‘Still I Rise’ or ‘Phenomenal Woman’. Every Black History Month she is more than likely to be at the very top of the list on most search engines. Now obviously her name precedes her so I do not need to tell you facts about her. The name I have not mentioned thus far is Maya Angelou.
Cupcake Brown gave me a piece of cake that had me in floods of tears on my commute and almost unable to take another bite. To be a fly on that wall! I am no more influenced by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and why we should all be feminists then I am by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, our very own hidden figure has had me gazing up at the stars on many a clear night. Could I pick Emma Dabiri and her painfully accurate analysis of Afro hair and ‘follicular’ racism, over Reni Eddo-Lodge and why she is no longer talking to white people about race? Although decades apart, I am sure W.E.B Dubois, James Baldwin, Benjamin Zephania and Akala would soon find common ground and undoubtedly their conversations would be lengthy. How can I pick one? I am no less inspired by Toni Morrisson, the Nobel Laureate then I am by Malorie Blackman the British author of Noughts & Crosses.
Instantly I have a myriad of names whirling around in my head.
I am tasked with talking about a black writer or artist who inspires and influences me and my creativity.
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