LLW Lite: Words from Mama Sonia
The following excerpt is taken from the classic text, 'Black Women Writers at Work'. Here, Poet & Activist Sonia Sanchez speaks on why many Black women chose not to be revolutionary writers.
Originally published in 1985, this text featured a powerhouse collection of Black women writers talking about the purpose of their work. For a while, this book was out of print, but it was recently re-released by Haymarket Books and can be found in all formats now. While these women were interviewed by Claudia S. Tate well over thirty years ago, their ponderings on this work as a writer, specifically a Black woman writer are just as relevant as ever.
Born Wilsonia Benita Driver in 1934 in Birmingham, AL, Sonia Sanchez was/is one of the most notable voices from the 1960s’ Black consciousness era. She has published several collections of poems, written stageplays and taught at several colleges and universities.
Below is a response to one of the questions that Tate asked Sonia about the energy of the sixties and seventies. As you read, think about what resonates today about Sonia’s points. The highlighted passages are of significant importance. There will be a part two to this piece which will delve more deeply into how all of this still relates to the cause of Black artistic expression during current times.
Discussion Questions: What stood out the most to you about the excerpt? What did it make you think about specifically? Do you think that Sonia’s words have any relevance to today? Why or Why not? What is the connection between victimization in a one-to-one relationship and an understanding of the systemic oppression of America as it relates to Black people?