The first thought that came to my mind when I received word of BlackAuthorsCONNECT was, "This is just what the doctor ordered." I have been part of a number of online writing groups, but none catered to my blackness. But I knew this experience would be different. It would connect me with other black American writers who were using their words to inspire and entertain.
Connecting with other black American writers is important to me because I am always on the look-out for books that help me maximize my potential. And as the father to a four-year-old boy, I seek children's books that let him know that white is not always right. This second point is becoming increasingly paramount to me because the only way he will be able to continue the struggle for equality is to have a healthy concept of who he is and who he can become.
Many people would argue that such an approach is ludicrious. I would tend to agree. We should never let skin color determine how we interact with the world. But these days, we are in a period of deconstruction. We are trying to deconstruct the notion of white superiority and black inferiority. We Blacks find ourselves trying to counter the negative stereotypes that confront us at every corner. We want the world to know that blackness isn't just about basketball dribbling and lyrical grandstanding. It's about using our God-given gifts and talents in a constructive manner.
I look forward to reading entries from this network's members. I know that there will be members with varying degrees of experience in the writing and publishing industry. That beng said, I hope several of us can collaborate on book projects that can be published independently or through more traditional channels.
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
Posted By: J. A. Faulkerson
Monday, September 8th 2008 at 3:53PM
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