Some of the best Black women writers I know have journals no one has ever read. They write in the margins, notes apps, memos, diaries, scraps of paper and on the back of envelopes. Not for likes. Not for attention. For breath. For relief. For survival. Please remember, you are a writer—even if no one sees it but you. – Alice Joy

This stopped me in my scroll. As someone raised by Black women whose power lived in the unspoken — journals, prayers, stories told over pots of food — this hit home. There’s so much brilliance that exists outside the spotlight. Thank you for reminding us that writing is a form of survival, even when it’s invisible to the world. – Eric Adams

This just took my breath away. There’s something so sacred about writing for survival and for breath. This where the most honest, life-giving words come from. The image of words scattered across margins and envelope backs, written not for applause but for relief… that’s the purest form of the craft. Those invisible journals hold truths that could change the world. Thank you for seeing and honoring these writers, for validating that the act of putting pen to paper, whether anyone witnesses it or not. This is revolutionary in itself. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. – Sly

I’m not a black woman but I am lucky enough to have a woman of color as my best friend. We both keep journals and she recently told me about she intends to burn her journals before she dies. She explained to me that her inner thoughts are not for public consumption, including her family. We talked about our writing and how she and I share deep thoughts about our lives, the universe and everything in between. And she told me about how she needs to keep some aspects of her thoughts to herself. And that no other person is allowed access to that deep hearts core. I think she’s on to something here. Our secret selves core must remain secret =Elizabeth Gibbs

She is definitely on to something. We don’t have to share everything we write. Some writing is sacred and for our eyes only. This is how our journals remain a safe space. Thank you for sharing 💗Published Sistas