Writing

A woman standing with her arms crossed and looking at the camera sideways.
Writing

Ghanaian American Writer Explores Black Teenagehood in a Murder-Mystery

In Heart-Shaped Lies, Elizabeth Agyemang centers the experiences and perspectives of young Black girls in a heart-racing story.

Here are 10 Recent Books from Black South African Women Writers That You Need to Read
Arts + Culture

Here are 10 Recent Books from Black South African Women Writers That You Need to Read

These 10 powerful books by Black South African women writers offer a compelling lens on Black women’s complex realities and triumphs in today’s world.

A photo of a Black man reading a book while sitting on the couch in the living room.
Literature

12 Books by African Writers You Need To Read This Summer

Add these books to your summer reading list.

On Behalf of My Unborn Son: Thank You African Male Artists
Writing

On Behalf of My Unborn Son: Thank You African Male Artists

African men's openness towards exploring different kinds of masculinity gives me hope for the future.

How to Prosper as a Nigerian Writer
Literature

How to Prosper as a Nigerian Writer

We talked to two Nigerian novelists on how to survive and even thrive when you're a writer not named Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Kintsukuroi: A Lesson in Breaking
Writing

Kintsukuroi: A Lesson in Breaking

On healing after losing a child and finding beauty in the cracks of one's shattered self.

An African In Need: How I Learned to Stop the Self-Hate and Love My Africanness
Writing

An African In Need: How I Learned to Stop the Self-Hate and Love My Africanness

In this personal essay, Joan Erakit opens up on her continued struggle with her identity as an African living in the diaspora.

I Am Halfrican: On Embracing the Two Cultures that Make Me Who I Am
Writing

I Am Halfrican: On Embracing the Two Cultures that Make Me Who I Am

A personal essay on identity and how the term "Halfrican" best describes OkayAfrica contributing writer Erica Garnes.

9 Things We Learned From the 'One Book, One New York' Conversation With Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Writing

9 Things We Learned From the 'One Book, One New York' Conversation With Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Some of the lessons we learned from the One Book, One New York Conversation at NYPL.

How I Learned the Power of Pussy Prayer
Popular

How I Learned the Power of Pussy Prayer

Pussy prayer is how we heal the wounds of sexual trauma. One woman's journey from hurt to acceptance.

Nnedi Okorafor Tells the Story of How Publishers Once Tried to Whitewash Her Book Cover
Writing

Nnedi Okorafor Tells the Story of How Publishers Once Tried to Whitewash Her Book Cover

Science fiction novelist, Nnedi Okorafor, took to Twitter yesterday to share her experience with whitewashing in the literary world.

A Love Letter to Shea Butter
Writing

A Love Letter to Shea Butter

A heartfelt love note to a vital component of black hair and self care—raw shea butter. Light the candles. Cue the violins.

Hear an Exclusive Clip From Trevor Noah's New Book, 'Born a Crime'
Writing

Hear an Exclusive Clip From Trevor Noah's New Book, 'Born a Crime'

Trevor Noah narrates a story about his mother's “faith-based obstinacy” in this clip from The Daily Show host’s new book, ‘Born a Crime’

Ngugi wa Thiong'o Snubbed of the Nobel Prize for Literature
Writing

Ngugi wa Thiong'o Snubbed of the Nobel Prize for Literature

Kenyans on Twitter were not happy about Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize for Literature over Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Feminist Manifesto on How to Raise a Child
Writing

Read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Feminist Manifesto on How to Raise a Child

In a 9,000-word letter to a friend, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie lays out 15 suggestions for how to raise your child a feminist.

Details on Trevor Noah's Book, "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood"
Writing

Details on Trevor Noah's Book, "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood"

Trevor Noah shares more news on his first book, “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood”

Meet Buhle Ngaba, the South African Storyteller Helping Young Black Girls Find Their Voice
Writing

Meet Buhle Ngaba, the South African Storyteller Helping Young Black Girls Find Their Voice

South African actor/author Buhle Ngaba is amplifying the voices of young women of colour around the world.