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By: Jessica Harper
Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” This is precisely what my teenage daughter has accomplished. Unable to find a journal tailored for Black teen girls, she took it upon herself to create one. Her book, titled Discovering Your Black Girl Magic: 100 Journal Prompts, is now available for Black girls everywhere.
My daughter has been immersed in writing from a young age, likely influenced by my own passion for it. Having watched me dedicate countless hours to writing articles, publishing books, and participating in interviews, she has embraced the craft herself. Writing is truly a cornerstone of our family dynamic.
It brings me immense joy to see my children engage with literature, but for far too long, there were few options that featured characters reflecting their own identities. The publishing world has often sidelined Black voices due to systemic racism, not a lack of talent. When my kids did find representation, the stories frequently centered around slavery or civil rights—narratives steeped in trauma—often penned by white authors.
Thankfully, the landscape is changing, with more Black authors and illustrators stepping into the limelight and sharing their narratives. Now, my daughter has joined their ranks, and it’s a beautiful experience to witness her shine at just 13 years old.
My children have learned from me that sharing a gift involves risk and vulnerability. While it can lead to rejection or criticism, the impact of sharing one’s talent far outweighs keeping it hidden.
Over the past year, my daughter has poured her heart into her writing, working tirelessly on weekends, holidays, and evenings. She has navigated the challenges of drafting, revising, and dealing with writer’s block. We’ve printed, annotated, and refined her work, learning the process together, step by step.
Reflecting on the progress made for Black creators today, I can’t help but think of the representation I longed for as a child. I vividly remember the groundbreaking moment when I watched Brandy in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella—a moment that was revolutionary at the time. Today, representation flourishes in various forms across streaming platforms, books, and even holiday decorations. My preschooler loves watching Karma’s World, which features a talented Black girl, while my older kids enjoy shows like Family Reunion. They devour books by authors such as Jacqueline Woodson and Brandy Colbert.
Through her book, my daughter has crafted 100 journal prompts that explore a teen’s preferences, cherished memories, and thought-provoking moments. There are also sections for free drawing and writing, encouraging creativity and reflection. Some prompts challenge readers to think about social issues, including racism and equity, while others invite them to ponder the wisdom of notable women.
Although she may not fully comprehend the significance of her contribution yet, I believe she will one day recognize her bravery in embarking on this journey. By putting her thoughts into words and sharing them with the world, she embodies the essence of the sparkle that inspires other Black girls.
Her book serves as a powerful antidote to the stereotypes often ascribed to Black girls, reminding them to embrace who they are and take the time to reflect and celebrate themselves.
My daughter has truly taken Toni Morrison’s wisdom to heart, creating a book that fills a gap in representation. We eagerly await the impact it will have on readers this holiday season and beyond.
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Summary:
This article highlights a mother’s pride in her daughter’s achievement of writing a book aimed at empowering Black teen girls. It discusses the importance of representation in literature and the journey the young author undertook to create Discovering Your Black Girl Magic: 100 Journal Prompts. Through the book, she encourages self-reflection, creativity, and resilience in a world that often overlooks Black girls’ narratives.
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Keyphrase: My Daughter Authored a Book to Inspire Black Girls
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