Tiffany D. Jackson’s speaks on the Power of a Black Girl Writing Justice
By: Tamika Newhouse
Tags: Tiffany D Jackson, Black Writers, Black Women Writers, We Need Diverse Books, Reading

Tiffany D. Jackson

Even with Black authors taking the bestseller list by storm, the systematic issues are prevalent and alive. The need for black authors and black stories across all experiences and facets is needed more than ever. 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.” Tiffany D. Jackson, a black young adult fiction writer, is unapologetically letting her Black girl magic shine while writing for the culture.

Best known for her NAACP Image Award-nominated debut novel Allegedly, chronicling a teen accused of murder at the age of nine, was published in 2017. By highlighting social injustices, inequities, and experiences in the Black community in her novels, she is boldly making a statement our stories matter. Her second debut novel, Monday’s Not Coming, was inspired by the countless disappearances of Black girls and eventually led to the #missingdcgirls. In an interview with Vox magazine, when asked about her shying away from the typical young adult genre topics of romance, dystopia, and escapism Tiffany stated, “I feel in this particular political climate we need our kids to know everything happening. We cannot shelter them because then they turn into adults who don’t believe these issues are happening.”

This fall, her fourth novel, Grown, will release in September 2020, depicts the vulnerability of black girls, and examines tough topics of misogynoir and rape culture. It’s sure to spark critical dialogue explicitly thinking of the trending hashtag #protectblackwomen. Tiffany D. Jackson breaks barriers and creates the path for real conversation, real characters, and real issues. Tiffany’s works include: Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming, Let Me Hear a Rhyme, and The Awakening of Malcolm X (set to release 2021). Her dream is to have her “firstborn,” the nickname she proudly calls her debut novel turned into a film. With the power of her storytelling, it’s not unlikely it will manifest.

Her stories speaks to empowering black women and our stories, so of course having her a part of Black Writers Weekend was ideal. She’s been rocking her black girl magic since the release of her “first born” the nickname she proudly calls her debut novel, with hopes of it being turned into a film. With the power of her storytelling, it’s likely to manifest.

I deeply admire Tiffany plight of writing transparent and real experiences of black people, specifically black women. Bell Hooks stated, “No black woman writer in this culture can write “too much”. Indeed, no woman writer can write “too much”…No woman has ever written enough.” With the nation’s climate, unpacking the truth of black experiences is imperative to ensure our voices are heard, even when the world tries to silence us. It takes courage, fearlessness, and Black girl magic to write social justice. Hear her speak at this year’s virtual experience of Black Writers Weekend during the “Rocking My Black Girl Magic” panel streaming August 29 on Youtube.

Grab your passes and view a full schedule here. To connect with Tiffany D. Jackson online, follow her on Instagram and Twitter @writeinbk and www.writeinbk.com.

Written By: Nikita Haynie Instagram @thenikitahaynie