Welcome to Black Writers Week | Black Writers Week

We are calling this week Black Writers Week to be in symmetry with our Women Writers Week that I started in 2013. What a surprise to learn that Twitter considered this title too controversial to promote because it violated their standards. I guess we could have called it Diversity and Inclusion Week but somehow that would have been watering down the fact that all of the participants are Black. It reminded me of a friend who was reluctant to say three little words: “Black lives matter.”

You know the response: “All lives matter.” Yes, but in light of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Armaud Arbery, Sandra Bland and Philando Castile, and so many many more, can you at least acknowledge this point in history by saying those three simple words? Can’t you feel the groundswell for change that came about with marches for social justice all over the globe? The moment of reckoning that awoke us from a complacent slumber? A moment that heralds a new chapter of hope and equality if we only open our eyes and see what is right in front of us and work together to make a new day, a new world?

Yes, Black – Lives – Matter! And so does representation in storytelling. So welcome to Black Writers Week at RogerEbert.com. Today, we are republishing reviews and features by elite Black critics as a prologue to what’s to come. 

Joining our staff of qualified professionals behind the scenes this week is a series of five talented Guest Editors: Robert Daniels, Odie Henderson, Sergio Mims, Danielle Scruggs, and Shawn Taylor.

Enjoy our five individuals highlighted in our Profiles in Courage series: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Julieanna Richardson, Erica Ford, Dr. Kahil El Zabar, and Jeremy Joyce.

Watch our esteemed panelists: Afro-futurists Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, John Jennings and Ytasha Womack discuss the evolution of Afro-Futurism. Our executives and producers Karen Horne, Jon Carr, Troy Pryor, JaSheika and JaNeika James, and Shawn Edwards dissect the progress in TV, film and theater.

Whose gaze should we consider when watching movies and how will Black film critics get paid? Watch the round table of film critics Gil Robertson, Carla Renata, Reginald Ponder, Tambay Obenson, Kathia Woods, Sarah-Tai Black and Emmanuel Noisette.