Personal narratives have a unique power. They connect us, inspire us, and reveal truths that statistics and reports often cannot. When I first encountered the art of personal storytelling, I realized it was more than just recounting events. It was about weaving identity, emotion, and purpose into a story that resonates deeply. Today, I want to share insights into personal storytelling techniques to help you craft your own compelling narratives. Understanding The Art of Person

Dreams offer a rich source of imagery, emotion, and symbolism that often bypasses the conscious mind’s filters. When you write based on dreams, you tap into a raw, unedited flow of ideas. This can lead to unexpected metaphors, unique storylines, or fresh poetic language. For example, the title Thick Black Lines came from a dream image that lingered long after waking, eventually shaping the tone and themes of the entire chapbook. Dreams as writing inspiration often arrive jus

Journaling and poetry offer powerful ways to process emotions and reflect on complex social issues. They provide a space to explore personal experiences and broader societal challenges, especially those related to mental health, identity, and justice. This post discusses how I have used these creative practices to support mental well-being while engaging with complex topics like grief, loss, policing, and colonization. Drawing from my two books that blend journal writing and

Narrative writing is more than just telling a story. It’s about creating an experience that invites readers to see the world through a different lens. With narrative writing, you must strive to balance emotional depth with clear, direct language in your writing. You should not shy away from complexity, but you should avoid unnecessary jargon and convoluted sentences. This balance makes your work accessible and impactful. One key technique you can use is show, don’t tell . Ins

Engaging a community in a workshop setting is both an art and a science. Over the years, I have learned that the key to successful workshops lies not just in the content but in how participants connect with the material and with each other. When we talk about workshop engagement strategies , we are really discussing how to create an environment where voices are heard, stories are shared, and meaningful change begins. This is especially vital when working with Black women and

Creativity is a powerful force. It allows us to express our most profound truths, challenge the status quo, and inspire change. Yet, unlocking that creative potential can sometimes feel elusive. I’ve found that creativity is not just a gift but a skill that can be nurtured and developed. Through my journey and attending conferences and workshops, I’ve learned practical ways to tap into my creative well and encourage others to do the same. This post is a reflection on those pe

Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope you’re as excited about 2025 as I am. The new year brings with it fresh opportunities to rebuild,...

As I approach the end of this year, I can’t help but look back and evaluate the highs and lows of the past ten months. It's tempting to...

Throughout history, Black individuals have faced significant atrocities, ranging from the brutalities of enslavement to persistent...

On occasion, we are required to make decisions that may not be popular but are necessary. In his 1965 commencement address at Oberlin...

On July 6, 2024, 36-year-old Sonya Massey was murdered in her home by a Springfield, Illinois, Sheriff's Deputy with a history of misconduct and DUI. Black women continue to be victimized and murdered by law enforcement. This post is a repost from The Healing Collective Global - Healing Collectively Blog in August 2020 and my blog in November 2020. Unfortunately, it is still relevant 4 years later. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused most of us to make significant changes to our

by Tashiana Cheeks Have you ever felt the urge to capture the fleeting clarity you experience during your yoga or meditation sessions?...

As a writer who crafts poetry and essays centered around the experiences of Black women and girls, I’ve always found solace in words. But...

Having poured my heart into Thick Black Lines, I understand the burning question: How did I secure a publisher for this labor of love?...

“They were tearing down his house because San Francisco is engaging, as all, most northern cities now are engaged in something called...

The history of Black people extends far beyond the year 1619 when the first enslaved Africans were brought to the New World to provide...

Do you ever find yourself waking up with fragments of a dream lingering in your mind, only to have them slip away as the day progresses?...

Greetings, dear readers! Cast your minds back to 2021, when I embarked on what was supposed to be a 12-month sabbatical to breathe life...

Sometimes you hear the word, ‘No’ so often that you come to expect it. I know I’m not alone here. I applied for 1 fellowship and 5...

As I prepare for my 12-month writing sabbatical, which begins on July 1, 2021, I am reminded of a blog post I wrote last spring about...