Author: Sonja D. Williams

Honoring Three Irreplaceable Women Writers

Sonja D. Williams Nonfiction

For this year’s Women’s History Month, I want to pay tribute to three amazing Black women writers – gifted scribes who have inspired countless fellow writers and readers.

I have long loved the wit, literary grace and poetic insights of the Harlem Renaissance’s Zora Neale Hurston  (1891-1960).  A critically acclaimed Hurston biography,Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston, was written by Valerie Boyd (1963-2022).

Unfortunately, Boyd, a lyrical writer, dedicated journalist and media professor, joined the ancestors last month.

But back in 2015 and before Boyd and I appeared together on a panel at the Biographers International Organization annual conference, I had the pleasure of interviewing her. Here’s the link to that interview.

Valerie Boyd also left behind a forthcoming book about a third influential and prolific writer, Alice Walker – the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction (The Color Purple). Walker’s latest book, Gathering Blossoms Under Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker 1965-2000, will be published in April 2022 by Simon and Schuster.

Boyd co-edited this historic collection of Walker’s intimate writings.

So please click on the above links detailing the immense literary talents of Zora Neale Hurson, Valerie Boyd and Alice Walker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I SEE U – A “Shifting” Journalism and Media Podcast Discussion

Sonja D. Williams Journalism, Nonfiction, Podcast, Podcasting

In a session called “The Future ‘Shift Key’ in Journalism,” I SEE U’s Eddie Robinson, the podcast’s executive producer and host, recently interviewed Emmy Award-winning journalist Justin Carter and I about the constantly evolving world of journalism & information dissemination.

To hear the conversation, click on the link below.

I SEE U, Episode 35: The Future ‘Shift Key’ in Journalism

 

Celebrating Black History Month 2022!

Sonja D. Williams Nonfiction, Nonfiction Writing, Radio

It’s that time of year again…time to celebrate the richness of history from an African American perspective.

So if you’re interested in learning more about the men and women and movements that define Black history – and American history – check out the selections offered by the University of Illinois Press.  The press is offering a major sale of books celebrating Black lives (including my book, Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom) throughout the month of February.

Enjoy!

 

A Personal Dive Into the Life of Influential Politician – Nancy Pelosi

Sonja D. Williams Nonfiction, Nonfiction Writing, Podcast, Podcasting, Politics

With all of the constantly shifting, confusing and even frustrating machinations in America’s political world, you might wonder what drives the men and women behind the headlines and news stories.  Perhaps no one is more fascinating a personality than Nancy Pelosi – the first woman to serve as Congress’ Speaker of the House.

In her bestselling biography, simply titled Pelosi, journalist Molly Ball explores the life of this experienced and polarizing politician. Fellow biography and former journalist John A. Farrell interviews Molly Ball, and their revelatory discussion is available on the Biographers International Organization podcast – on which I serve as a producer.

Click HERE to listen and to be engaged.

 

 

Juneteenth – America’s Newest National Holiday – June 19th

Sonja D. Williams Nonfiction, Nonfiction Writing, Podcasting

Looking to hear something that could, perhaps, cool you down while providing insights into this country’s most recent, hot weather-based holiday?

If so, click on the book cover image on the right.

Last month for BIO (the Biographers International Organization), I had the pleasure of conducting a ZOOM interview with Harvard University Professor Annette Gordon-Reed, the Pulitzer Prize and multiple award-winning author and historian, best known for her compelling studies of such 19thcentury figures as Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemmings and Andrew Johnson.

Gordon-Reed’s latest book, On Juneteenth  (published in May of this year), is an insightful, personalized view of the history and legacy of the mid-June celebration that marks the end of slavery in Texas.

So treat yourself to a pleasurable and hopefully an enlightening summertime podcast.

And enjoy!

 

 

error: Content is protected !!