Welcome to Black Writers Week | Black Writers Week


We are calling this week Black Writers Week 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 diluted the fact that all 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.” Of course they do. But in light of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland and Philando Castile, and so many many others, 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 the slumber of complacency? A moment with the potential to herald 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 are five talented guest editors: Robert Daniels, Odie Henderson, Sergio Mims, Danielle Scruggs, and Shawn Taylor.

Enjoy reading about five individuals we’re highlighting 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 Dr. Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Dr. 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 Black film critics featuring Gil Robertson, Carla Renata, Reginald Ponder, Tambay Obenson, Kathia Woods, Sarah-Tai Black and Emmanuel Noisette.

You can view the original article HERE.

General Hospitals Randall England Dead at 75
General Hospitals Randall England Dead at 75
Lily Tomlin Reveals Dolly Partons Surprising 9 to 5 Preparation
Lily Tomlin Reveals Dolly Partons Surprising 9 to 5 Preparation
Frankie Muniz Speaks Out After Car Crash at Daytona International Speedway
Frankie Muniz Speaks Out After Car Crash at Daytona International Speedway
The 16 Cant-Miss Holiday Gifts for Your Beauty-Obsessed BFF
The 16 Cant-Miss Holiday Gifts for Your Beauty-Obsessed BFF
Netflix's Long-Awaited Fantasy Adaptation Finally Unveils First Look After 7 Years
Netflix's Long-Awaited Fantasy Adaptation Finally Unveils First Look After 7 Years
Goodbye VisionQuest, Marvels Paladin Knows Where He Should Appear Next In The MCU
Goodbye VisionQuest, Marvels Paladin Knows Where He Should Appear Next In The MCU
8 Hulu Miniseries Masterpieces You Can Watch in One Sitting
8 Hulu Miniseries Masterpieces You Can Watch in One Sitting
16 Years Later, One of LEGOs Most Iconic Franchises Returns With Stunning Sequel Trailer
16 Years Later, One of LEGOs Most Iconic Franchises Returns With Stunning Sequel Trailer
U2: You have to up your game when people step into the room like Fontaines D.C.
U2: You have to up your game when people step into the room like Fontaines D.C.
Kings Of Leon launch O My Beloved and break out classic hits and rarities at intimate one-off London show
Kings Of Leon launch O My Beloved and break out classic hits and rarities at intimate one-off London show
Rosalía celebrates one year of Lux with 1,000-song playlist and anniversary box set
Rosalía celebrates one year of Lux with 1,000-song playlist and anniversary box set
Watch Blink-182s Mark Hoppus join Jimmy Eat World for A Praise Chorus at The Hollywood Bowl
Watch Blink-182s Mark Hoppus join Jimmy Eat World for A Praise Chorus at The Hollywood Bowl
NFL official Don Willard to referee two games in Week 10
NFL official Don Willard to referee two games in Week 10
Ty Dieffenbach fought through the pain to lead No. 4 UCLA to victory over Illinois
Ty Dieffenbach fought through the pain to lead No. 4 UCLA to victory over Illinois
Parker Kingstons lawyers seek to disqualify prosecutor from rape case
Parker Kingstons lawyers seek to disqualify prosecutor from rape case
Kings loss to Islanders increases frustration despite Fialas return
Kings loss to Islanders increases frustration despite Fialas return
The Weekend Read: Marriage In MobLand, Johnny Depps Return, Kenyan Land Theft, A Hunger Games Breakout, Project Hail Marys 80s Pop Vibes & Shooting Wild Horse Nine
The Weekend Read: Marriage In MobLand, Johnny Depps Return, Kenyan Land Theft, A Hunger Games Breakout, Project Hail Marys 80s Pop Vibes & Shooting Wild Horse Nine
The Rainmakers Austin Nichols Unpacks Tom & Bruisers Past, That Severed Head Shocker & More
The Rainmakers Austin Nichols Unpacks Tom & Bruisers Past, That Severed Head Shocker & More
David Walliams Being Investigated By Met Police
David Walliams Being Investigated By Met Police
Greys Anatomy: Blues Dad Reveals His True Colors & Jo Makes a Change
Greys Anatomy: Blues Dad Reveals His True Colors & Jo Makes a Change
These Viral Thermal Jeans Kept Me Warm in Iceland
These Viral Thermal Jeans Kept Me Warm in Iceland
Editors Pick: Halfdays x Guest in Residence Alpine Coveralls
Editors Pick: Halfdays x Guest in Residence Alpine Coveralls
Vivienne Tam Revisits Her Signature East-Meets-West Style With Two New Collections
Vivienne Tam Revisits Her Signature East-Meets-West Style With Two New Collections
Tods Parts Ways With Designer Matteo Tamburini
Tods Parts Ways With Designer Matteo Tamburini