Spoken Black Girl for Mental Health Awareness

Dear Supporters,

My name is Rowana Abbensetts and I am the founder and editor-in-chief of Spoken Black Girl Publishing.

The theme of Spoken Black Girl Issue 2 was "Resilience", something that we need now more than ever in this fast-changing world. 

Issue 3:Diaspora  is a love letter to our community as we explore what "Diaspora" and what Global Connection means to each of us. 

In this time where the pandemic has devastated many people financially, and caused an unimaginable loss of life, especially within Black and Brown communities, we need reminders of the common threads that connect us.  Culture, Love, Home, Identity, we are exploring it all in this time of uncertainty.

In 2021 we will publish Spoken Black Girl Issue 3: Diaspora in the spring. I'm publishing my first novel, "Departure Story" with Spoken Black Girl Publishing this February. This is only the first of many books of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, memoir, romance, science fiction, fantasy, and inspirational books we plan to publish in 2021 - 2022. These endeavors are not without their expenses. Spoken Black Girl needs support to work with the many editors, designers, and printing professionals it takes to produce high quality books and magazines. I hope this business will become an intregal part in creating and promoting the stories that are good for our mental health and speak truths that will break generational curses.

I want to thank you all for your efforts and contributions over the last few months. I can say without a doubt, Spoken Black Girl is still around because of the love and support you have all shown for our mission.

Thanks to Daniel Castaneda better known as DCast music, who raised $300 in donations for Spoken Black Girl this summer with his debut album, Something Out of Nothing.

Midnight & Indigo, the publication which made it possible for me to even dream of Spoken Black Girl, gave generously to the Women of Color Writer Fund.

I also want to thank the many other donors who allowed for their names to be shared. I see you and I appreciate your unwavering support:

Christina Villatoro,  Sherese Francis, Paula Clarke, Sharon Page, Jasmine Lingard, Savior Films, Amber Worsley, Ianna Small, D'Janapha Fortune, Adrienne Prather, Meghan Forbes, Mari Corona, Pretty Entrepreneur, Justine Triunfo, Marielle Schmidt,  Julianne Ignacio, Allaya Cooks-Campbell, Tess McGuiness,   Alex & Fabian, Tanika Tempral, Magena Ammen, Aysha White, Marguerite Nocchi, Edek Sher, Rose Alsander,  Ruby K, Daiy Rios, Anayo Awuzie, Vanessa Nolasco, Angela Miskis. 

And thank you to the many anonymous donors as well!

Spoken Black Girl aims to create accessible and low-cost mental health and wellness content to marginalized communities and the world at large.  Community care is more important than ever. Spoken Black Girl aims to care for our diverse community of creatives by easing their burden and spreading hope and joy during this difficult time.

Where these funds will go:

SBG Creative Collaborators:

From poets and writers to photographers and designers, Spoken Black Girl: Resilience, is a product of hard work and love with the aim to uplift and inspire. Funds from this campaign will go toward supporting creatives and entrepreneurs who have been severely impacted by the financial downturn resulting from COVID-19.

SBG Women of Color Writers Fund:

Spoken Black Girl pledges to use $500 from our total goal to give grants to 2 women of color writers in need. All women of color writers are eligible for these grants regardless of whether or not they are featured in Issue 2 or have been published by Spoken Black Girl.

Please indicate if you would like your donation to be earmarked for the WOC Writers Fund.

Production Costs:

Funds will also go toward the production costs associated with Spoken Black Girl Magazine Issue 3: Diaspora.
Printing
Administrative Fees
Marketing
Contributors Fees

This is our time to come together, show compassion, share knowledge, and inspire. 
Love & Light,
Rowana