I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. Writing has served as an outlet where I can express my emotions, creativity, and experiences. Growing up, I loved reading and often would write my own stories. There are 5 writers who I aspire to be like. These writers have inspired my own writing and have pushed me to think critically and become more self-aware.

1. Alice Walker

Alice Walker is a poet, writer, and activist who wrote The Color Purple. She has written a plethora of short stories, essays, and poems that have given incredible insight into African-American culture. Alice Walker introduced the term “womanism” which helped to expand the women’s movement to include more women of color.

2. Audre Lorde

Poet, feminist, and civil rights activist Audrey Lorde has inspired the works of many. Through her works, she has been able to express feelings in such an articulate and special way. Her writings have dealt with many issues including civil rights, feminism, and the identity of the black female.

3. bell hooks

bell hooks is an author, feminist, and social activist. Her writing has largely focused on how race, class, and gender are connected. As well as how they are able to create and maintain oppression.

4. Angela Davis

Author, intellectual, and political activist Angela Davis has addressed many issues that have been constant issues in our society. Those issues being women’s rights, poverty, peace, health care, and prison reform.

5. Cherríe Moraga

Cherríe is a Chicana writer, feminist, activist, and poet. She co-edited "This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color".This book of writings highlights Third-wave feminism. In addition to this, she has written a plethora of other works.

6. Tony Morrison

Tony Morrison is a writer whose works have dealt with the black female experience within the black community. She has written one of my favorite books titled: "The Bluest Eye", which focuses on special Breedlove (a young black girl living in Ohio in the late 1940’s).

7. Gloria Anzaldúa

Gloria Anzaldúa was a Queer Chicana poet, writer, and feminist. Her writings have largely explored the feelings of anger and isolation that are often felt within communities, cultures, and identity. She also co-edited "This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color" along with Cherríe Moraga.

All of these women have inspired my own writing because they have taught me that as a woman of color (specifically a black woman) my voice and opinions are valid and worth sharing. Also, they have taught me why writing is so important. As a writer who is a woman of color, there are many issues that need to be brought forth and given attention to within my own community. These writers have taught me that by writing I am able to embody my voice and the voices of others within my community that may be struggling with the issues that plague our community.