My sis Assata {aka Sa~roc} and I LOVE to read!!!!! We've bonded over this mutual love for literature, poetry and other great writing. The art that is writing has served as a portal through which we've travelled beyond the boundaries of space and time. It has enabled us to envision and experience life beyond our immediate realities. Given how transformative writing has been for us, we've long dreamed of starting a book club through which we could nurture substantive and inspiring relationships with other globally minded women. We're excited to say that dream is now reality. Papyr*us is a monthly gathering through which we intend to celebrate sisterhood, substance and superb written works by people of colour.

There are two ways for our fellow queens to be a part of Papyr*us. The first is by invitation to our intimate Atlanta sessions. The second is via social media. Follow us on Periscope {thepapyrusbookclub} You will be able to follow our monthly sessions there in real time through a live feed. Also subscribe to our Youtube channel {thepapyrusbookclub} where previous sessions will be viewable. Additionally, we will share new book announcements; book review questions and commentary on each piece via Instagram {papyrusbookclub}, Periscope and here on the Ancestral Memory blog. Once we announce the book, members will have about one month to read it. At that point we will meet to discuss the piece in person and virtually. So, now that we have those details sorted out, let's get started!

The first book is...DRUMROLL!!!!.. If Beale St Could Talk by James Baldwin. Both Assata and I consider Baldwin to be one of the most brilliant authors in the history of American literature. His examinations of race, sexuality, religion and class compel discourse. If Beale St Could Talk, with its promotion of the black family and black love, is just one of James Balwin's works that still bear poignant relevance. We'll explore the significance of this book next month. You can obtain a copy on Amazon.com or Half.com for reasonable prices. If Beale St Could Talk is also available in ebook format. We also encourage you to check out your local libraries and black owned book stores. Go grab a copy and mark your calendar for our Sept 27th session! {We will announce the time of the 1st live feed closer to the date}. Should you have questions,please leave them in the comment field below. We look forward to vibesing with you!

Photography Credit: Sol Messiah