Black Love Matters
Book Feature - Black Love Matters edited by Jessica P. Pryde
HBL Note: BLACK LOVE MATTERS is a collection of essays written by influential Black readers, writers, and cultural commentators, including such notable names as Jasmine Guillory, Kosoko Jackson, Carole V. Bell, and Allie Parker. Black love is often left out of romance storytelling, despite it continuing to be a big part of today’s cultural entertainment. In response to that, these essays seek to share romance as experienced by Black people. I particularly love how diverse the perspectives are within this collection of essays, touching on themes of queerness, intersectionality, the meaning of desirability, and the impact of representation on social justice.
In addition to this feature, I interviewed Jessica P. Pryde, author and librarian, who edited this collection of essays. Scroll down to read more.
Book Feature - Black Love Matters edited by Jessica P. Pryde
From the publisher:
Romantic love has been one of the most essential elements of storytelling for centuries. But for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora, it hasn't often been easy to find Black romance joyfully showcased in entertainment media. In this collection, revered authors and sparkling newcomers, librarians and academicians, and avid readers and reviewers consider the mirrors and windows into Black love as it is depicted in the novels, television shows, and films that have shaped their own stories. Whether personal reflection or cultural commentary, these essays delve into Black love now and in the past, including topics from the history of Black romance to social justice and the Black community to the meaning of desire and desirability.
Exploring the multifaceted ways love is seen—and the ways it isn't—this diverse array of Black voices collectively shines a light on the power of crafting happy endings for Black lovers.
Jessica Pryde is joined by Carole V. Bell, Sarah Hannah Gomez, Jasmine Guillory, Da’Shaun Harrison, Margo Hendricks, Adriana Herrera, Piper Huguley, Kosoko Jackson, Nicole M. Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Christina C. Jones, Julie Moody-Freeman, and Allie Parker in this collection.
