Nikkiesha McLeod is joined by Iman Carter and Christopher Silverberg to discuss author Anastacia-Reneé’s ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere,’ a bold hybrid collection of poetry, flash fiction, and Afrofuturism sci-fi.

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Iman and Christopher are participants, along with Nikkie, in writing workshops organized by Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. Visit https://cavecanempoets.org/ for more information on the organization.

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ABOUT ‘HERE IN THE (MIDDLE) OF NOWHERE:’

The book explores what happens when god is a Black woman in a town. What happens when there are multiple universes in the middle of nowhere?

What if in each universe there reigned other Black woman gods? One million versions of god, and one million saints to watch over us? And what if this Black woman god were placed here on earth?

These are just a few of the questions Anastacia-Reneé asks in this daring and mind-bending hybrid collection. Hers is a universe of striking variety—monsters, nontraditional saints, witches, zombies, the couple in the apartment next door, the wise elders from down the block, and gods watching over us all—as well as community and connectedness.

With a prose storyline and characters that connect through family, time, and place, Anastacia-Reneé paints world(s) rich with wonder and the paranormal as she peers into the lives of everyday people and spectacular creatures inhabiting not just our neighborhoods, but other dimensions. ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere’ is about interstellar ancestry, community and spirituality. It is about the things we invoke, conjure, and rely on to maintain joy as we keep it moving through difficult eras. Anastacia-Reneé’s power imbues her spellbinding storytelling with lovingly rendered characters brought to life in lyrical poetry. She builds worlds within worlds and dares us to fully see and love ourselves in all our complexity.

Get the book at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/here-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-anastacia-renee

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

Host Nikkiesha McLeod dives into an enlightening discussion with Vahn Black, a multifaceted vocalist, producer, and memory worker whose artistic journey reflects a rich tapestry of musical influences and personal identity. The conversation covers everything from the current sociopolitical climate to the intricate process of musical creation. Vahn shares her personal journey of emotional resilience, drawing strength from the historical context of jazz music as a source of defiance and solace. This leads to a broader discussion about the intersection of art and social justice, illustrating how Vahn’s creative expression is both a personal and collective act of resistance. Vahn elaborates on the importance of joy as an integral part of that resistance, allowing music to act as a refuge amidst adversity.

The episode provides a glimpse into Vahn’s early inspirations and musical pedigree, notably how her upbringing in Detroit—a city vibrant with musical history—shaped her artistic path. Vahn recounts the pivot point in her life when she realized music could be a profession and the transformative journey she undertook in her music education. She reflects on how attending the Detroit School of Arts solidified her passion for music, leading to an exploration of various instruments including guitar, bass, and baritone ukulele. She reveals the intricacies of how she develops her music—ranging from initial ideas captured in voice memos to elaborate arrangements. Vahn’s storytelling often reflects personal experiences intertwined with wider socio-cultural themes, with the aim of representing underrepresented narratives in music. In particular, Vahn shares about their decision to create a trilogy inspired by Gladys Bentley, a black lesbian drag king from the Harlem Renaissance, detailing how their story has profoundly resonated with Vahn’s own reflections on gender fluidity and identity.

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

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Support the artist:

https://www.vahnblack.com

https://www.vahnblack.bandcamp.com/

https://www.soundcloud.com/vahnblack

https://www.youtube.com/@thevahnblack

https://www.instagram.com/vahnblack

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4RzNMvH3WP11GHpgqWjRw7

https://tidal.com/browse/artist/37015224

Nikkiesha McLeod is joined by Iman Carter and Christopher Silverberg to discuss ‘Bitter,' the speculative fiction/young adult novel by Nigerian non-binary author Akwaeke Emezi – and sequel to ‘Pet,’ which was covered in WWSEO Book Club, Vol. 1.

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Iman and Christopher are participants, along with Nikkie, in writing workshops organized by Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. Visit https://cavecanempoets.org/ for more information on the organization.

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ABOUT BITTER:

From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.

Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus… but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs—in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost?

This timely and riveting novel—a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet—explores the power of youth, protest, and art.

Get the book at https://www.getunderlined.com/books/664028/bitter-by-akwaeke-emezi/

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- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media