2023 COURAGE to WRITE Writer of Note Awardee Feature of the Week:
Akilah Wise, Daughters of Dahomey (Young Adult Fiction), Atlanta Georgia
Daughters of Dahomey is about a teenager who realizes her full power as a fighter for justice in this coming-of-age story about magic, sisterhood, and duty.
“I plan to publish this novel so that at least one child can read this hero story and see themselves in a new, powerful way.”
“This novel came about from a conversation years ago with a friend one day about superheroes. I wondered what an authentic Black girl superhero could look like and how her Blackness would be essential to her hero story. As a child, I was a fan of the television shows Sailor Moon and Xena Warrior Princess, how they balanced girlhood or womanhood with being a fighter, and I admire Octavia Butler for her work of speculative and science fiction. Today, I am a public health scientist who writes about Black women’s health, so I grapple with issues around race and health. This is a superhero, science-fiction story with a teen protagonist who is relatable to many young people going through grief, sexual harassment, and medical racism. But there are elements of magical realism and fun and funny parts as my character experiences friendship and sisterhood, as she chooses between duty and personal autonomy. I’ve worked on revisions since completing a draft last Fall. With the generosity of The de Groot Foundation, I can set aside time to re-focus on completing revisions to the novel, in deep appreciation for the investment in this extraordinary story.”
Learn more about Akilah’s work HERE
Learn about our other 2023 COURAGE to WRITE Writer of Note Grant Awardees HERE