2023 COURAGE to WRITE Writer of Note Awardee Feature of the Week:
Nikesha Elise Williams, The Seven Daughters of Dupree (Historical Fiction), Jacksonville, FL
The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a historical fiction novel about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations.
“Our stories matter, our lives matter, and to quote Fannie Lou Hamer, “Nobody’s free, until everybody’s free,” and this is especially true for Black women. I wrote this book at the lowest point in my life. All I had were these words, this story, and these women who invaded my dreams day and night and demanded I write. I am filled with immense gratitude that what has poured out of me in pain has found intense champions and hopefully soon, an audience of readers who will love them as fiercely as they loved me.”
The Seven Daughters of Dupree is set to be published by Scout Press in 2025.
Learn more about Nikesha and her work
Learn about our other 2023 COURAGE to WRITE Writer of Note Grant Awardees
Interested in applying? View our 2024 COURAGE to WRITE Guidelines