ReadMe.WriteNow‪.‬ Ashlee Thomas

This self-written short story is inspired by the biblical story of Joseph juxtapose to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. In the biblical story Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, akin to warring tribes in African selling their indigenous ‘brothers’ for profit. Joseph cannot understand why his brothers have betrayed him and he finds himself in the worst life circumstances without freedom. Unbeknownst to him or his brothers, Joseph would ultimately be the savior of his entire tribe. This oshort story reconstructs the African American experience in place of Joseph, confronts the betrayal by the African family and the revolutionary gains made by others through the civil rights movement of Blacks in America.

Joseph’s Story written by: Ashlee Thomas

ReadMe.WriteNow

Episode 1: Wrapped in Rainbows by Valerie Boyd

This is a biographical book about the Life of Zora Neal Hurston written by Valerie Boyd and a tangible glimpse into the world of Black American artisans during the Harlem Renaissance. Wrapped in Rainbows explores the colorful language and life of Zora Neal Hurston, the racial divide, the great migration, where Blacks migrated, by the thousands, to the north for economic freedom. This migration created new avenues Blacks only fantasized about but never thought of as reality. It also birthed a new nation:  Black American writers, jazz music, the Lindy Hop and Black prosperity.

Wrapped in Rainbows chronicles in detail the adventurous life of a black woman, who lived her life on her on terms at a time where so much of the world put limitations on her freedom.  

Chapter 19: Godmother's Rules 

This excerpt  reveals Zora's challenges and mastery every step of the way with the support of her friend Langston Hughes to create her work by any means necessary. Wrapped in Rainbows is the winner of the 2003 Southern Book Critics Circle Award and can be found on amazon in hardcover, paperback and for kindle.