Have you ever considered the profound connections between rest, memory, and the stories that shape us? This is the heart of our conversation with Cole Arthur Riley and Tricia Hersey, two luminaries in African-American literature and culture. In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, we are thrilled to escort you through a realm where literature serves as a beacon, illuminating the importance of narrative in our personal and communal identities. Our dialogue traverses the landscapes of emotion, memory, and spirituality, unearthing the ways in which they weave into the fabric of black storytelling.
During this conversation, Cole and Tricia unravel the intricate tapestry of the writing process, from the push and pull of deadlines to the ethereal influence of our ancestors and spirituality in creating art. We are also treated to the personal experiences and strategies they implement for honing creativity, even amidst life’s relentless pace. The episode is laden with anecdotes and insights, including Cole’s journey of completing a book in just 42 days, which reveals the sheer grit behind the graceful art of writing. Their words serve as an invitation to find calm in poetry, the therapeutic embrace of journaling, and the grounding practice of reading transformative works like “Beloved” and “The Salt Eaters.”
With every story shared and every insight offered, we’re reminded of the indelible mark that literature leaves on our souls. This isn’t merely a conversation; it’s a sanctuary for those who find solace in the written word and a testament to the enduring power of African-American literature. As you listen, may you be inspired to honor your own narratives, embrace the sanctity of rest, and continue the legacy of storytelling that has been, and always will be, a cornerstone of culture and identity. Join us as we celebrate the books that resonate, the words that heal, and the stories that bind us together.
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Author Bio
Cole Arthur Riley is a writer, poet, and author of the New York Times bestseller, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us. Her writing has been featured in The Atlantic, Guernica, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post. She is the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation, where she serves as Curator.
Conversation Host
Tricia Hersey is an artist, poet, theologian, and community organizer. She is the founder of The Nap Ministry, an organization that examines rest as a form of resistance by curating sacred spaces for the community to rest via Collective Napping Experiences, immersive workshops, performance art installations, and social media. Tricia is a global pioneer and originator of the movement to understand the liberatory power of rest. She is the creator of the Rest is Resistance and Rest as Reparations frameworks. Her research interests include Black liberation theology, womanism, somatics, and cultural trauma. Tricia is a Chicago native and currently lives in South Georgia.
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