KIZA BlackLit is a quarterly publication of Next Level Publications Group, Inc. (NLPG). NLPG is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, with a mission to celebrate, promote and support Black literary arts and artists…
For the Love of Literature
BY KHADIJA POUNSEL
She’s my book of Genesis, my foundation, my touchstone for literature. Zora Neale Hurston. I have read other classic authors with more name recognition, more published works, more accolades, but no matter…
Selections from preConception
BY TANNUR SHEWRIGHTZ ALI
Power Poet, Tannur Shewrightz Ali, settled into her identity as a writer at 14 years old. That’s the year she self-published her first volume of poetry, entitled Rhymin’ With Reason. The same year Rhymin’ was published…
Getting It Done: An Interview With Author Bailey-Bankston
In our interview, author Bailey Bankston shares insights on her writing process, the thrill of getting a book published, taking a stand in life and lessons learned from the experience she captures in Beneath the Bars of Justice.
Beneath the Bars of Justice
BY BAILEY-BANKSON
As we walked, single file, down a long corridor, we could hear chains and keys and doors opening ahead of us. We turned and went down another corridor where I could now see chains being removed and a door opening. Finally, we were led into a very large jail cell, with the dogs right at the door…
Do You Believe?
BY MELISSA JORDAN
I’m in my car cursing, shaking, trembling and hysterical. I repeatedly recite the Bible verse, “A time to kill.” All while, I’m wondering, “How on Earth did I get into this situation?” Like numerous times before, I question, “Is it just me?” Maybe I’m the one with the problem…
The Power of Family Legacy
Remember, Honor & Share Your Family History For Future Generations…
The Butterfly Anthem
BY NIA MICHELLE
Nia’s song, The Butterfly Anthem, is meant to inspire young ladies between the ages of 16 and 25 to take a chance and do the thing that their soul is prompting them to do! Nia says, “My message to young ladies is that, as long as you take a chance, you will in fact gain something in this life…
Script Sources & Resources
The first is a wonderful book, beautifully presented and dropping historical knowledge all crazy! Black Theatre USA: Plays by African Americans…
Sona Jobarteh: Global Voice of the Jeli
BY NJEMILE Z. ALI
Sona Jobarteh is an internationally renowned kora virtuoso, deeply rooted in her homeland and local community in The Gambia. She lives KIZA’s intention: sharing stories, traditions and artistic innovations…
Badinyaa Kumoo
Sona Jobarteh’s recent album is called Badinyaa Kumoo. Released in 2022, the collection showcases her skills on the kora with extended solos and upbeat tempos. You won’t sit down and listen to this one…
F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival 2024
An International F.R.E.S.H Book Explosion. Three days of books and film…
The Connections Challenge
Join KIZA’s New Year’s Challenge to nourish the Black ACE (Arts, Culture & Entertainment) ecosystem…
2024 Black Literary Events
BY NJEMILE ALI
Sync Your Calendars for these 2024 Black Literary Events
Book Club Reports
BY SANDRA J. WEBB
In every issue, KIZA will take you inside the reading rooms of book clubs from across the country. This month, we’re naturally in Albany, Georgia, the home of KIZA BlackLit. It’s called The Book Club, and here’s their story:
Next Level Publications Group
For all your communication needs, our team specialists will help you present your best self, producing next-level documents of all types…
The Color Purple
Written by Alice Walker. Published in 1982. The book has since been adopted as…