Halcyon
Editorial reflection on co-curating Issue 5 of the Wellspringwords® Literary Anthology | To Be a Living Ancestor
It has been such a pleasure getting to know the realm of Wellspringwords! Nkem has facilitated such a powerful space for creative women and men of color to express themselves. To allow themselves to be seen, heard and felt by others.
This issue, To Be A Living Ancestor, is such a powerful reflection of what we are creating as people of color. Every piece in here, from writing to art, shows a magnificent range of emotion, of desire, of willpower. It shows our joys, our triumphs, our curiosity. The vulnerability and innocence, the darkness and pain.
I was transformed in so many ways while experiencing all of these works. I felt like I was reading sacred texts, the way my emotions shifted from one extreme to another. It gave way to deeper thoughts, showing me just how much we really are connected. Across cultures, across consciousness. I could personally relate to many of these works, which is something that is needed—connection, community, acceptance and perspective.
To be a living ancestor means shaping our narrative, telling our stories from our own perspectives. We are the ones who are creating the safe spaces. We are the ones reshaping what it means to live freely, to exist simply because we were born. We are redefining wealth, legacy and luxury, all through this sacred space, these sacred acts of creating. It is truly an honor to journey with each soul who is touched and who will be touched by these works.
My gratitude and thanks to each of you for bearing your souls, for showing up for yourselves, believing in yourselves and bringing peace and perspective to the world. May your works forever continue to expand, deepen and transform.
