To Senegal: A Cultural Worker’s Journey to Finish Her Book

Long story short: the African writing retreat I was signed up in the spring for was cancelled and rescheduling will cost more than I can afford.

For over a year I’ve been writing a book about Black people and our complex intergenerational wounds/healing, framed around how we relate to water. Part history, part poetry, part memoir - this work has taught me so much about the history of Black people and our experiences of Diaspora, and I hope I can share some of this rich lessons with all of you. Much of the work is rooted in West Africa, and so I have been planning a trip to Dakar, Senegal to enrich my knowledge and experience the Atlantic from Africa’s coast as I finish writing this book.

The good news is I still have the opportunity to go, either in January or July. Whew! The problem: changing the ticket will cost nearly $2000, according to current estimates. Within my budget, that is a dealbreaker. So I’m raising funds to support the ticket change and any possible price fluctuations.

There are so many needs calling out to be met right now. I feel them deeply, and struggle to add my own voice alongside needs so dire. I am convinced, however, that as a cultural worker, my assignment is to seek truth and tell it. This trip is a part of my truth-seeking/telling journey, and I can’t do it without help. I hope you can help me make it happen.

Gratefully,

Atena