From facing barriers as women of color to encountering sexism in everyday life, women deserve recognition for their ability to overcome adversity. These three talented female writers have utilized their gift of writing to tackle difficult topics in minority communities and therefore deserve recognition during Women’s History Month.
Utilizing her powerful imagery and ability to cover complex topics, Cauley recently published “The Survivalists.” The fiction novel follows a successful Black lawyer, Aretha, who meets the man of her dreams. Nonetheless, Aretha quickly realizes that her coffee-selling boyfriend actually holds ties to the illegal selling and buying of guns.
While Cauley demonstrates Aretha’s conflict between morals and love, she tackles the issues of racism, classism, friendship, natural disasters and other notable topics. Cauley’s ability to use a fictional work to shine a light on real-world issues remains not only rare but difficult, however, Cauley does it effortlessly.
“I appreciated Kashana’s writing because I felt connected to the work. Unlike other books I’ve read in lit classes, I felt as if she spoke directly to me. From her humor placed throughout the book, to her references to Black culture. I also appreciate how Kashana touched on classes and privileges inside the Black community. I don’t find much media willing to tackle such a topic,” senior Sidnei Oglesby said.
Known for her work in “Daisy Jones & the Six,” Reid—a straight white woman—receives frequent recognition for her inclusive and diverse coverage of topics. For example, her work in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” unveils the hardships of homosexuality. Reid uses the character Evelyn Hugo to demonstrate both internal and external conflicts regarding homosexuality as she privately rebels through her gay relationship but publicly complies to the 1960s heterosexual norms.
The book’s atypical, reflective and interview-style narration introduces complex characters in a conservative setting to demonstrate the difficulties that come with defying the status quo. Reid’s work shines light on the LGBTQIA+ community’s journey to equality and nurtures the meaning of pride for the gay community in a heterosexual world. Additionally, Reid’s character, Hugo, demonstrates the lack of sustainability in conformity, proving to the world that in the end, humanity will rebel.
“I remember reading this when I was younger because it was popular on TikTok. I was still struggling with my sexuality so I think this really helped. Even if you’re not gay, I would still tell people to read this book because it’s that good and deep into our community,” Allatoona High School senior Jenna Reyes said.
From her poetry to her non-fiction works, Angelou guides readers through her life experiences as an African American woman in the United States of America. While recounting her stories, she frequently indulges in her personal life, building a connection with her readers. Ultimately, all of Angelou’s work persuades readers through powerful, emotional and sincere writing.
Specifically, Angelou’s “In a Song Flung Up to Heaven,” depicts events of her life during the Civil Rights Movement. By using compelling anecdotal evidence, Angelou guides readers through the hardships of the Black community during a time of overt discrimination and segregation. Furthermore, she recounts her role in the Civil Rights Movement and the connections she made with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, setting up her call to action to humanity to seek equality.
Reading books from diverse perspectives can serve as an important step as society takes the journey to achieve a world of equality. Supporting both popular and up-and-coming young female authors can provide these women with the platform needed to make a change.
