?Have you seen my Special K?
You can’t miss her,
My Melanin Rich Onyx.
She’s my tree in the land of bushes.
My Special K would raise her arms like the branches of an oak tree and welcome you into her heart…
A heart that was sweeter than the cane molasses on your grandmama’s pancakes.
My Special K would stand straight like a sequoia and tell you what the SON whispered in her ear.
Her blue hair would fall over you like a weeping willow, tickling your soul.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
Everyone is welcome to select one or all of the following sections below to share your story. Click on the title to see the instructions.
If you would like to contribute pictures or videos, or need to connect with me beyond this platform, you can reach me at moisepet@grinnell.edu
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Reflect on a moment when Kaiya helped you to embrace your authentic self, overcome self-doubt, or learn to appreciate the beauty within. Write a short story, memory, poem, or personal reflection inspired by Kaiya's memory.
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Kaiya was all about community. Share your story of how #BeingKaiyad still affects you today. How have you inspired confidence, kindness, and self-love, and encouraged others to celebrate themselves?
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As part of the Black Feminist Archive, what would you like future students and researchers to know about Kaiya and the person she came to be?
Tell YOur Story
Thank you for sharing your memories of Kaiya and how she continues to ripple in your life. Your contribution will be added to The Kaiya “Soski” Smith “Mama’s Moan” Memoirs Collection, which will be part of The Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive (BFA) at the W.E.B. Dubois Library, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
[Sorry, mobile devices cannot record submissions. Please use your desktop or laptop. Thank you.]
For more information on the BFA Invitation CLICK HERE