sisters of the yam

proudly fiscally sponsored by CAC

Rooted in Black feminist traditions and inspired by the work of bell hooks, Toni Cade Bambara, Audre Lorde, and Octavia Butler, the organization creates accessible intergenerational programming that supports both emerging and established writers through workshops, public write-ins, retreats, and literary gatherings.

What makes the sisters of the yam Writing Society different from other writing organizations?

This is a writing society rooted in safety, consistency, and care. We create spaces where Black women feel welcomed, unjudged, and supported—free to grow at their own pace and in their own voice. Safety for us means privacy, trust, and accountability. It is cultivated through clear values, open communication, humility, and lateral leadership rather than hierarchy.

Here, participants are encouraged to show up honestly, without pressure to perform or produce. We intentionally remove expectations that often accompany creative spaces, making room for reflection, self-evaluation, and personal growth. Through writing, participants interrogate their beliefs, reconnect with their power as storytellers, and deepen their relationships with themselves and their community.