Last week I had the privilege of attending an event celebrating the launch of Sister Souljah’s most recent release “A Moment of Silence” at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Hosted by the Mayor of Newark and a longtime friend of the author Ras Baraka, the event was an opportunity for the community to come together in appreciation for Sister Souljah’s works and the positive message behind them.
Read more about this wonderfully uplifting evening below.
The New York Times best selling author answered questions regarding the her newest work and her previous five books including her classic first work of fiction “The Coldest Winter Ever”. She then greeted the crowd of readers who had assembled to get their books signed alongside co-host of Power 105.1’s morning show “The Breakfast Club”, Angela Yee who participated in an onstage discussion that included activism, manhood and more.
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I was honored to even be in the same room as such a powerful woman. I’ve read “The Coldest Winter Ever” over a dozen times in my life and at each stage in my growth I learn something different from it and have my perspective expanded once again. I hope a whole new generation is able to learn from this stylish yet cautionary tale of the streets when Winter, Porsche, Midnight and more come to life in the upcoming film production.
In reference to aspiring writers Sister Souljah emphasized the need for experience and the value of living a “rich life” stating that “if you don’t have it, you can’t give it”. She urged attendees to get off of their blocks and out of their apartments so that they could see that there are other options for their lives outside of what they already know sharing that she had traveled extensively during her research for “A Moment of Silence” so that she could accurately portray people from other backgrounds and not rely on stereotypes.
One of the things I most appreciate about the Midnight series is how it highlights the ability of women to have quiet strength. When I asked what she wanted young women of color to learn from the female characters in the series she said “I want young women to learn that love is not pain”. She also said she wanted them to know when they were being treated right and when they were not. She stressed the need for women to take personal responsibility in their relationships saying “when you expect love you also have to give love.” She also talked about wanting young women to learn to be “loyal and true and not just moody and whimsical”. She ended on a note of encouragement saying that she hoped “by showing women who are powerful and humble, sweet and strong, that you can you see that it’s about balance” as Angela Yee nodded her head in agreement.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait to dive into “A Moment of Silence”!
Sister Souljah is currently on her book tour. Find out when she’ll be coming to your city here! .
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-Keyaira N. Boone