Courtney Napier

In 2023, invited to table at the conference, and it was such an amazing experience. I’ve never been in a room full of Black literary artists before, and it felt like home.

Flash forward to now, I am so honored to be participating in 2 panel discussions! I’ll let you know when when the schedule comes out, but OH MY GOD!!! There are so many phenomenal writers, publishers, and literary business owners on the ticket. Please don’t miss this incredible celebration of Black Southern creators! 💜

I wrote this piece during one of the hardest times of my life. It took me over 5 months to write.

is such an inspiration to me. The self possessed power and grace she exudes felt like a sea breeze, and her encouragement of me after our interview left me speechless.

I cannot thank enough for his patience, support, and incredible editing of this piece. I’m so proud of myself. I leaned that I can literally do anything when I embrace not doing it alone. 💜

Reposted from

Courtney Napier (.has.words) profiles Durham artist Maya Freelon (), who highlights Black family stories, resilience, and the colors and textures of her African American heritage, drawing viewers into the vast Black imagination.⁠
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“Centering the stories of the Black family, resilience throughout history, and the spectrum of colors and textures representative of her African American heritage, she pulls viewers into the boundless Black imagination.”⁠
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Read more from this feature at the link in bio!⁠
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1.Installation detail view of Whippersnappers, 1799 Bennehan House, Historic Stagville, 2024, Photograph by Lissa Gotwals, courtesy of Maya Freelon and North Carolina Historic Sites. 2. Maya Freelon and her exhibition Whippersnappers, 1799 Bennehan House, Historic Stagville, 2024, Photograph by Lissa Gotwals, courtesy of Maya Freelon and North Carolina Historic Sites. 3. Installation view of Whippersnappers, 1799 Bennehan House, Historic Stagville, 2024, Photograph by Lissa Gotwals, courtesy of Maya Freelon and North Carolina Historic Sites.

Winter ❄️☁️🍦🧊🌨️⚪️❔🏳️🤍