Why a “Black Girls” book club?

Why not? Stories that centre the lives and loves of Black women are just as compelling as any other. More than that, we all know that “Black” and “woman” are just two of many intersecting identities. So it’s no surprise that our stories serve as a gateway to all kinds of wonderful, beautiful, glorious romance.

Why “romance with a side of revolution”?

Again… why not? Romance is a genre that focuses almost exclusively on white, cisgender, and straight women. For Black girls and anyone else who doesn’t share those identities, reading romance can be challenging, because it doesn’t reflect our lived realities.

In The Unapologetic Black Girls Book Club we read romance that’s sexy and fun, sweet and smart… and that reminds us that the search for love is as much a political activity as it is a personal one.

Because, in a world where our very right to exist is so often called into question, finding real, true love that celebrates our humanity is nothing short of revolutionary. 

I’m not Black or female. Is this club still for me?

Of course! You don’t have to be Black and / or female to join. Although the majority of the novels selected for the club will be about Black women, they won’t all be. I read widely, so I want club members to do so, too!

What do you mean by “unapologetic”?

I mean being unashamed about any of the things society says you’re “supposed” to be ashamed of: being Black; being queer; being poor; being foreign; being female; being “too sensitive”; and, of course, reading romance.

I mean rejecting the shame and guilt that dominating, oppressive, imperialist, and unjust societies thrive on.

I mean saying loudly and clearly, “No. I am not here to live down to your expectations of me.”, and not being sorry about any of it.

Do I have to be an expert in equity and justice?

Not at all! Members are only expected to have an open mind, an open heart, a strong belief that equity and social justice are good things for everyone, and a willingness to engage with stories that may challenge their own lived experiences / assumptions about how the world works.

How does membership work?

There are two membership plans: month-by-month and annual. Your membership renews automatically, regardless of which plan you choose, and you may cancel at any time.

Membership gives you access to a private area within the Fictive Kin Equity Lab online learning space. In this space, you will:

• meet other members;

• get access to the video reading / learning guides for each book-of-the-month;

• share your reactions and insights about the books in real time; and

• RSVP to our monthly live meetings.

In the future, we hope to have guest hosts, author events, maybe a podcast, a conference, watch parties for any movies or series based on our favourite books, and other cool things we haven’t even dreamed up yet. ♥️

Okay, I’m ready to sign up! How do I join?

Great! Just go back to the landing page and click the “Choose a Plan” button at the bottom. Follow the prompts, and then you’ll be all set!