From a Black Perspective: The Homeland
“Praise for the Series”
“Pierce has assembled an eclectic, inventive posse of wordsmiths for a collection that may be slender in volume but bountiful in pleasure… My only complaint: this ride ended way too soon. So I anxiously anticipate “Volume Two: The People.” In the meantime, I'm going to dive right back in and revisit these assured voices that illuminate the tragedy and beauty of humanity with passion and confidence.” – New York Times and Amazon Best Selling Author James Earl Hardy in response to From a Black Perspective: The Blood (Volume One).
The concept of "homeland" is multifaceted, carrying various meanings depending on perspective. I must admit, my initial thought drifted toward the television series “Homeland” starring Claire Danes, where the protagonist’s mission as an undercover agent is to return to her homeland. Yet, homeland can also signify a place of comfort, protection, and peace—a domain offering solace and security. As you immerse yourself in this comforting yet thought-provoking anthology, you will inevitably feel at home within its pages.
The collection begins with Light and Darkness: The Human Tarkin War, where author Eddie S. Pierce transports us to a distant future. Here, we encounter Striker and his crew, held captive by a tribe of beings from Tarkin. Eddie invites readers into a world of science fiction, where tactical planning and rebellion intertwine. As the war unfolds, we follow Striker on his daring escape, leading him to a new world where he starts afresh, forging a new home and creating a new species.
Senyah Haynes continues this journey with her piece on the tumultuous relationship between twin sisters, Glo and Melonia. In “WHOA, WOO WOO!,” Senyah delves into the intricacies of sisterhood, blending spiritual elements with
revelations of family secrets. Glo, the lead character, becomes a vessel of emotion—her irritation, her protectiveness, and her sorrow evoke a powerful connection with the reader. We laugh with Glo, we ache with her, and by the end, we are left with a sense of profound empathy.
FOREWORD
BY CRYSTAL R TILLMAN M.F.A.
When Eddie approached me to write this foreword, I felt both honored and excited. The excitement stemmed from a sense of returning to my authorial “home.” My writing first found a place within the inaugural edition of From a Black Perspective: The Blood. My name and my thesis chapter were nestled within the anthology that sparked a movement—one that gave rise to new Black voices, offering us space to breathe on paper
while, providing readers with a refuge and a sense of peace In a way, it created a homeland for us all
Heartland by Owen Patterson returns us to a small town in America's Heartland—a place that our protagonist hasn’t visited in over twenty years. Everything seems unchanged, but beneath the surface, something is amiss. As the main character uncovers dark secrets about his hometown, Patterson masterfully blends witchcraft, Christian principles, and a reality that feels both familiar and uncanny. The story culminates in a startling irony that will leave you breathless, re-reading the final lines to fully grasp their weight.
Ken Compton’s “Disclosed” offers a candid exploration of adulthood, examining the delicate balance between personal values and life’s unexpected turns. Through the lives of best friends Thurman and Jimmy, Compton invites readers to consider the complexity of relationships and the weight of secrets. The story skillfully unfolds over a dinner, where a revelation reshapes everything Thurman thought he knew.
In THIS: A SIMPLE, COMPLEX LOVE STORY by Naomi Rivers, the beauty of love is portrayed through the small yet significant moments shared between T and Jasmine. Rivers' storytelling excels in capturing the subtleties of their relationship—the quiet understanding, the unspoken affection. You root for them from the start, and by the end, their love feels like a victory that belongs to us all.
Eros Da Artiste’s The House of God is a bold narrative that challenges both faith and tradition. As we follow Lionel and his siblings to their mother’s funeral, we are confronted with the duality of church life—the sacred and the profane. The tension
between belief and hypocrisy becomes palpable, leading to a crescendo that forces both characters and readers to confront their own convictions.
Finally, Dr. Tamara D. Hill’s article, “Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion: Changing the Narrative of Sexual Empowerment in Female Hip Hop,” offers a critical examination of the evolution of women in rap. Dr. Hill traces the trajectory of female rappers from the 1980s to today, highlighting the pervasive forces of misogyny, sexism, and colorism. Yet, amid the struggle, she finds hope and empowerment in the words of contemporary artists. Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion are reshaping the narrative, reclaiming their power, and asserting their voices without apology. Dr. Hill’s analysis encourages readers to embrace these artists with open minds, recognizing the importance of their contributions to the genre.
Crystal R.Tillman, MFA
Owner & Chief Editor
DreamWriterInk Writing & Publishing
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 796-3639