From Horror Obsession to Empowering Black Voices
Growing up, horror stories captivated my imagination. They stirred a thrill within me, a rollercoaster ride of fear and exhilaration. My siblings’ teasing only fueled my fascination with the genre.
Movies like “Candyman” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” terrified me, but I faced my fears head-on, determined to prove my resilience. In the face of terror, I discovered the allure of gore and jump scares.
Horror became part of my storytelling DNA. As I delved into the genre, I realized its power to explore our deepest fears and societal anxieties. I longed to add my voice to this narrative, to create stories that featured fierce Black Latina characters who defied stereotypes.
”The Black Girl Survives in This One”
This horror anthology, co-edited with Desiree S. Evans, showcases the resilience and strength of Black girls. From ghost stories to zombie tales, these stories defy conventions and celebrate the survival of Black women in the face of adversity.
My own short story, “Cemetery Dance Party,” pays homage to my horror inspirations, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.” It explores the duality of surviving zombies but facing the pervasive threat of white supremacy.
Representation and Empowerment
Horror has often excluded Black and brown voices. “The Black Girl Survives in This One” aims to challenge this exclusion and amplify Black narratives. It’s an affirmation that Black girls deserve to see themselves as heroes in the horror genre and beyond.
This anthology is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black women. It empowers us, reminds us that our stories matter, and inspires us to continue reclaiming our space in all genres of literature and media.
