About
ZORAA publication from Medium that centers the stories, poetry, essays and thoughts of women of color.
Note from the editor
ZORA is by, about and for women of color and our allies. If you have an essay that analyzes or adds to the multi-dimensional conversation surrounding and centering women of color, please tag your published post with “ZORA.” If we like it, we may reach out to you to feature it. Topics are wide, but include culture, work, life experiences, parenting, education, racism and politics. ZORA only publishes works that are already live on Medium.
Editors
Adrienne Gibbs
Director, Creator Growth @Medium. Editor of ZORA and MOMENTUM. Writer. Mother. Proud recipient of an official Beyoncé shout out.
Buster Benson
Product at @Medium. Author of “Why Are We Yelling? The Art of Productive Disagreement”. Also: busterbenson.com, new.750words.com, me.dm/@buster
Maia Niguel Hoskin, Ph.D.
Professor, Forbes Contributor, Race Scholar, Activist, Therapist, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Wife, Mother, & Addict of Ice Cream &Cheese. www.drmaiahoskin.com
Writers
mary pryor
IG: UrbanSocialista / Social Media Strategist / #crohnie / Fitness & Holistic Lover / @EverydayHealth @EbonyMag @TheGrio Contributor tech.wellness.culture.music
Feminista Jones
She/Her | Author, Activist. Philly-based, NYC-bred. #ReclaimingOurSpace Twitter/IG: @FeministaJones FeministaJones.com/contact for inquiries
L'Oreal Thompson Payton
L’Oreal is a freelance writer and editor who’s dedicated to uplifting and inspiring Black women and girls through storytelling. Learn more at LTintheCity.com.
Ezinne Ukoha
Juggling Wordsmith. I have a lot to say! https://www.amazon.com/Women-Tribe-Short-Stories-Capturing-ebook/dp/B09MC7VRJ6
Jennifer Chowdhury
Freelance Journalist. Bangladesh-rooted, NYC born & raised. chowdhuryj315@gmail.com / http://www.jenniferchowdury.com
Tressie McMillan Cottom
Sociologist. Writer. Professor. MacArthur Fellow. Books, speaking, podcast: www.tressiemc.com
Tanisha Ford
Tanisha C. Ford is a writer, cultural critic and professor of Africana Studies & History at the University of Delaware.
Madhuri Sastry
Feminist. Writer. Intl Human Rights Law. She/Her Read my stuff: www.thechicksandbalances.com
Farai Chideya
Radio show/podcast “Our Body Politic” @ farai.com/our-body-politic. Covered every Presidential election 1996–2020. Books include “The Episodic Career.”
Charles King
Charles King is the author of seven books, including GODS OF THE UPPER AIR. He is a professor of international affairs and government at Georgetown University.
Ciarra Jones, MTS
My writing explores DEI, religious inclusion, social justice, and personal development.
Tianna Faulkner
Tianna is a freelance writer who loves writing and telling stories. Story topics include arts, entertainment, business, health, and lifestyle features.
Dee Doanes
Environmentalist at HTAA. https://www.healtheatmosphere.com/ Caretaker & Agnihotra Teacher at Shanti Villa Institute. Writer.Public Speaker. Ayurveda Expert.
Mariette Williams
Mariette is a freelance travel + culture writer. Her writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, VICE, Essence, and more. Read more at mariettewrites.com.
Verdell Walker
Christ follower. Writer. Storyteller. Brand builder. Web: http://verdellwalker.strikingly.com/.
Keah Brown
Keah Brown is a journalist and freelance writer. Her work has appeared in Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.
Rasheena Fountain
an artist, growing scholar, musician, poet, and essayist with focus on Black environmental memory, literature, migration studies, and blues/other Black music.
Kayla Stewart
Kayla Stewart is a freelance journalist from Houston, and is currently based in Harlem.
Aymen Emaad
Third culture kid. Parent. Using writing as therapy to heal. Reach me on aymenwrites@gmail.com
Jamara Wakefield
Writer for publication and stage. Bylines for Shondaland, Playboy, Wear Your Voice, Our Prism, & Dame. Black. Indigenous. Queer. Decolonize everything.
jayy dodd.
“i have been celestial before, i will be celestial again” | writer, editor, artist | contact: jayy@jayydodd.net // she/her
Amber Butts
Amber Butts is a storyteller, cultural strategist, and grief worker. She firmly believes in the bonds of living beings everywhere.
Isabella Rosario
Iowa-based freelance writer with work in Greatist, Healthline, Little Village Magazine, The Daily Iowan, and ZORA Magazine by Medium. Twitter: @irosarioc
Joy Notoma
Joy Notoma is a writer/journalist based in Benin Republic. Her work is in Longreads, CNN, and Al Jazeera, among other publications. Follow her @joy_notoma.
Karen G Bates
Senior Correspondent for Code Switch, NPR’s team that covers race, ethnicity, identity and culture. Los Angeles-based. Feeds people. Often. @karenbates
Samantha Mallari
Fil-Am screenwriter and producer with a mean roundhouse kick. Based in Los Angeles. Twitter: @TheSamMallari
Nadya Okamoto
Nadya Okamoto is the co-Founder of August and author of PERIOD POWER. www.nadyaokamoto.com
Stephanie Taylor
Stephanie Taylor, who affectionately goes by Stevie, is a a Los Angeles-based writer and quirky, twenty-something nomad in the process of figuring it out.
Ruth Terry
American freelancer in Istanbul writing about culture, mental health, race & travel. Bylines everywhere from Al Jazeera to Zora. Tw: @Ruth_Terry | IG: @ruth.ist
Lynzy Billing
Investigative journalist and photographer based between Afghanistan and the Philippines • Twitter and Instagram: @LynzyBilling
Naomi Extra
Naomi Extra is a freelance writer, poet, and doctoral candidate in American Studies at Rutgers University-Newark.
Renée Cheréz
Renée Cheréz is a storyteller + human design travel guide. Let's journey: https://t.co/lN9u22e5xC
Melissa Guida-Richards
Author, TRA adoptee, & podcaster. | WHAT WHITE PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION, available for preorder! | http://www.adopteethoughts.com/my-book/
Tina Vasquez
Tina Vasquez is a journalist covering immigration and reproductive injustice. Her work has appeared at Rewire.News, NPR, and the New York Review of Books.
Michelle Daniel Jones
Michelle Daniel Jones is a fourth-year doctoral student in the American Studies program at New York University.
Tara L. Conley
Professor. Founder @HashtagFeminism. Mom to a pug named Gary. @taralconley on Twitter. taralconley.org.
Wendy S Walters
is the author of Multiply/Divide: on the American Real and Surreal and two books of poems.
Jehan L. Roberson
Jehan Roberson is a writer, educator, and artist. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Apogee, VICE, Public Books, and Women & Performance, among others.
Lillian Li
Lillian Li is the author of NUMBER ONE CHINESE RESTAURANT (Henry Holt). Follow her @zillianzi, or check out her website: lillianliauthor.com.
Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez
Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez is a diversity content specialist whose work can be seen in The Washington Post, InStyle, The Guardian, and many other places. Follow
Sloane Miller
Licensed social worker, author, applied improvisation facilitator, copy editor. Insta: @sloanemillernyc
Carmen Rojas, Phd
Committed to being of service to those who dream in the direction of freedom. Founder of The Workers Lab. Incoming President of Marguerite Casey Foundation.
Jana Meisenholder
Independent journalist focusing on culture, true crime, and human interest stories. Editor @unearthedstories. Living in the US with a Vegemite accent.
Treva B Lindsey
Professor, cultural critic, Black feminist, author of Colored No More: Reinventing Black Womanhood in Washington, D.C.
Kellee Terrell
Kellee Terrell is an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, loving daughter, zombie slayer and most importantly, not the one.
Jaelani Turner-Williams
writer + moodring | voodoo: Billboard, Bitch Media, MTV News, Okayplayer, Vibe Magazine, Vice, etc. @hernameisjae
Ramona Ortega
CEO of My Money My Future & @PersonaID @dinero_futuro. #Securities #Attorney #SocEnt #Ladyboss #Fintech #Blockchain #Diversityintech Stay Humble Hustle Hard
stephanita
Freelance food and travel writer. home : #upstateny + #intheberkshires] www.slowlivingkitchen.com for more
Hannah H. Kim
I’m a New York-based freelance writer. Read portfolio clips & reach out here: www.hannah-h-kim.com/portfolio.
Sheryl Estrada
Estrada is a business and culture journalist. The SU and NYU grad has bylines in HR Dive, HuffPost, DiversityInc and ZORA publications.
Tamryn Spruill
is an award-winning indie journo and author of COURT QUEENS (forthcoming ABRAMS Press). She appears in "Unfinished Business," a documentary about the WNBA.
Simran Sethi
I am a journalist, occasional academic and independent scholar focused on the intersection of science, culture & sustainability. IG & TW: @simransethi
Lucy Keiko Tambara
Writer, Critic & Historian. Currently, writing a non-fiction book on decolonization & generational healing. Twitter Criticism: @luludoesyoga
LaDawn Black
Black is a relationship expert, author and media personality. IG/Twitter @teasebyladawn and ladawnblack.com.
Kasey May
Lover of the Almighty, well-wielded words, tight harmony, titillating conversation, potatoes, a clean house, thoughtfulness, and the Oxford comma.
Maryam Jillani
Phnom Penh-based food writer and founder of the award-winning blog, Pakistan Eats. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @pakistaneats.
Evette Dionne
Journalist. Critic. Editor-in-chief of Bitch Media. National Book Award-nominated author. Always reading and learning.
Amber Gibson
Journalist. Flâneuse. Champagne lover. Forbes columnist covering luxury travel, food & wine. http://instagram.com/amberyv/
Kiana Keys
I am an introverted social butterfly that loves to read, write, and express my creativity through words.
Taylor Moore
Taylor Moore is a freelance writer living in Chicago, IL. You can find her online at www.taylorgmoore.co and on Twitter at @taylormundo.
Danielle Campoamor
Editor & writer seen in the @nytimes @washingtonpost @NBCNews @CNN @thedailybeast @guardian @harpersbazaarus @Playboy @TeenVogue @glamourmag and more.
Melissa Harris-Perry
Escaped the evil of cable news to think and write for myself. Professor, Parent, Partner, Editor at Large for @ZoraMag
Victoria Law
Victoria Law is a freelance journalist who focuses on the intersections of incarceration, gender and resistance and the author of Resistance Behind Bars.
Asha Elaine
I define my own freedom daily. I write fiction. I write my opinions. I am also a full and active member of the BeyHive.
QINLING LI
I make documentaries and write stories. A creative storyteller, dancer, piano player, and a terrible driver. https://qinlingli.com/
Simone Keelah Brathwaite
A self-proclaimed freedom chaser who writes about self-development, spirituality, relationships, & black folx thangs. Sign up for updates www.SimoneKeelah.com.
Shar Jossell
Shar Jossell is a media personality, journalist, and writer-focusing on pop culture reporting, the intersections of gender, race, and entertainment.
Flose LaPierre
Personal essays, short fiction, poetry, and experimental creative content. https://www.letitflose.com/
Antonia George
extraterrestrial mermaid. lover of music, writing, and words. Just trying to get free. | georgeantonia1@gmail.com| @mermaid_in_blaq on Twitter
Ronda Racha Penrice
ATL-based Ronda Racha Penrice is a writer/cultural critic specializing in film/TV, lifestyle, and more. She is the author of Black American History For Dummies.
Fareeha Molvi
Fareeha Molvi is a cultural essayist examining identity in America. Her work has appeared in Allure, Glamour, Teen Vogue and others. Insta: @browninmedia
Katie Acosta
I am a queer, woman of color, scholar-activist. writing about parenting, loving, forgiving and struggle
Milagros Costabel
Visually Impaired Freelance writer covering disability, politics and social issues. Words in HuffPost, Foreign Policy, ZORA and more.
Maia Niguel Hoskin, Ph.D.
Professor, Forbes Contributor, Race Scholar, Activist, Therapist, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Wife, Mother, & Addict of Ice Cream &Cheese. www.drmaiahoskin.com
Sarah Olutola, PhD
Scholar of critical race, youth and postcolonial studies. Human Rights Research & Education Centre, Ottawa University. Children’s author and magical black girl.
Kristine Hadeed
Critical thinker and community organizer advocating for the liberation and dignity of all people.
Allison Joyner
Founder & CEO of Allison Joyner Enterprises and lover of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Cheryl Brown
I’m a content strategist and SEO copywriter who is an avid student of Black history, a political news junkie, and a wannabe chef that loves to cook.
Luisa Rollenhagen
Argentinian-German journalist and writer working at the intersection of culture and politics.
Nafari Vanaski
I’m a former journalist who still likes telling stories. Right now, I’m working on a book about my career as a local news journalist.
Carolyn Desalu
Essayist + lifestyle writer. Bylines in Thrillist, Catapult, Essence, The Globe and Mail, Atlanta Journal-Constitution + more. Literary agents, holler.
afrobella
Beauty, hair and culture writer. One of WWD's 50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market. Often called the Godmother of Brown Beauty Blogging!
TMRuffin
Tiece M. Ruffin, Ph. D., is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Education at the University of North Caroliona Asheville. https://www.unca.edu/person
Myriam Gurba
Myriam Gurba is a writer and artist. She is the author of the true-crime memoir Mean, a New York Times editors’ choice.
Princella Talley
Top Writer in Feminism. Public Voices fellow of the OpEd Project and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
Cherie Berkley
Cherie Berkley is an Atlanta-based multimedia journalist. She specializes in health and lifestyle topics. She is a foodie and enjoys exotic travel.
Nusrat Nisa
A lover of books and drunk on dreams. An introvert writing about life, books, movies, and personal development. IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegrimreadr/
Deena ElGenaidi
Deena ElGenaidi is a Brooklyn-based writer whose work has been published MTV News, Nylon, O Magazine, and elsewhere. Follow on Twitter and Instagram @deenaelg
Meeta Shah
I write to stay sane. Lover of Sarcasm. Multi-tasking is my life: Mother, Doctor, Health IT, Wellness, Writer. @msmemesha
Jenisha Watts
Jenisha Watts is The Undefeated’s general editor for culture. Her Twitter bio quotes the late Toni Cade Bambara: Don’t leave the arena to the fools.
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Writer and Wanderer. Award-winning journalist and author published in USA Today, AAA Traveler, Orbitz, London Telegraph, Brides, Ebony, Thrillist, The Takeout
Jessica Lim
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing … or both | jessicalim.me | Contact me: jessicalim813@gmail.com
Kara Cutruzzula
Author of DO IT TODAY and DO IT FOR YOURSELF, two motivational journals. My newsletter encourages you every morning: https://bit.ly/3vpPlV3
Monica Hickson
Author of The COVID Diaries, Freelance Writer. If you enjoy reading my stories consider a Medium membership for just $5 a month. I’ll earn a small commission.
Gabrielle Smith
Brooklyn based poet and essayist. Queer & Afro-Latina. Writing about love, sex, mental illness and intersectionality. // bygabriellesmith.com
iWriteTee
Top Writer, matriarch, educator & advocate with bylines in Zora, Momentum, An Injustice!, Illumination, Creators Hub, etc. Community Builder #FoodieFridays
L.A. Justice
Organizer & Activist | Theologian | Author | Educator | Previously a Biochemist | Member of #WEOC | Previous Top Writer in Racism and BlackLivesMatter
Dorothy Hines, Ph. D.
An educator, award-winning writer, and writer architect. I write about race, culture, Black women, and being a minimalist. I live life to the fullest.
DarkSkyLady
Black/Puerto Rican creative non-binary. Spouts nonsense that occasionally makes sense. they/them
Alexis Oatman
Writer, social media junkie, and journalist. Covering everything from pop culture, race, women’s issues, and more. Follow her on Twitter @ iamlexstylz.
Dominique Simpson
The hermit scribe, a witty womanist. Essayist, poet, and black literature enthusiast. Unequivocally and unapologetically black.
Michelle Silverthorn
Diversity Consultant. TEDx Speaker. Immigrant. Millennial. Author. Founder+CEO | Inclusion Nation (she/her) michellesilverthorn.com @inwithmichelle
GFC: Grown Folk Conversations
We observe life through the lens of experience and intersectionality. We reflect, share, and welcome dialogue. Let the laughter, learning & healing begin!
Kimberly Joyner
I write about American politics, current events, and gender/feminism in TV and film. Based in Atlanta, GA. Email: kimberlyjoyner87@gmail.com
Shannon Hilson
Pro copywriter and blogger. AI art enthusiast. Avid storyteller. She-wolf. | Email: bellingthecat@gmail.com | Links: https://linktr.ee/shannonhilson
Akilah Hughes
Author | Fmr Podcast Host and Frequent Podcast Guest | IG: @akilahh | Twitter: @akilahobviously
Irma McClaurin
Award-winning author/ anthropologist/consultant & past prez of Shaw U. Forthcoming: JUSTSPEAK: Race, Culture & Politics in America: http://irmamcclaurin.com.
Natasha Kisila
My pronouns are she/her and I love to write sometimes. IG: @natashakisila Email: natashakisila@gmail.com
Savala Nolan
uc berkeley law professor and essayist @ vogue, time, harper’s, NYT, NPR, and more | Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins | she/her | IG @notquitebeyonce
Laura M. Quainoo
I write about race, CHOSSA (Children of Stolen & Sold Africans…ie Black people), embracing Africa as our ancestral homeland & other stuff as my Spirit moves me.
Lana Parris
Lana Parris is a maternal wellness advocate that loves exploring the experiences of motherhood across the Diaspora.
Jeremy Helligar
Brother Son Husband Friend Loner Minimalist World Traveler. Author of “Is It True What They Say About Black Men?” and “Storms in Africa” https://rb.gy/3mthoj
Miyah Byrd
The Ethical Storyteller. Founder & Host of We Don’t Talk About That! anchor.fm/miyah-byrd/
Aubrie Johnson
Psychotherapy student, comms professional, art dork. #ActuallyAutistic. https://www.aubrieintheopen.com/
Tonya Pinkins
I Speak Truth To Power You Can’t Say That podcast bpn.fm/ycst Filmmaker RED PILL www.redpillmovie2020.com
Mishel Noor
Soft Life Advocate, Light Bearer, Planter of Seeds, Repeller of Negativity…Unpopular Opinion Holder. I have a lot to say, about about a lot things. Here Goes.
Jude Ellison S. Doyle
Author of “Trainwreck” (Melville House, ‘16) and “Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers” (Melville House, ‘19). Columns published far and wide across the Internet.
Petiri Ira
WEOC Member, Bylines in Screenshot Media, gal-dem, Malalafund, Momentum, ZORA, Cultured, AnInJustice, AfroSapiophile. Contact: petiriira@gmail.com
Moon Bastet
Moon Bastet, MBA, MHRM, MPM — Witchy + Educated. Hip-Hop Feminist. Tarot Reader. Digital Activist. - Contact: moonbastetwrites@gmail.com
Carmellita
Writer, Poet, Storyteller, & Scholar. Co-founder of http://bluelotusliving.com. Former ghostwriter who recovered her creative voice & came back to life.
Your NativeFriend
Huetar Nation---- Brown Native American Writer ---------------- Visual Artist ---------------- https://ko-fi.com/indiadorada
Jayson Kristopher Jones
Storyteller. Social Worker. Ornery Brooklynite. Sarcasm is my love language. Forthcoming essay collection - "It's Been a Time." | jaysonkristopher.com
Tai Salih (she/her)
Yogi E-RYT® 500, YACEP® | Founder @ Red Ma'at Collective | Integrative Counsellor www.redmaathealing.com
Super Mrs. C.
Retired teacher. Humorous essayist about Life. Serious essayist about politics and “race.” Aspiring world saver. Cat mama. We can do better than this.
EricaNicole
Black girl ruminations on life and love through a feminist, anti-capitalist, pop-cultural lens. Newsletter: https://ericanicolewriting.substack.com/
JessiKa Harris
Mother to two amazing kids, multi-genre writer and lover of books. Army vet and student of life.
Dijon Rolle
Professional introvert who can still rock the party until 9 p.m. I like books, well-groomed beards & Golden Girls reruns. I write about whatever comes to mind.
Astra Xavier
Lover of great stories, beautiful music, and nature. I write for black women, first of all.
Deanna Davis Shoyoye
Counselor. Educator. Entrepreneur. Change Agent. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Friend
Girls for Gender Equity
Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) is an intergenerational organization centering the leadership of cis and trans Black girls and gender-expansive youth of color.