The sisters of the yam Writing Society is a Black women–led nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to cultivating self-actualization, historical preservation, and creative resistance through writing, collective learning, and intergenerational mentorship. Inspired by the work of bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Black feminist intellectual traditions, the organization creates free, accessible spaces where Black women and girls can gather to write, heal, think critically, and preserve their narratives.

The organization operates under the guiding belief that Black women must be able to define themselves, document their experiences, and imagine new futures without financial or institutional barriers.

About Us

This writing society is named after Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery, a book by cultural critic, feminist columnist, and activist bell hooks, the writing society brings together multiple generations of women to connect and commune through service, creativity, and the exploration of art, nature, literature, and critical thought.

The yam symbolizes kinship and nourishment, a diasporic thread binding Black women across space and time. Through its meaning, we honor our shared lineage and root our work in community, care, and cultural memory.

Goal

Our goal is to safeguard, celebrate, and expand access to the creative works, intellectual traditions, and cultural histories of Black women writers. We will host retreats and programs and create a research library. The writing retreats, workshops, and  communal gatherings will foster craft development, inner replenishment, introspection, diverse perspectives, and connections across various ages and backgrounds. The historical preservation aspect includes a living archive.

Requirements for Participation

There are no educational prerequisites for joining society events. However, all members commit to practicing honesty, vulnerability, and discretion as shared community values.