FP Staff List: Celebrating ECHOING IDA
Founded in 2012, Echoing Ida is a writing collective of Black women and nonbinary writers who—like their foremother Ida B. Wells-Barnett—believe the “way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” Their community reporting spans a wide variety of topics: reproductive justice and abortion politics; new and necessary definitions of family; trans visibility; stigma against Black motherhood; Black mental health; and more.
To honor the amazing ECHOING IDA COLLECTION (available wherever books are sold January 12), the FP staff wanted to join in on celebrating the magic of the collective. From Destiny’s Child to Sister Spit, here are the groups that inspire us and remind us of the power of collaboration.
Destiny’s Child
One of the best groups in world history, if you ask me!—certainly in American pop music, at least. If you need proof, please look no further than Destiny’s Child’s 2001 performance of “Silent Night” on Oprah.
—Nick
2016 Olympics USA Women’s Gymnastics Team
Watching gymnastics can be stressful, but this team made it worthwhile. The Final Five dominated in Rio and beyond, both with their unbelievable gymnastic skills and with their brave advocacy against sexual assault. Also, Simon Biles is an inspiration to short girls everywhere.
—Rachel
The Combahee River Collective
Where would we be without the work of Cheryl Clarke, Demita Frazier, Gloria Akasha Hull, Audre Lorde, Chirlane McCray, Margo Okazawa-Rey, Barbara Smith, Beverly Smith, and Helen L. Stewart? The CRC statement is a must-read.
—Jisu
The Baby-Sitters Club
I'm late to the game on Ann M. Martin’s series and am a good ten+ years older than Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, and Stacey, but I started reading these books over the holiday and just can’t stop!! This dynamic group of friends help people of all ages face challenges big and small. Plus, these short and satisfying stories are the perfect balm during this challenging time.
—Lucia
Sister Spit
Founded in nineties San Francisco, Sister Spit started as an all-girl poetry open mic and today is an annual queer and trans literary roadshow. The alumni list is the stuff of dreams: Eileen Myles, Michelle Tea, Juli Delgado Lopera, Virgie Tovar, Cristy Road, Justin Vivian Bond, Chinaka Hodge, Ali Liebegott. Recognize any FP authors?
—Lauren
The Echoing Ida Collective
Rooted in reproductive justice, Echoing Ida harnesses the power of media for social justice—amplifying the struggles and successes of contemporary freedom movements in the United States.
—Team FP