Well-Read Black Girls

Natasha Deon and Glory EdimAlls photos by Amalia Escobedo

On Nov. 7, Glory Edim was live with Natasha Deon at Scripps University an all women's college located in Claremont, California. Glory Edim was born in Arlington and moved to New York. She attended Howard University where her professors challenged her to read literature from reconstruction era writers Fredrick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois. She made the transition from reader to editor and began writing her own book.

Glory Edim.

Writer of "Grace" Natasha Deon moderated the interview. Deon asked Edim how the inspiration came about for her book title. Edim stated that her boyfriend made her a shirt that said "Well Read Black Girl." People started asking questions about her shirt on her daily subway commute. Since she would constantly see those people and they had a common interest she began a book club with them, The book club gained popularity on social media, and she decided to write a book. Thus the name of her book Well Read Black Girls was born.

Glory Edim reading from the first paragraph of her book.

"What I am most afraid of is not walking in my purpose, and disappointing my parents, not making them proud. Fear can paralyze you and you have to go past that," stated Glory Edim.

Natasha Deon.

"Do you guys deal with fear? Is it hard to move on," Deon asked the audience.

The audience hummed in accord to the question. After their discussion, Deon opened up the floor for attendees to ask questions.

Natasha Deon and Glory Edim posing for fan pictures after Q&A.

Edim made her way to the foyer for a meet and greet with the audience, as well as a book signing. Many young African-American college activists and fans went outside to buy her book in support, and rushed back in to get her autograph.

This event was presented by Scripps College and they have more events to come that are free and open to the public.