These papers include the meeting notes from gatherings of The Sisterhood, a group of Black female literary writers, including Alice Walker, Patricia Murray, Toni Morrison, June Jordan, Vertamae Grosvenor, Ntozake Shange, and others, who met on the third Sunday of every month in the 1970’s. Every meeting took place at one of the members’ house and entailed a potluck dinner, where all attendees would bring a dish or drink to share. The meetings were focused on addressing the major needs and concerns of Black women writers, artists, and poets. The Sisterhood settled on two main conclusions as to how to best respond to these concerns: creating an alternative publication and publishing house for Black writers; and forming an organization of Black Poets and Writers. 

The alternative publication, was meant to address the “oppressed, struggling, victimized, masses of America particularly the Black masses of America” and specifically relate to the experiences, perspectives, and issues which affect Black individuals. Kizzy Enterprises, Inc., the planned publishing house, was designed to serve a “restorative, preservative, and initiative” purpose. The organization of Black Poets and Writers was a fledgling organization that consisted of Black individuals whose names were provided by members of the Sisterhood. These plans, outlined in the meeting notes, highlight the significance the Sisterhood placed in supporting one another and in preserving a legacy and history that could be passed down through the establishment of literary institutions.

Within the meeting notes is a clear emotional investment on the part Black women towards a radical movement. The meetings included discussions of deep emotions, depression, and mental health. Herein lies the importance of interactions and relationships between Black women. In her text, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, Audre Lorde mentions the significance of bodies of women loving women and supporting one another in difficult circumstances. The meeting notes echo this sentiment. The Sisterhood’s focus on literature and literary legacy is supported by bell hooks’ statements in feminist theory from margin to center. She claims that Black women retain a central role in the creation of feminist theory and have unique and valuable ideas to contribute (16). Likewise, The Sisterhood firmly believed that Black women were essential members of society and should be encouraged to produce art, poetry, and writing.