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Truth is Stranger than Fiction

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October 29, 2026

YAPC 2026: Introducing Michael Brooks

Greetings, Esteemed Readers! Today, we are proud to introduce our 1st-place winner for this year’s poetry contest. Michael Brooks is a spoken-word poet who turns lived experience, resilience, and reflection into honest, vivid performances. His work uses rhythm and storytelling to connect with audiences and make room for voices that deserve to be heard. But… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics

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October 20, 2026

Winners: Yecheilyah’s 8th Annual Poetry Contest 2026

Greetings, Esteemed Readers! I know it’s been a long time coming, but a change has finally come. After spending months and long hours pouring over the poetic brilliance that comprises the poems of this year’s contest, we are finally ready to reveal our winners. Out of 19 submissions and six dope semifinalists, we have settled… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics

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October 12, 2026

Honoring the Creative Process of Your Own Thought

A few weeks ago, I received notice that Black History Facts would be ordered by two bookstores, Unabridged Books in Chicago and Novel in Memphis. Of course, I am ecstatic about having the book available in my hometown. But since I won’t be in Chicago until next year, I took the opportunity to visit Novel… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics

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October 1, 2026

The Loss No One Could See

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month On November 13, 2020, I found myself back in the emergency room. It was the same problem. Abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Yep. I was pregnant again. And again, I was losing it. A week later, on November 19th, I lay on the examination table with my knees raised,… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics, PAIL

ectopic, ectopic pregnancy, family, grief, healing, life, loss, miscarriage, motherhood, october, PAIL, pregnancy, pregnancy and infant awareness month, Pregnancy Loss, testimony
September 29, 2026

The Real Purpose of a Book Review

With the popularity of Print-on-Demand Publishing and scammers hacking the Amazon algorithm, I believe we have lost the plot of the book review. It is not just an accumulation of numbers and rankings. If used strategically, book reviews still hold significant marketing power. There is also more than one kind of review. Independent Reviews Unbiased… Continue reading

book reviews, creative writing, General Topics

#Book #Review, #MondayBlogs, authors, blog, blogger, book reviews, books, literary, literary criticism, reading, reviews, valuable, value, wordpress, writing
September 6, 2026

Gratitude and Black Reading Month

I’m a simple woman, and by simple, I mean it doesn’t take much to make me happy. As the scripture says, “I have learned to be content in whatever state I am.” (Phil 4:11). This does not mean that people should do the bare minimum when it comes to me. It just means that I… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics

authors, black books, Black Reading Month, blog, blogger, books, Campaign, Malik Yakini, Njia Kai, readers, reading, Reading Month, Turn Off the TV Challenge, wordpress, writers
September 1, 2026

Yecheilyah’s 8th Annual Poetry Contest: Semifinalists 2026

Please help us to officially congratulate this year’s semifinalists! These poets have advanced to the next round for a chance to win cash prizes. Please head over to Instagram and LinkedIn and show them some love! Not on either platform? Spoil them in the comments! Michael Brooks, Blades @__iammikeb Unique Rutherford, America Gives a Eulogy… Continue reading

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About Me

My name is Yecheilyah (e-see-li-yah), and my work confronts historical erasure and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of Black history. Through my literature and poetry, I uncover and preserve the rich, often underrepresented stories of African Americans. I also host an annual poetry contest.