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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 22, 2026

Yecheilyah’s Book Reviews – The Salt from Their Tears by Andre Simmons

Title: The Salt from Their Tears Author: Andre Simmons Publisher: Bookbaby Genre: Memoir, Family & Relationships, Mental Health Pages: 273 Born on the South Side of Chicago in the mid-1960s, Andre “Dre” Simmons takes us through the many traumatic events he experienced growing up in the Cabrini Green projects. For those of you who know… Continue reading

book reviews

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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

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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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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

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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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August 31, 2026

Decentering is not Self-Erasure

What do Mariah Carey, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Criss Cross, Da Brat, Xscape, and Anthony Hamilton have in common? Jermaine Dupree. From Criss Cross “Jump” to Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and Usher’s “Nice and Slow,” this man has had 11 #1 Billboard Hot 100 records. And I am going to tell you why… Continue reading

creative writing, General Topics

blog, blogger, blogging, decentering, decentering of self, historical, history, life, reflections, thoughts, wordpress, writers, writing

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.