We Need a Reckoning Book Launch

On December 30, 2021, we had the pleasure of launching one of our biggest book projects to date: We Need a Reckoning: Poetry, essays, and memoir by Women and Non-binary People of Color of the Tacoma, Washington region, edited by Gloria Joy Kazuko Muhammad. We held a virtual book launch and reading in which over 40 community members attended and celebrated publication with us. The event featured readings by former Tacoma poet laureate Kellie Richardson, Judy Cuellar, Jesi Hanley Vega, Janae Hill, and Katherine Felts; and musical storytelling of Kim Archer and DJ Pat Coleman.

Organized into five parts – wind, soil, water, sky, and breath – and featuring creative writing by thirty-one contributors, the collection is simultaneously a rallying cry for the land and people we build our homes in; a spell for strength and safe passage through tribulation; and a celebration of the power and brilliance of women.

The anthology features introductions by Krista Perez, founder of The Tacoma Women of Color Collective, and Brandi Douglas, owner of Multifaceted Matriarch. The anthology was partially funded by the Tacoma Arts Commission.

We Need a Reckoning contributors include  Kim Archer, Gaian Rena Bird, Phebe Brako-Owusu, Aleyda Marisol Cervantes, Judy Cuellar, Paula Davidson, Brandi Douglas, Chanel Athena Estrada, Katherine Felts, Marissa Harrison, Jasmine Hernandez, Janae Hill, Lauren Perez Hoogkamer, Isha Hussein, Eileen Jimenez, Kathleen Julca, Marisha McDowell, Stasha Moreno, gloria joy kazuko muhammad, Celia Nimura-Parmenter, Krista Perez, Lev Pouliot, Saiyare Refaei, Kellie Richardson, Katharine Threat, Kaia Valentine, Lydia K. Valentine, Tina Văn, Christina Vega, Jesi Hanley Vega, and Jami Williams.

Find out more about the book, and purchase a copy, here. In the meantime, enjoy our recording of the event!