Turning Grit into Greatness: Black Heritage Month Series Intro by Jamal Hodge

Black History month returns, a time when America recognizes the contributions of its Black American citizens… during the shortest and arguably coldest month of the year. That’s that good ole American horror right there. But no matter what shade we’re given, Black Americans have long turned scraps into cuisine, poverty into strength, and grit into greatness.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards greater representation and visibility for Black writers in the horror genre. One of the most notable examples of this progress is the success of Black horror writers and screenwriters in traditional and independent publishing. This year the HWA elected John Lawson as its first black president, a milestone only replicated in the romance genre way back in the 80s. At Stokercon (2022), Sumiko Saulson was awarded the Richard Laymon’s award for exemplary service, while Sheree Renée Thomas, John Edward Lawson, and Ernest Dickerson were guests of honor. Also, Stokercon 2022 was the Horror Writer’s Association’s most diverse yet, with a plethora of old and new faces from the diaspora attending with must-read books.

Despite this progress, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true representation and diversity in the horror genre. Black writers and screenwriters continue to face challenges such as a lack of access to traditional publishing, and the pressure to conform to white, mainstream expectations. Therefore, supporting Black writers with more than platitudes and slogans is essential. This month, I would offer every member of the HWA the opportunity to find a Black voice that interests you in the genre and support their work with your dollars. If you enjoy their work recommend it to a friend… who might have never known how much they needed some chocolate verbiage in their life lol.

Of all genres Horror allows us to reveal the rawest truths about history, society, and ourselves. The relentless creature can be a symbol of systemic evils or systemic change. The demon, a symbol of generational curses we strive to break. We use metaphors, lies, and terror to tell the truth. The Black American voice in these areas has always screamed most sincere with deep truths that benefit society from some of its richest perspectives and imaginations.

The Horror Writers Association is honoring this month with its annual interview series with Black horror writers worldwide. Read us. We’re here.

 JAMAL HODGE is a multi-award-winning filmmaker and writer from Queens NYC who has won
over 80 awards with screenings at Tribeca Film Festival, Sundance, Cannes, and others.
He directed the entire first season of Investigation Discovery Channel’s ‘Primal Instinct’ and is a
Producer on the Animated feature film ‘Pierre the Pigeon Hawk’ (starring Jennifer Hudson,
Snoop Dog, and Whoopi Goldberg). Hodge is also directing segments of the PBS docuseries,
‘Southern Storytellers’ (2023). As a writer, Jamal is an active member of The
Horror Writer’s Association and the SFPA, being nominated for the 2021 & 2022 Rhysling
Awards. While his poem ‘Colony’ placed 2nd at the 2022 Dwarf Stars, making him the first Black
poet to place in the history of the competition. His work is featured in the Anthology ‘Chiral
Mad 5’ alongside such legends as Stephen King, Josh Malerman, and Langston Hughes. www.writerhodge.com