Writing as Liberation: Honoring Black Writers at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

February 13, 2025 2

By Sara M. Lomax | WURD Radio

Early in my journalism career, my favorite professor, Samuel Freedman, proclaimed: “Good writing is good writing.” I interpreted that to mean that it doesn’t matter whether you’re writing the great American novel or a business plan, the tenants of good writing traverse all genres. I have clung to that notion since my career has been rooted on the business side of journalism. I have poured my creativity into proposals, persuasive emails and business plans. But I still write, almost daily, articulating my deepest thoughts, fears and aspirations in my journal. It is an act of mindfulness, clarity-seeking, intention-setting and chronicling my place in the world around me.

I love writers because I’ve always loved reading. To be able to paint a picture, evoke emotions, stimulate the senses, educate and persuade – with words – is magical and revolutionary. This is why Black writers have always been at the core of our liberation movements. Think W.E.B. DuBois, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin and Toni Morrison (to name a few). This is why last Friday we kicked off Black History Month with a powerful event spotlighting “Phenomenal Black Philly Writers.”

Hosted at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and done in partnership with Legacy Reclaimed, this was a celebration of some of our most brilliant local Black writers. Our opening panel included Ursula Rucker, Nancy Gilliam and Tre Johnson with Solomon Jones moderating the discussion. (Sadly, the amazing Lorene Cary wasn’t able to join us due to a delayed flight).

From left to right (Tre Johnson, Nancy Gilliam, Ursula Rucker, and Solomon Jones)

We followed this conversation with a searing presentation by the wise and wonderful Sonia Sanchez. Flanked by me and Jeannine A. Cook, proprietor of Harriet’s Bookshop, Mama Sonia held court for a solid 45 minutes, taking us to church and to school, admonishing and encouraging us to do and be better. She gave us a blueprint for navigating this time, steeped in her history as one of the leaders of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. She shared the risks and sacrifices she and others made fighting for racial justice, equality and freedom. So many takeaways hit home for me, like:

Don’t gossip – it has been used throughout history to divide and destroy our movements;
Embrace and nurture our children – they don’t think we care about them;
Revive Saturday schools where we can share knowledge and empower our children;
and most importantly: We will survive this moment.

The energy in the room was palpable. In this moment of chaos and confusion, we needed to hear from our elder, Sonia Sanchez. At 90 years old, diminutive in size, she exemplifies what it means to be unapologetically Black, a fearless truth-teller, embodying unconditional love for our people.

From left to right (Sara M. Lomax, Sonia Sanchez, and Jeannine A. Cook)

The venue, the majestic landmark that is Philadelphia Museum of Art, held special meaning as it was designed in part by Black Philadelphia architect Julian Abele. It was a poignant reminder that art has the power to inspire, educate and heal. The art museum, our generous partner in this event, was in the final days of presenting “The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure,” an exceptional exhibit featuring Black artists from around the world.

Though we did not broadcast this event live, it lives on in audio and video, which you can enjoy on this page. Another important feature is the introduction of the “Essential Reading List to Survive 2025” culled from recommendations from our panelists.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, our panelists, Jeannine Cook, Mama Sonia and everyone who came out to be a part of this historic event. There is more to come.