Writing

I believe in the transformative power of the written word, and I am enthusiastic about using words to connect people. I write essays that often interrogate the intersection of history and technology, especially concerning religion, race, and gender. Below is a brief listing of pieces that are close to my heart. Informal posts can be found on my blog, What Val Said. If you are interested in having me write for your site or project, contact me here.

• The Four Corners: “Review of Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.“ (October 2021)
• Atmos Magazine: “From Dust to Dust: Climate Change and Cemeteries” (November 2020)
• Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith…and for Freedom, edited by Dr. Karen Garst: “Black Women & Christianity in the United States: A Historical Perspective, Part I (Colonial Era to Jim Crow) (June 2018)
• Vox Magazine: “The Fraught Gender and Racial Politics of the Royal Wedding, Explained” (May 2018; quoted in piece by Anna North)
• Allure Magazine: “What Meghan Markle’s Engagement Says About Black Royalty” (November 2017)