Mujer Negra: Evolution

Short Summary

My name is Ynanna Djehuty. I am an Afro-Dominican woman born and raised in the Bronx. I am a writer and certified birth doula. In October 2009, I published my book, ‘Hija De Mi Madre’ (My Mother’s Daughter), which is a combination of memoirs, poems and research material that describes the effects of race on identity. I am currently working on the next part of my journey – one of deep healing and transcendence. As I work on the forthcoming book, Mujer Negra: Evolution, I am sharing my ideas about transcendence and breaking cycles with larger audiences. I have been invited by the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies to present two abstracts at the upcoming conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am in need of assistance to reach the conference.

What I Need & What You Get

I need $2000 to be able to get to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This money will go to:

• Conference registration fee
• Roundtrip flight from Syracuse to Baton Rouge
• Lodging for 3 nights
• Submissions to the national organization’s Monograph Series and the Journal of Intercultural Disciplines

• Perks! For your help, I have a short list of perks that I will gladly gift you for your own special gift to me:
  • $10  – Two exclusive poetry tracks by yours truly that have not been released to the public
  • $50– A signed copy of my first book, Hija De Mi Madre
  • $100– A signed copy of “The Abyss Stares Back,” a limited edition collection of essays that my forthcoming book are based on
  • $500 – All of the above + a long distance Reiki healing session
• All of the funds raised will go towards getting to the conference.

The Impact

Giving a voice to an underrepresented group of women, Afro-Latinas, is crucial to their healing. In the last 3 years, the power of my personal narrative has touched many audiences and has planted seeds that I have had the honor of nurturing. My presence at conferences such as this one gives me the opportunity to make connections with more colleges, universities and institutions of higher learning. Reaching this particular demographic of students is important due to the influential nature of an undergraduate career on the life of an individual. The following is a short list of the impact I have had on the people I have shared my story and research with:

• Encouraging college students to explore their Afro-Latino heritage
• Sparked many discussions on the effects of losing touch with your self
• Mentorship to two women on their own path of healing
• Inspired some who have read my book to cut their processed hair and embrace their natural hair
• A following of over 1,000 people who seek inspiration from my social media sites daily
• Hija De Mi Madre was added to a high school reading list. A graduate of that school got in touch with me to share how much my story has inspired her

Other Ways You Can Help

Can’t contribute? No worries! You can still help me by getting the word out and share my campaign. Thanks for stopping by!