When I first learned about Tamika Faulkner‘s company Black Girls Who Write (BGWW), I was genuinely impressed by the amount of intention and creativity that went to creating the growing community.
Created in 2019, Faulkner set out with the ambitious goal of uplifting and empowering over 10,000 Black women writers. Since launching, BGWW has grown into a movement with thousands of writers coming together to share experiences, resources, and opportunities.
Eager to learn more about the inspiration behind BGWW, I sat down with the Maryland native to explore the origins of the growing community. Ahead learn what inspired Tamika Faulkner to create Black Girls Who Write.
The Inspo Behind Black Girls Who Write
According to Faulkner, Black Girls Who Write started with intentionality.
“I wanted to create a space where Black women writers could feel supported not just creatively, but professionally,” Faulkner tells BrownStyle Magazine exclusively about the inspiration behind her company that helps independent authors, writers, and literary creators find resources to push forward conversations that matter to the culture.
“Storytelling is how we document our experiences, preserve our history, and shape our future,” she insists, noting the ever-changing publishing landscape doesn’t always champion Black/Brown storytellers. “Our stories deserve to be visible, respected, and profitable.”
To build community, BGWW hosts in-person retreats, gatherings, and online events that prioritize real-life experiences. “Online spaces are great, but real relationships happen in real life,” she notes. “That’s where the real shift happens— where writers find clarity and build confidence.”
Black Girls Who Write: The Work
Through workshops and community meetups, BGWW encourages writers to stay grounded in the fundamentals of writing by mastering their craft, building meaningful relationships, and resisting the urge to chase trends at the expense of authenticity.
Faulkner pushes this forward through initiatives like Black Girls Who Edit and the Lit Suite, where she provides writers with editorial services, feedback loops, and access points that help them move their projects from idea to execution seamlessly.
“The way you present yourself through communication and your branding—it all matters,” she shares, noting she often turns to her expertise in influencer marketing, social media, events, and design to help writers build their brands.
Looking ahead, Faulkner is focused on expansion with the IT’S LIT! Literary Awards, an annual event that gives authors their well-deserved flowers, especially Black Indie Authors, who often go overlooked.
I am always inspired after speaking with women who are thought-leaders and truly believe in the legacy they are creating. Hats off to the CEO for creating a space for writers to connect and grow together, especially in today’s uncertain writing landscape.
To learn more about BGWW, visit blackgirlswhowrite.com!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
