Introducing Victoria Kennedy
Founder of Zora’s Den.
What is Zora’s Den?
Zora’s Den is a writing group formed specifically for Black women
writers. My goal, in creating the group, was to stress the need for
community over competition and to form a sisterhood based on our
common bond and unique perspectives.
How is the name related to the theme of the group?
The idea for the group and the name came from my interest in the
female writers who were integral to literary movements such as the
Black Arts Movement and the Harlem Renaissance. Hence the group is
named for my favorite sister-writer, Zora Neale Hurston. I’m an admirer
of her legendary spunk and unapologetic ownership of her culture. The
name, the theme and the tone of the group means there is no need to
explain cultural references or to apologize for specific subject matter.
36 Naleighna Kai Literary Cafe Magazine July/August 2017