As summer gives way to fall, we hope you've had time to rest, reconnect, and perhaps even rediscover what grounds and fortifies you. September always kicks off the season with the feeling of possibility; a chance to begin again with renewed purpose. For me and the members of the Belonging to Blackness LLC team, that's exactly what we're doing.
Over the next several months, I’m thrilled to share a number of exciting developments that continue my commitment toward amplifying African descended voices, histories, identities, and lived experiences across scholarship, storytelling, and community engagement. One of the biggest changes you'll notice is our newly redesigned website, created to make it easier to explore the Belonging to Blackness podcast and its YouTube content, discover my latest books and storytelling projects, stay informed about upcoming events, and connect with our growing podcast global community.
This fall also marks the release of two new books that are especially close to my heart. On October 13, 2026, Tengo Sed: An Anthology of Works Celebrating Black Voices, Identities and Personhood, which I edited with Natasha Gordon-Chipembere, officially launches. This powerful collection brings together an incredible range of voices reflecting on Black identity, creativity, humanity, and belonging. We'll celebrate publication day with a virtual launch event with Afrolatin@ Forum on October 13, followed by an in-person celebration at Café Con Libros in Brooklyn, New York, on October 24. Event details and RSVP information can be found at SHOW UP/Events on www.yndialorickwilmot.com
Looking ahead, I'm equally excited for the February 2027 publication of my forthcoming book, Belonging to Blackness: The Complexities of Black Identity and DNA Testing. Releasing during #BlackHistoryMonth365, the book explores the intersections of race, ancestry, genetics, identity, and belonging while inviting readers into deeper conversations about what it means to be Black in the twenty-first century. We’ll be sharing more about the book and upcoming launch events in the months ahead. To stay in the know, be sure to sign-up at Books on www.yndialorickwilmot.com
And, of course, a new season of the podcast is almost here!! Season 8 of the podcast Belonging to Blackness premieres this Tuesday, September 15, with an extraordinary guest: Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Chair of McKissack & McKissack, the nation's oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm. Together, we explore her family's remarkable 200+ year journey from enslavement to building one of America's most influential Black business legacies, while reflecting on leadership, generational wealth, and Black identity. Be sure to subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms, including YouTube, so you don’t miss it!
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you've been here from the beginning or recently joined the community, we’re grateful you're here. There is so much ahead, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
Cheers to a season of celebration, learning, connection, and belonging!
Peace and blessings, Dr. Yndia & the Belonging to Blackness, LLC team
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