“…Just as Obama connected beyond Blacks and sparked the change that took place on the second best day of my life, those black writers who want a change in the publishing industry have to fight for the change and connect beyond their color, too.

“And, unfortunately, it doesn’t come from telling the publishing industry – yet again – that they need to change; they don’t buy it, no matter how much convincing we try to do. They want to see the numbers, they want to see the sales, they want to SEE the change.

“So, I guess, the question is how do we start that grassroots campaign for change in the publishing industry for black writers? How do we convince our ‘constituents’ that we are worthy of being read, of being published so that it’s not just about us – the writers – ‘complaining’ (as the industry might say – ’sour grapes’), but it’s about the people who are ready, who are craving for more diversity in black literature?”