RAWSISTAZ is up for Book Club of the Year in the African-American Literary Awards Show and I will admit, it’s pretty cool to be nominated for an award by a group of your peers, members and others for the very thing you have a passion for doing. But, is it necessary? No? Not really.
Earlier in the week, I posted to our groups:
RAWSISTAZ is up for Book Club of the Year…This is our 10 Year Anniversary and anyone who says we aren’t deserving of this award, as one of the few book clubs that has been around for 10 years, starting one of (if not the first) organized review teams to promote our books, and how we continue doing what we do DAILY to keep folks in the know regarding Black books, authors, book reviews, and more…well, they’re misinformed.
So…support us as we’ve supported the African-American Literary Community for a decade and vote for your other favorites, too. Vote by September 2
I was not trying to take away from any of the other nominees listed as I support ALL entities who join us in the promotion of literacy and promotion of books…all books. And, I commend each one of them for everything they’re doing with their sites/groups as well. But yes, I do think RAWSISTAZ is deserving. Is it necessary to win? No, not at all.
The idea for RAWSISTAZ came about over 10 years ago with just a desire to talk about Black books with other like-minded folks. Reading is something most of us have done for as long as we can remember and it’s natural to want to share your thoughts with others. And, it’s also necessary to show that there are books reflective of us, our experiences, our dreams and more, not just the few you see scattered on bookshelves or stuck in a tiny section of the bookstore.
Over the years, I’ve never really questioned the book thing or my love of reading and learning new things. I’ve always done it and see myself doing it for life. As for the award, I’m grateful to those who nominated RAWSISTAZ for Book Club of the Year in the African-American Literary Awards Show, not only this year but in years past. And, I appreciate those who voted for us. I also appreciate all the other nominees and what they do for the literary community. No, RAWSISTAZ has never won the award before and it would be nice to win it, but again, is it necessary? No.
It would be cool, but even if not…we’ve already “won” it. We’ve done so much, helped so many, and I’ve made great friends, seen authors write their first books, get published, get 6 & 7 figure book deals, others start their lit businesses, folks get married, buy their first house, and so much more—you can’t put getting an award above that. Ya know?
So, to all those who have joined our groups, read along with us, supported us as we support Black books and authors, I thank you now because truly…RAWSISTAZ has already won! A big woo hoo for book clubs everywhere and what we all do for the literary community!! What books have you read because of a book club? What new authors have you learned about? Who hasn’t made life-long friends within their book club?
I have always been an avid reader, but mostly read literary fiction and non-fiction, however, when I joined RAW4all in 2006, I was introduced to erotic fiction, street lit and more romance than I even knew existed. I will admit that I didnt become a fan of all, but I learned to at a minimum try. I learned to read books by Noire and other writers who write extremely well, just on different topics and in a different way. I also learned a lot about being quiet, listening and learning….and many of the people I met in 2006 are still people I converse with daily who I can support and who continues to support me and Tee, I thank you for doing this…it is madly and sincerely appreciated, by a Reading and Writing Woman…
angelia
It’s strange, but I don’t remember NOT knowing you, Angelia. Your support, wisdom, and books have touched me so much. Thank you so much for sharing and giving back to all of us.
-Tee
In the 4 years (wow, has it been that long?) that I’ve been a member, I can honestly say that there hasn’t been a single moment that I would trade for anything. I’ve been able to cheer Sistaz on as they graduate from college, get married, have children and even been able to offer condolences during trying times in their lives. I’ve also been the recipient of shoulders when I needed to vent, cry, or just have my own pity party. But through it all, we allow each other the time they need to deal with whatever is going on in their lives and are there to pull each other back up when needed.
That, to me, is the most important and treasurable part of this sisterhood. The fact that we all enjoy books and wish to share our passion with others is icing on the cake. Although I’ve only physically met one Sista (HEY LINDA) I look forward to meeting all of you at some point and hope to continue this sisterhood for many, many years to come.
This is what it’s all about, sis. Thank YOU so much. I love my RAWSISTAZ!
I’ve read so many good books due to recommendations I’ve seen on the RAW loop or online. I’ve also made some priceless connections.
@Tee, me thanks you…@Shelia, I met U on RAW$all
angelia
The connotation “book worm” had not been viewed favorably as I was growing up and having always been an undeniable bookworm, I felt separate from most, who either didn’t read unless they were forced to, or only read non-fiction. When I found RAWSISTAZ, I found people like me, whose blood warmed or even boiled sometimes, when discussing books. A world opened up to me. It felt good.
Imagine my pleasure when I found that there was more than books to be had in this group. There is laughter, kind words, recommendations, warnings, advice, sympathy, empathy, information, encouragement, correction, guidance, applause, prayer, leads, mentoring, frienship, and more threaded between the words both read and written. I now supply the written word for bookworms like me, and as the world changes, we’ll change with it.
Hardly a day moves on that I don’t check in with my RAWSISTAZ! Love ya’ll.