In 2020, a university press discovered Aida Mariam Davis on the internet and commissioned her to write a book. As an Oakland-native with degrees in political science and African American Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master's in public policy from USC, she was ready to embark on this new literary path. The Black Lives Matter movement in May 2020 led to a call for Black and underrepresented writers, and it was then that Davis realized her potential as a writer.

Premise and Purpose of the Book

In "Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom" (released on Dec. 3 from North Atlantic Books), Davis aimed to exalt the dignity and distinction of the Black and African way of life. She wrote the book for herself first and foremost, as a Black woman and a mother. As she stitched together her Ethiopian-American roots, academic research, community work, and lived experience, she discovered that Black Americans could find their greatest strength and peace by embracing their own culture and ancestral histories. This book is a quilt of poetry, prophecy, and philosophy, where pain is transformed into power and power turns into generational practice.

Embracing Heritage

Davis emphasizes the importance of celebrating heritage. "This was created to bring warmth and be a cover and comforter for displaced Africans and Black folk in this country. We took the scraps and made masterpieces," she says. By reconnecting with their roots, Black Americans can reclaim themselves despite hardships.

Dealing with Challenges

However, her original publisher found her thesis too radical. In 2023, she was dropped after being asked to "cater to a wider audience." But Davis didn't give up. She found comfort in the words of her aunt, Angela Davis, a renowned author and political activist. Angela even penned the foreword, and her support meant a lot to Davis. She learned the value of precision of language from this experience.

Gratitude and Hope

Now, as a newly-minted author about to welcome her third child, Davis hopes her book serves as a balm and a shield for Black Americans. Motherhood has given her superpowers, and she believes that anyone with an idea to be birthed is a mother in a sense. She wants to make the world better for her children and is grateful for her present and hopeful for the future. "Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom" by North Atlantic Press is available now, wherever books are sold.