About this Event
Event Description:
Hosted by the Philadelphia Community Youth Court in partnership with Wildflowers & Co. Publishing, join us for an exclusive evening with Philly native and visionary storyteller, Dr. Ayana T. Hardaway, as she celebrates the release of her debut memoir, From Crack Mother to Wildflower, Writing to Transgress: The Sankofa Writing Method.
From Crack Mother to Wildflower is a groundbreaking critical autoethnography that challenges the dominant narratives surrounding Black women during the crack epidemic. Through the transformative Sankofa Writing Method, Hardaway weaves together personal history, cultural trauma, and storytelling to deconstruct harmful stereotypes and reclaim ancestral narratives. This book is more than a personal story—it’s a tool for healing and liberation, empowering readers to transgress beyond trauma and find freedom in their own stories. It’s a testament to resilience, written to inspire and spark cultural transformation through the power of the written word.
This launch will be a space for community, reflection, and dialogue, as we honor the resilience of Black women-centered networks and explore how storytelling can be a radical tool for resistance, reclamation, and transformation. Attendees will experience an intimate evening of live readings, poetry, and a dynamic conversation centered on culture, activism, and healing.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful exploration of Black womanhood, cultural trauma, and the enduring fight for justice and freedom.
About the Author
Dr. Ayana T. Hardaway is a passionate writer, scholar, and storyteller whose work focuses on the lives and struggles of Black women and girls. She explores the impact of the crack epidemic on Black families, Black feminism, and the power of storytelling to heal and create change. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Hardaway earned her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Urban Education from Temple University. Her work has been published in several respected journals and books. Now residing in San Diego with her family, she continues to use her writing to inspire and uplift communities.
Parking:
Limited parking is available behind the Braid Mill or on nearby streets.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Braid Mill, 441 High Street, Philadelphia, United States
USD 0.00
