African-American Writers’ Alliance History

In February 1991, Californian Randee Eddins called to order the first meeting of the African-American Writers’ Alliance (AAWA) in Seattle, Washington. Her idea to begin an informal gathering of northwest black writers meeting for mutual support and encouragement through the exchange of ideas and concepts became a reality. The warmth and informality provide a forum for both new and published writers, a setting where they can explore both finished works and works in progress among their peers and minus censure. The ready-made audience supports writers by listening and sharing. Equally important, writers have the opportunity to read and recite their works in a variety of venues in the Puget Sound area. Attending and presenting workshops help writers polish their skills.

As AAWA celebrates its fifteenth year, more than two hundred persons have participated on a variety of levels. The group has published three anthologies: Sometimes I Wander… in 1998, Gifted Voices in 2000, and. “Words? Words! Words.” in 2004. A large number of writers have published their works independently or in collections. Writers have shared their works in a variety of bookstores, libraries, prisons, theaters, restaurants, churches, taverns, festivals, fairs, schools, museums, colleges, and universities. AAWA members are often on television and radio. Since 2003 members have read at Gallery 110 (110 South Washington Street) in Pioneer Square the third Saturday of the month.

Members write, read, and recite their works for anyone who will listen. Most of the writers are poets, but some write short stories, essays, plays, and novels. All have much to say about many subjects: love, hate, friendship, work, art, history, feelings, facts, truth, war, patriotism, poverty—life.