Host Tiffani Staten reviews Khalia Moreau’s He Burns by the River, exploring its vivid Trinidadian setting, lyrical voice, and themes of identity, family, spirituality, and the symbolism of river and fire across the African diaspora.

Staten shares a personal connection from a writers’ conference, praises the book’s honest portrayal of Caribbean life, and highly recommends it—teasing next month’s pick, Blood Moon by Brittany S. Lewis.

In this bonus episode, host Tiffani Staten reflects on Tina Knowles' memoir Matriarch, exploring how Knowles transformed personal struggle into collective empowerment. From witnessing her professional friends being disrespected at salons to needing an escape route from an unfaithful marriage, Tina built Headliners as both survival strategy and sanctuary for Black women.

The conversation covers industry pushback, generational wisdom, the art of lifting while climbing, and the emotional cost of holding everyone together. Staten connects Knowles' journey to the ongoing navigation Black women face today—creating spaces where we can thrive unapologetically.

Read more in Tiffani's companion blog post: HERE.

In the debut episode of The Ink is Black, host Tiffani Staten dives deep into Esi Edugyan's "Washington Black" alongside Hulu's stunning new adaptation starring Sterling K. Brown. From the brutal cane fields of Barbados to the frozen Arctic and beyond, Tiffani traces Wash's complex journey to freedom while examining his complicated bond with Titch—mentor, savior, or something more troubling?

With full spoilers, she explores how art and science become Wash's pathway to self-definition, compares the book's lyrical storytelling to the series' bold adaptations, and discusses what it means when trauma shapes us but doesn't have to define us.

Plus: Fresh Ink Spotlight on Jamila Minnicks' "Moonrise Over New Jessup," a sneak peek at September's pick "He Burns by the River" by Khalia Moreau, and the promise of a bonus episode on Tina Knowles' "Matriarch."

Welcome to "Ink is Black," where host Tiffani Staten shares her passion for books by Black authors. Join this monthly book club with a soulful twist, exploring stories by Black writers from all over the world. Discover the tales that resonate, from memoirs that tug at your heartstrings to page-turners that keep you reading late into the night. Dive into the cultural richness of Black storytelling and experience the journey of beloved books as they make their way to the big screen.

Next episode, she will kick off with Esie Edugyan’s "Washington Black," as we explore its themes of freedom and friendship, alongside Hulu's new series adaptation. And don't miss the bonus episode on Tina Knowles' "Matriarch." Subscribe, share with fellow book lovers, and let's enjoy these rich, vibrant stories together.