Shanene Herbert urges women to draw strength from their past experiences and prepare for a better future. Herbert is a New York native deeply committed to racial justice. She is devoted to aiding young people and communities of color in avoiding the school-to-prison pipeline.
Herbert has collaborated with schools and youth organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the aftermath of the George Floyd tragedy and works in restorative justice circles to facilitate critical conversations about race and social justice. She co-founded the Heal Sis organization to provide a platform for black women seeking community and connection.
In 2019, Herbert received the Virginia Binger McKnight Unsung Hero Award for her efforts to promote healing and restoration. She has written Soul Yearning: A Black Woman’s Guided Journal for Healing and Restoration as part of her commitment to creating a brighter future centered around liberation.
Herbert shared her experiences and inspiration in a recent interview with rolling out.
What inspired you to write this book?
As women, we often prioritize others. I penned this book for myself and fellow Black professional women seeking more from life. Many of us have untold stories and shouldn’t feel alone. Let’s reflect on our past to chart a brighter future together.
What should readers and audiences expect from the book?
Readers can anticipate genuine narratives about the shared struggles of Black women. They’ll find validation and connection in a world that often dismisses their emotions. This book encourages openness, inviting readers to share their stories and fostering a sense of empowerment and community.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
The most challenging aspects were reliving the stories and confronting places where more healing is needed. Writing requires disciplined time management. Despite working full-time, I prioritized my writing. It was a selfish act of self-care, yet essential for my personal growth and sense of achievement.
What inspires you to write?
Sharing my story to inspire others to tell theirs drives my writing. This book will become part of my legacy, passed down for my descendants to cherish. I wish for them to pursue their dreams ardently, finding fulfillment without longing for anything else.
How vital is it for Black writers and readers to have their stories told?
It’s crucial for Black writers and readers to have their stories told to reclaim their narratives, validate their experiences, and foster empathy and understanding among communities, combating stereotypes and systemic erasure.
