A hidden figure returns to history – Black Women Amplified | Podcast. Newsletter. Connection.

Hello Reader,Welcome to all of our new members. I am so glad you are here. This is a groovy little corner to step away from everything happening in the world. I hope you are well and finding small moments of joy where you can.

I have been busy getting Season 8 of the podcast ready and catching up on my two favorite shows, Paradise and Bridgerton. Both are juicy in very different ways.

Now let me tell you about one of my favorite podcast conversations this season.

I had the opportunity to sit down with award-winning author Vanessa Riley to talk about her 29th book, Fire, Sword & Sea. And what an adventure it is.

I love historical fiction, and this one checked every box for me. The novel centers on Jacquotte Delahaye, a real-life female pirate in the 17th century Caribbean. A hidden figure. A woman most of us were never taught about. This book places her back into the lexicon of the Americas, where she belongs.

Vanessa is a Stanford PhD who began writing while working as a mechanical engineer. We talked about her pivot, her discipline, and why it matters to tell these layered stories of dynamic Black women who made bold decisions inside brutal systems.

This conversation feels like a perfect close to Black History Month. Another story of a powerful woman choosing her dreams. Not waiting to be chosen. Not shrinking. Choosing.

If you have not listened yet, subscribe to Black Women Amplified on your favorite podcast platform or streaming app, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Audible.

I also released a powerful conversation with Lisane Basquiat about boundaries and balance. If you missed that one, check your previous email for details. Between these two episodes, you have plenty to listen to this weekend to fill your cup.

If you are interested in reading Fire, Sword & Sea, here is the link to grab your copy. It is worth the read.

Have a beautiful day, and we will chat soon.

Peace and light,
Monica Wisdom