By Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE
In the first instalment of Meet the Anthologist, we meet Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE.
Cherron is the Editor-in-Chief of Black History Month magazine. She organised a poetry competition with the theme ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and received over 4,000 entries.
At an awards ceremony at the House of Commons in March 2024, the winners, finalists and highly commended poets were announced. Their poems now feature in an anthology.
Saluting Our Sisters: An Anthology: Poems Dedicated To Celebrating Black Women is out on 3rd October.
Saluting Our Sisters features a diverse array of original poems that reflect on the historical and contemporary experiences of Black women, highlighting their roles as trailblazers, caregivers, leaders, and nurturers. The anthology explores themes of identity, empowerment, love, and struggle, offering readers a deep and emotional journey into the lives and stories of Black women.
Why did you want to bring others together for this project?
I wanted to do something in line with the theme Saluting Our Sisters and showcase the talent of emerging poets.
Who is the anthology aimed at?
This anthology is for anyone who loves poetry, who wants to celebrate women and appreciates history.
What is your vision for the book?
My vision is that this book encourages the featured authors to continue writing poetry. In addition, I want every Black woman to read and meditate on these poems and see them as good food for the soul.
Finally, I want anyone reading this to appreciate the talent of the poets and be so inspired by the subject matter that they do some research into these wonderful women.
What is your favourite book and why?