Black Love Letters
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black experiences, culture and contributions to our world.
As February unfolds, a month that celebrates both Black History and Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded of the power of love in all its forms – romantic love, familial love, self-love, and the love for community.
This year, CNIB Beyond Print is thrilled to offer a special gift that intertwines these themes: the accessible audiobook edition of Black Love Letters.
This powerful collection of essays, poems, and letters, brought to life by talented voice actors, is a testament to Black love and resilience, and a vital addition to our collection of accessible audiobooks in Canada
Bridging the Gap
Despite the 6.2 million people living with a disability, fewer than 5% of published works are available in accessible formats.
This means millions of people are excluded from the world of reading and information.
This lack of access has a particularly profound impact on communities already facing systemic barriers.
Black Canadians, for example, face unique challenges, including a higher likelihood of living with blindness or low vision.
They often encounter barriers to accessing reading materials that authentically reflect their experiences.
CNIB Beyond Print, in partnership with CELA, is committed to bridging this gap by providing free audiobooks and accessible audiobooks across Canada for individuals with print disabilities.
We believe that everyone deserves access to literature that celebrates their identity and connects them to their community.
About the Book
Black Love Letters is a moving anthology that has an immediate impact on the reader.
Editors Cole Brown and Natalie Johnson, witnessing the pain and anguish within their community, sought to create a space for celebration, healing, and reflection.
As they write in their introduction, “We reserve this space for our humanity in all of its fond, ironic, elated, grief-stricken, confused glory… When you find yourself alone and downtrodden, when the news is too much, return to these pages. This one is for you.”
This sentiment resonates deeply, especially during Black History Month and as we approach Valentine’s Day, a time for connection and love.
This collection features contributions from 45 writers and artists, each exploring the multifaceted nature of love.
The book is thoughtfully organized into thematic sections, including Care, Awe, Loss, Ambivalence, and Transformation.
From musician John Legend’s poignant letter to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, after a pregnancy loss, to #MeToo founder Tarana Burke’s tribute to her grandmother, and Reverend Al Sharpton’s message of hope to his grandson, the letters encompass a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences.
There are letters to gay friends, lost childhoods, ancestors, churches, dimples, and kinky hair – a beautiful celebration of the diversity within the Black community.
Bringing Words to Life
To bring these powerful words to life, CNIB Beyond Print enlisted the talents of professional actors Andrew Moodie and Keda Edwards St. Pierre.
Their captivating narration adds another layer of depth and emotion to the listening experience, making Black Love Letters truly accessible and engaging for all Canadians.
Keda Edwards St. Pierre shared her moving experience of narrating the book: “It felt like embarking on journeys alongside kindred companions. The words were deeply vulnerable, opening portals for me to rich emotional landscapes. Each letter linked me to strangers whose experiences and perspectives mirrored my own, carrying an energy that was both soothing and unsettling, yet always compelling. The letters were powerful reminders that I’m not alone, but part of a diaspora of Black love. I didn’t discover these voices—they found me.”
This speaks to the power of accessible media and the importance of representation in literature.
When diverse voices are amplified, they resonate deeply with listeners, creating a sense of belonging and connection.
Keda’s Pick
Keda highlighted Alexandra Elle’s “Dear Self: A Letter of Witnessing” as particularly impactful.
The letter’s message of self-acceptance and compassion resonated deeply with Keda, reflecting the themes of love and resilience in the entire collection.
The powerful words, “I see your truth. I see your vulnerability. I see your pain. I see your uncertainty. I see your willingness to try. I see your commitment to growth. I see your dedication to being who you didn’t have,” highlight the power of self-love and determination as essential tools for navigating the ongoing impacts of systemic oppression.
Keda’s work with CNIB
This is Keda Edwards St. Pierre’s third audiobook project with CNIB Beyond Print.
You can also find her narrating The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto! and Strong Women, Strong Communities: Inspiring Kids Stories about Canadian Women.
These accessible audiobooks, along with Black Love Letters, are valuable resources for individuals with print disabilities, providing access to diverse stories and perspectives.
You can find out more about Keda here (www.beingkeda.com).
Thank You to Our Partners
CNIB Beyond Print is grateful for the support of Podium Audio, a leading North American producer of commercial audiobook titles and a ‘Partner in Innovation’ with CNIB.
Their generous support was instrumental in producing this accessible audiobook with a professional cast, ensuring that Black Love Letters reaches a wide audience.
CNIB Beyond Print is also grateful for our ongoing partnership with ACTRA. Their continued assistance and support enable professional actors to help us make books more accessible.
We are committed to making accessible audiobooks in Canada readily available, and partnerships like these are essential to achieving our mission. Get your accessible copy of Black Love Letters here.
A Gift for All
This Valentine’s Day and during Black History Month, share the accessible audiobook edition of Black Love Letters with your loved ones, friends, and community.
Black Love Letters is an experience, a celebration, and a demonstration of the enduring power of Black love.
Find more free audiobooks and explore our Accessibility Services by visiting www.cnib-beyondprint.ca.