For the past five years, writing has always been a place that listens—a place where I can spill all of my contents, difficult feelings, truths, concerns, gratitude for where and who I am presently, and excitement for the future.

I write because I wasn’t always aware that my voice mattered—and because if I listen close enough to my still, small voice and record what it has to say, I am able to recognize more of me, and to be carefully led. Writing has opened a door in my life that has changed it profoundly, connecting me with inspiring people from all over the world, and giving me the chance to share my writing in art galleries. I write because I believe that I am helping to enrich humanity by opening up to myself and the world.

I write for the parts of me that have been blocked for more than a decade, growing up in environments that do not often have the creative support that black children need to become the person in our wildest, most creative dreams. I write to deepen my relationship with my creative channel, and to give to others a moment to open their hearts, even unexpectedly, recognizing the possibility of more.

I share my writing because I know I am never the only one, and because I know that I am needed.

—Darrell