Editor’s Take

BY NJEMILE Z. ALI

Social Roles Future, Past & Now

In the excerpt from her novel Inflicted, Stephanie Teasley quickly warps time into sharp relief. From gentle sisterly moments, we are catapulted into a present moment that simply must be handled. Stephanie’s toying with time is echoed in columnist Khadija Pounsel’s reflections on Octavia Butler’s Kindred. Both Stephanie and Khadija expand our consciousness of how we accept the social roles that are thrust upon us throughout time.

From Week 1 to Week 5 of KIZA’s Spring Mini Series, our writers have taken us through the forces that shape social worlds and set the stage for the interactions that define individuals and communities. They carry precious cargo in their vehicles: childhood, love and relations lost and found—the true treasures of life.

Next week concludes the series with all of the selections in one place, so you can browse through, recall and consider. We' have enjoyed bringing you this discussion of Social Roles in a way that keeps the conversation going, while allowing space to absorb the insights and perhaps write your own. Share your thoughts. Submit your lit to KIZA.