This collection of poetry, though composed by one person, houses the voice of many. After completing countless interviews with friends, coworkers, and other women of color, author Kiana St Louis uses haikus, sonnets, free verse, and short poems to tell the story of the Black woman. Short but impactful, these lines encourage the woman, reminds her she is strong but human first, and recognizes black skin for the beauty it is.

Being Black in America has proven to be one of life’s greatest struggles. Being a Black woman often times feels even harder. Yet, as a people, we have proven to be unstoppable. SHADES is an ode to the undervalued, the under appreciated flowers of the Earth; reminding us the Black woman is never too dark to shine.