Just before she published her first book, Aida Salazar decided to unite forces with other writers of color. She knew that with her arts activist background they could “create something entirely new that would build an alliance,” she said.
Las Musas was formed earlier this year when Aida was joined by Jen Cervantes, Yamile Saied Mendez, Emma Otheguy, Claribel Ortega and Tehlor Kay Mejia, all young adult and middle grade authors.
Soon, the genius of the members took over to create the Las Musas’ website, where the 40 members post articles, essays or blog posts. Here, they share one another’s milestones, cover reveals, reviews or book launches. And experienced authors offer sisterhood to Latina writers in their debut writing journey.
These books help our kids and young adults see themselves positively reflected in the realities that echo their lives. With these narratives, Latinx kids have more than the damaging narratives they’ve been given.
We know that as Latinxs we have immense diversity, artistry and powerful stories. Now, Las Musas has carved out spaces for Latinx writers, while also showing the publishing industry that our community is made of many diverse voices, and that there is a need and an audience for all of these voices.
