2024 BPL Local Authors Spotlight: Dr. Idrissa N. Snider
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| Dr. Idrissa N. Snider, author of "Unmasking Authentic Black Female Identity" |
The 2024 Birmingham Public Library Local Authors Expo is this Saturday, November 2. Sponsored by the Tri-County Alabama Chapter of the Links, Inc., this year's expo featuring over 30 authors is happening from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham.
Today's spotlight is on Dr. Idrissa N. Snider, author of "Unmasking Authentic Black Female Identity" and one of the speakers at this Saturday's Local Authors Expo. She is a member of the Tri-County Alabama Chapter of the Links, Inc., the event sponsor.
Dr. Snider is committed to educating and inspiring others to excellence. Her scholarly interests lie in Rhetorical Criticism and Womanist Studies, focusing on black women’s resistance to controlling images and stereotypes. She is also attentive to studying modes of empowerment through acts of self-defining.
Dr. Snider taught several African American studies and communications themed courses at major universities and colleges throughout the state, and was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Samford University. She earned her doctoral degree at Wayne State University (2019) in Detroit, and holds a Master of Arts & Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Communications Management (2014).
She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Film and Journalism (2004).
Before attending GSU, Dr. Snider was enrolled at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa during her freshman and sophomore years of undergrad. A daughter of Birmingham and a proud graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she majored in Visual Artistry during high school. Dr. Snider loves the arts, and in her spare time, she paints and writes poetry.
Prior to starting a career in academia, Dr. Snider worked a variety of public relations and television production jobs. She owns ISArt Consulting & Writing Services, LLC, which assists educational institutions, organizations, and businesses by providing training and informative resources for tackling systemic disparities.
Dr. Snider is passionate about the community and works with schools, non-profits, organizations, and boards. She is also a dedicated wife and mother of two sons.
In a Q&A with BPL, Dr. Snider discussed her book and how she hopes it inspires Black women to achieve their dreams and make a positive difference on society, as she strives to do.
BPL: Tell me about your book
Dr. Snider: Unmasking Authentic Black Female Identity is a monograph that explores how stereotypes that come from slavery affect modern-day portrayals of Black American women. However, unlike many works that simply identify typecasts of mammies, jezebels, and the angry black women, this book looks at self-defining acts of resistance from Viola Davis, Michelle Obama, Beyonce Knowles to encourage everyday Black women to do the same.
BPL: What inspired you to write your book?
A couple of years back, I noticed of a pattern of pushback that was occurring when there was a public movement of Black women finding strength and pride in showcasing their beauty, talents, and accomplishments. Far too often, Black women feel disrespected and underestimated. Often, it is because societal expectations are forced upon them, which have been ingrained in the culture.
I wanted to provide women like me and women from other groups with tools they could use to walk in their full humanity despite the restraints imposed upon them. I wrote this book to provide a historical context for how the misnaming of Black women occurs. Equally important, I wanted to give credence and agency to the voice of Black girls and women, and how we identify ourselves.
BPL: What do you hope readers get out of your books?
Dr. Snider: My purpose in life and as a writer is to advocate, educate, and inspire. When readers read Unmasking Authentic Black Female Identity, I want them to be more informed about the history associated with misnaming Black Americans and specifically Black women.
With that history, they should feel encouraged and motivated to continue to move the needle forward in the pursuit of equality. I genuinely desire anyone who looks at my books to see Black women for who we say we are. Ultimately, when readers close this text, I want them to be more aware and equipped to understand and tackle some of the things that plague our community.
BPL: Any advice you would give for new authors or those desiring to become an author?
Dr. Snider: As cliché as it may sound, I would encourage those who want to be an author to never to give up. But with determination, you should constantly work to improve your writing skills and hone your craft. Submit your work to be peer-reviewed by industry leaders.
Initially, it may seem intimidating, but if you stay committed and learn from feedback, you will develop your voice as a writer and be able to share what’s inside of you with the world at large. Your voice is powerful, and it’s worth the investment.
By Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director|Birmingham Public Library
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