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INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA Welcome, Noire Family, In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the talented and amazing writer, Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz, as she offers a captivating  glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more.   Please join me in welcoming Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz to Afrique Noire Magazine! Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry? My name is Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz. I am a first-generation, fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Media with a specialization in Global Media. Additionally, I am working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. As a first-generation Dominican-American, my inspiration to pursue writing and poetry originates from my unwavering passion for exploring issues of decolonization, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and abolition. I consistently find that a significant portion of my poetry and visual art relates back to the exploration of my diverse identities. How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work? My work is deeply influenced by my Afro-Dominican-American cultural background, particularly in the context of my current residence in Rome, Italy, where Caribbean culture is notably absent. Afro-Caribbean culture and spirituality serve as significant wellsprings of inspiration for me. I navigate the confluence of personal identity and a broader cultural milieu by intricately incorporating these elements into my narratives, celebrating both the beauties and misfortunes of various cultures. Through my poetry and photography, I delve into the multifaceted layers of being Afro-Latinx. Additionally, I leverage my digital presence and privilege to spotlight and uplift communities that have played pivotal roles in the pursuit of Black Liberation, such as Haiti, as well as various cultural groups grappling for liberation, including Palestine and Bedouins/Bedoons in the SWANA region, among others. I firmly believe in the importance of utilizing one’s privilege, regardless of its extent, to advocate for the liberation of all people. How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset? My creative process is fluid. Although I don’t adhere to strict rituals, I believe in advancing my ideas, even in uncertainty. This approach frequently results in unexpected and aesthetically pleasing forms in my work. Inspiration is drawn from various sources, particularly when exploring diverse cultural backgrounds and delving into the historical contexts of traditions and practices. Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work? I draw inspiration from a diverse range of literary and poetic influences, with a particular emphasis on Black and Arabic literature. Mahmoud Darwish stands out as one of my favorite poets due to his profound connection of all his works to his culture and religion. What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them? One challenge involves questioning my work and ideas. I overcome this obstacle by embracing uncertainty and forging ahead with my creative instincts. More often than not, my ideas evolve into something unexpected and beautiful. How would you characterize your writing style or poetic voice? Are there specific elements or techniques you consciously incorporate into your work?  My writing style can be characterized by thought-provoking narratives, primarily centered around spirituality. Even poems that do not directly address social justice still connect to spiritualism and Afro-Caribbean religion in unconventional ways. How do you envision your work resonating with readers? Is there a specific message or emotion you aim to convey? I aspire for my work to resonate by cultivating a sense of community and belonging, especially for those contending with societal injustices. My objective is to dismantle barriers and establish spaces where diverse voices are not only embraced but also celebrated. Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you? My poem “Old Enough to Understand” was published in the 5th issue of Rejected Lit and Heirloom of Shame is one of my recent poems. Heirloom of Shame My genitalia is not a symbol of life. I refuse to use it to birth the next generation of unprepared, culturally dissociated servants to a society that loathes them. I will not give in to the fear that by not doing so, I will be shamed in accordance with the traditions of “my” culture. Creating, growing, and nourishing a child from my own stomach and breasts is a privilege that has become an unwritten law established by the hierarchy of the patriarch. The process of childbirth is a phenomenon that the male body was not created to handle, and yet they have somehow found a way to infest it with poisons and lies dating back to 1492 when La Hispanola’s first invader sailed the ocean blue.  My Dominican mother’s mind is unconsciously rooted in the deepest seed sowed during this time. She tells me I’m selfish for condemning her prayers about my “future children” and that this was what I was created for, to create. Little does she know that because of people like me, she has the right to vote. Because of people like me, she has the choice to remain single and not be forced into marriage. Because of people like me, the world is waking up and correcting its mistakes because we refuse to take their shit. My “learned selfishness” is the reason I’m not afraid to snatch back what is mine and, on the contrary, do so with pride. Regardless of whether or not I have to shout at the top of my lungs to be heard by a crowd of minuscule cis-gender, straight, elderly, white men or march until my feet can no longer carry my fighting body, this