This week’s Writer Wednesday features Writing Room member Randye I. Bullock!
Based in Redford, Michigan, Randye is a retired public relations executive and writer. Her upcoming memoir, “One-Sixteenth: My Journey to Racial Identity,” explores how she came to define her own identity in a world that tried to define it for her.
As the first African American to work in PR at a major Michigan hospital, she broke barriers, leading media relations for U.S. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. and managing campaigns for Chrysler Corporation. A co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society, Bullock mentored rising Black journalists and PR professionals throughout her award-winning career.
Join Randye on July 31 for a special book launch at Bert’s Music Cafe, hosted by award-winning news anchor Huel Perkins! Enjoy a live dialogue, refreshments, giveaways and a book signing. Read more about her below!
You have an upcoming memoir titled “One-Sixteenth: My Journey to Racial Identity.” Can you share what the book is about and what inspired you to tell this particular story?
“One Sixteenth: My Journey to Racial Identity” is a memoir dating back to my birth. I tell stories about how my "race" was always defined by others and how I had to define myself. As I told friends about my experiences throughout life, my friends, family and associates always said that, "you should write a book." The stories are unique, but real — and they are my truth.
What do you hope readers will take away from your exploration of identity, race and belonging?
With today's social environment, as well as, competition in the workplace, it is important to have a good self-identity, to know yourself. Why are you who you are? Embrace who and what you are and run with it. It can be a map to life-long happiness.
As a proud Detroiter, how has the city's history and spirit influenced your voice as a writer?
Detroit is my home, and it is obvious in my writings. Some things I talk about are unique to Detroit. My father's grandfather migrated to Detroit from Washington D.C. in 1860 for work. His other grandfather moved to Detroit in 1906 from North Carolina. Being a native Detroiter with a history and legacy is another reason to make me proud of who I am.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I am not sure I have a favorite part of writing my memoir. It really hasn't hit me yet. Getting started took many years, but I decided if I didn't get started when I did, I would never do it. The time was right.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
My granddaughter is a gifted writer. I always told her to just start the project. Start the first sentence. Start the first paragraph. You can always edit, just get those juices flowing! I would give that same advice to anyone.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
My favorite non-writing hobby is mixed-media painting and putting 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles together.
Read more about Randye and her memoir at onesixteenthbook.com.
— Interview by Jenna Hausmann