4 min read

Catching Up With MJ

It’s been a busy couple of months for me. In addition to new book releases, I’ve been fortunate enough to be interviewed or featured on several podcasts and blogs. I’m not sure I would have been able to complete so many interviews if everything wasn’t remote right now, although I’m still looking forward to a time when I can meet with people face to face. For now, here’s a little of what I’ve been up to in terms of interviews and podcasts.

The Glow Up Podcast turned into a deep, thoughtful conversation about Badass Black Girl with Casey Carter, who broadcasts from Seattle, Washington. Casey was running things solo the week we talked, as her co-hosts had other obligations, but she managed to get me talking about my roots as a writer, and the lack of Black representation in popular media. We also talked about the importance of storytelling and I related a scary story my uncle told me several years ago that still sends chills up my spine. This led to a discussion about the women in my family and how they’ve always been a source of inspiration to me. We discussed the importance of Black girls seeing themselves as powerful, beautiful, and extraordinary. I also gave my three tips on being a badass Black girl.

Next, I talked with the fabulous Dr. Val Karanxha, herself a teacher in an urban setting, for her podcast Books and Authors. That conversation centered around Raising Confident Black Kids. We discussed the slow pace of change in the system of racism in this country and how it’s important to start teaching young people from a very early age that differences are dynamic and beautiful, not things to be shunned. We also had a very serious discussion about police brutality and the rash of deaths at the hands of police. We discussed the importance of knowing your rights, but also knowing how to stay safe in the event of a police encounter, and about the importance of role models in teaching children how to channel their energy in a positive direction.

Fit for Joy’s Valeria Teles and I discussed both Badass Black Girl and my book of poems about anxiety and depression Happy, Okay? Her questions almost had me stumped a couple of times, but we managed to have a far-ranging discussion about empathy, life, love, inner peace, and happiness. We also discussed the work I do with my small business Logan Masterworks and how that brings joy into my life and into the lives of others.

Erin Prather Stafford posed some difficult questions as well for her blog Girls That Create, but I was pleased with the interview in the end. We wound up discussing my early years as a writer, what I’m currently doing, and what’s coming in the future.

In my interview for Fabulous Women Who Dare, we discussed what it means to be fabulous, fierce, and free, and how it’s never too late to change paths in life if your current life is making you unhappy. This was also another far-ranging conversation that delved deep into my psyche and exposed some of my long-kept secrets.

I also had the opportunity to be profiled and interviewed by my publishing company Mango about my career as a writer and what I see for myself in the future. There was a bonus round of questions where I make a brave confession—don’t judge.

For more information on my books and upcoming releases, make sure to follow me on my Instagram and keep an eye out for new blog posts!

Have any questions? Shoot me an email at: babg@mangopublishinggroup.com

Kenbe,

A creator of safe spaces, and an initiator of difficult conversations, M.J. Fievre, B.S. Ed, spent much time building up her Black students, helping them feel comfortable in their skin, and affirming their identities. Her close relationships with parents and students led her to look more closely at how we can balance protecting our child’s innocence with preparing them for the realities of Black life. When―and how―do you approach racism with your children? How do you protect their physical and mental health while also preparing them for a country full of systemic racism? She began to research the issue and speak to school counselors and psychologists to find (and apply!) strategies parents and teachers can use with their children to broach uncomfortable but necessary topics.

M.J. is the author of Badass Black Girl, a daily dose of affirmations for Black Girls.

“You'll come away from Badass Black Girl feeling as if you've known the author your entire life, and it's a rare feat for any writer.” ―“Mike, the Poet,” author of Dear Woman and The Boyfriend Book

#1 Gift Idea in Teen & Young Adult Cultural Heritage Biographies, Publishers Weekly Select Title for Young Readers.

Affirmations for strong, fearless Black girls. Wisdom from Badass Black female trailblazers who accomplished remarkable things in literature, entertainment, education, STEM, business, military and government services, politics and law, activism, sports, spirituality, and more.

Explore the many facets of your identity through hundreds of big and small questions. In this journal designed for teenage Black girls, MJ Fievre tackles topics such as family and friends, school and careers, body image, and stereotypes. By reflecting on these topics, you will confront the issues that can hold you back from living your best life and discovering your Black girl bliss.

Embrace authenticity and celebrate who you are. Finding the courage to live as you are is not easy, so here’s a journal designed to help you nurture creativity, positive self-awareness and Black girl bliss. This journal honors the strength and spirit of Black girls.

Change the way you view the world. This journal provides words of encouragement that seek to inspire and ignite discussion. You are growing up in a world that tries to tell you how to look and act. MJ Fievre encourages you to fight the flow and determine for yourself who you want to be.

Badass Black Girl helps you to: