Nicole Yarde blends education, social justice, and artistry to uplift communities and empower individuals. With 20 years in education, she has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of students, educators, and families, particularly in historically neglected communities. Her work is grounded in equity, humanity, and holistic well-being, advocating for progressive programs in social-emotional learning and liberatory education. Nicole’s vision transcends traditional education, creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

But beyond the titles, Nicole finds solace in writing, a medium through which she encourages and inspires countless others to chase after their dreams. Beyond the titles, Nicole finds solace in writing, a medium through which she encourages and inspires countless others to chase after their dreams. She has also created the platform Black Rewrite. Black Rewrite is an initiative focused on amplifying and celebrating the narratives of Black and Brown authors. It operates as a platform dedicated to combatting the systematic erasure of these voices from the literary world. Black Rewrite recognizes the importance of diverse storytelling and the rich experiences that Black and Brown authors bring to literature. When she’s not championing educational programs or penning her thoughts, Nicole immerses herself in movies, travels the globe with a special love for her native home, Barbados, or experiments with new recipes, adding her unique Caribbean touch.

In Not Just Words: Writing as Liberation, Nicole encapsulates her love for writing and her belief in the transformative power of self-expression. Through this work, she hopes to inspire the path for many others, guiding them toward their own journeys of self-discovery, liberation, and realization of dreams.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from CUNY and a Masters in International Education from NYU and lives in Brooklyn.

Nicole Yarde is a passionate writer, educator, and advocate for creative liberation, dedicated to empowering voices through the art of storytelling. With a background education, she blends personal experiences with profound insights to inspire others on their writing journeys.

She is also the founder of Black Rewrite, where Nicole champions underrepresented voices and fosters a community where creativity flourishes. Her heartfelt storytelling and practical insights guide writers on a transformative journey toward self-discovery and empowerment.

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison

Five Stars
 

 Not Just Words is a writing journey different from anything I’ve encountered. While its exercises focus on familiar goals, such as finding your unique voice, unleashing creativity, and overcoming writer’s block, the means of achieving those goals are unique. You’ll dig into your ancestral influences, consider your place in the lexicon of past and present voices, and propel yourself into your future far ahead of arriving there.

All the while, you’ll develop your ability to imagine, create, influence, and inspire. Whether you’re writing for yourself, your family and friends, or for publication, Not Just Words will shake up your journey. These aren’t just writing exercises but game changers for new and experienced writers alike.

I highly recommend Not Just Words to anyone stuck in a rut, eager to find a voice you didn’t know you had (even if you think you’ve already found your voice), or looking to unleash tremendous creative potential. It’s a book you’ll want to return to repeatedly over the years.

Chris Chinchilla, Beta Reader