Digging For Roots

by Kiana Davis

Kiana Davis expresses a poignant and impassioned voice that is a composite of those Black female poets that have defined this and previous generations, those such as Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou and Ntozake Shange. These poets pushed the envelope, expanded the discourse, and so elegantly described the underbelly of the Black Experience, as well as its beauty. Davis takes us on a journey through her self-evolution, from a little brown girl growing up in an environment that didn't affirm her image, her perspectives and her intelligence, to a young woman that is coming into self-recognition and a dawning appreciation for every experience from her past that has "seasoned" her and shaped her existence. Her words penetrate your soul, and leave you forever changed - Debrena Jackson Gandy, National Best-selling Author and Speaker

78 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Kiana Davis is the author of autobiographical poetry collections Digging For Roots and From These Roots Up. She is the editor and publisher of Voices in the Shadow and Unyielding Roots: What is Your Hair Story?

She was raised in Richmond, California, and she began writing poetry at the age of 12 to grapple with growing up in poverty. Poetry helped her develop her identity and find her voice.

Kiana is an Adult Basic Studies instructor, and she also teaches Equity and Social Justice-themed poetry workshops. Her workshops are designed to help youth and adults awaken their inner poets and learn about race and injustice.

Reviews

[Atiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Digging for roots, author Kiana Davis takes us into the inner most corridors of her experience as a Black girl/ woman in American Society. Kiana makes a great effort to connect with the reader. She exceeded my expectation by being able to assign words to situations and circumstances that are full of intricacies.

Digging for roots exhibits both fervor and audacity. Kiana’s poetry speaks to the necessity of personal growth and reflection. Davis’ experience documented in Digging for roots is one that is shared by many. I appreciate her endeavor as a writer. I appreciate her sharing her story.


“His songs help me to dissect the twisted struggles of growing up in jungles.” –Kiana Davis (Digging for roots: December 4)

Atiya R. Meadows (author of Lyrically Loaded)

[Amani Sawari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Kiana at a Shop Small event in Seattle that featured several Black owned businesses and authors. I was able to purchase a signed copy of the book and learn the personal story behind the book's cover art, representing the 'circle of life' and the beauty of womanhood that flows from one generation to the next. With each chapter we can follow the evolution of black womanhood as Davis digs through her roots beginning with 'Identity Crisis' and ending with 'Empowered to Name Lies'. I enjoy how the book's poems are organized in a way that enlightens and calms, especially as a fellow Black female poet. This is a book you can read straight through as well as pick up to read periodically. I fully recommend this read.

[Leija · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the book is down to it's last pages, you will take the deepest breath you have ever taken. You realize how crazy real life can be. Davis knows how to articulate her childhood and struggles in a way that draws you in with every sentence. She is a poet that knows no limits. Her introspective and cerebral approach to her stanzas is one that will leave you hungry. Wanting more.

[Lynne Hurdle-Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked me from the very first poem and once it was apparent that they were connected in to a collective vision of truth, passion and uprising I was captured. it is a beautiful, soulful ride of raw reality. It is its own symphony of pain, joy, sadness, pride and triumph. I really love this collection and hope that others will be inspired by it as well. Kiana Davis is a gifted writer.