Beneath the surface: Brittany Higgins talks about the intricacies of being a Black Creative

Brittany Higgins is a writer, musician and creative entrepreneur. She is pursuing a master of fine arts in Writing at the and currently serves as senior music editor for an online literary publication. 

What inspires your writing?

The power of storytelling has always fueled me to write. I would say my community and all the layers within inspire my writing.

Do you have any plans for yourself?

I will be launching a podcast this summer, where I hope to continue to create a space to amplify and support Black artists and other inspiring creatives. Aside from that, I look forward to completing my master’s degree and working toward getting a volume of poetry published. 

Here’s an excerpt!

(Excerpt from Poem: Untitled #1)

I mourn the day of discovery and ponder in stillness.
When your words went flat and feelings lost their fullness.
To you, I must just be a casualty.
But, I ask again, did you have to destroy me?

Why do you think poetry is the easiest medium for you, personally, to express yourself?

I think since music has always been a huge part of my life, poetry felt natural to me. The lyrical freedom of both song verse and poetry is just so fascinating and beautiful.

In your opinion, do Black artists, especially writers, get highlighted as often as others? Or is it just recently you’ve seen a change? 

I don’t think Black writers are celebrated enough! I hope that changes because I have seen movement in the right direction over the last five years.

What changes have you noticed over the years regarding the Black voice being present in the arts and entertainment world? What more can be done? 

I have loved seeing Black women dominate in their fields as musicians, entertainers, artist and entrepreneurs over the years. One example: female rappers leading a new feminist movement. I hope this continues as Black artists continue to collaborate and uplift one another.

As a Black creative, what are some challenges you’ve noticed that others can be wary of and try to maneuver? Do you feel there’s a way we can override these barriers that are put in our way?

While I don’t know if we can override these barriers, I do think continuing to discuss them openly will help us overcome them. One challenge that I noticed was the pressure to put oneself or a craft in a box. I think some of us go into things with a set idea of how it has to look. I would suggest that you always be experimenting with new forms, mediums and styles.

Why is it important to see Black people in the arts?

I think it’s important to see Black people in the arts for so many reasons. The world doesn’t offer just one blanket experience, so by limiting perspectives we blind ourselves to the true beauty of the world.