How It Began

In 2000, Dr. Judine Bishop was a divorced Mom of three children, with the oldest about to graduate high school. Judine suggested her daughter Rebecca publish some of her poetry to qualify for college scholarships. After the publication of “No Sweat: Poems of an American Youth,” Rebecca accepted a $10K per year scholarship. With this success, Judine then transcribed letters written in pig Latin and backward text to publish her memoir, “Clear Skinned.”

From 2003 – 2008, Judine collaborated with 50+ writers or authors to present topics about writing or publishing for monthly meetings at a local bookstore. To promote both books after initiating a writer’s association in Prince George’s County. She also contracted with The Mall at Prince George for three annual Afrocentric Book Expos, where 90+ authors had the opportunity to sell their books. The Black Quill is a commemorative journal of these activities.