Little mermaid

Dr.

Jalondra

A. Davis

Black FEminist,

Merwomanist & Intellectual

with a fierce pen

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Learn More

about me

my story

Dr. Jalondra A. Davis holds a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Riverside with a Designated Emphasis in Science Fiction and Technocultures, a Masters of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California, and a BA in English from Loyola Marymount University. Her expertise includes Africana/Black literary

and cultural studies, Black feminist and queer theories, and speculative genres.

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quill line art logo illustration hand drawn

"Her students respect her high standards, but also sense her respect for their humanity and individual voices."

Hiram Sims, Executive Director of the Community Literature Iniative

Archetype Inspired Buildable Leaf Pattern

Scholar

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quill handdrawn illustration

Selected Publications

Dark Water

“…what I write and how I write is done in order to save my own life.”-Barbara Christian

PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES

“Crossing Merfolk: Mermaids and the Middle Passage in African Diasporic Culture,” in The Routledge Handbook of Co-Futurisms Ed. Grace Dillon, Isiah Lavender III, Taryne Jade Taylor, & Bodhisattva Chattopadhyay. Routledge 2023


“Crossing Merfolk, the Human, and the Anthropocene in Nalo Hopkinson’s The New Moon’s Arms and Rivers Solomon’s The Deep,” Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts Vol 32, no. 3 (2021)


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Description, Abstracts,

and Full Texts Available at

Research Gate

PUBLIC-FACING ESSAYS

Merwomanist

Join mermaid scholar and enthusiast Dr. Jalondra as she explores the deep waters of Black mermaids, fantasy, aquatic culture, and cultural currents in film, literature, and beyond.


As a merwomanist scholar, writer, and cosplayer, Dr. Jalondra brings a unique perspective to the conversation, delving into the spirituality and symbolism behind the aquatic world. Dive deep with Mami Melusine and discover the hidden depths of Black mermaid lore.

The Merwomanist Podcast

Modern Geo Semicircle

Chasing Waterfalls: Black Mermaids Founder Julia Mallory on Grief, Care, and Healing


Watch the Latest

Podcast Episode

Recent

Episodes

The Merwomanist Podcast

Episode 10

She "Carries Water To Her People"

Dive into an enchanting episode featuring guest Carrie Wata, founder of Afro Mermaid Summit. Explore the transformative power of African spirituality, wellness, and unity in the captivating world of Afro Mermaids.

Episode 9

In this episode I share my MerMay experiences, including The Little Mermaid, Wangechi Mutu's exhibit, and mermaid representation in media.

Episode 8

Cookie Washington's Mermaids

Listen to Cookie Washington's captivating take on "Mermaids from Africa to America," revealing untold stories of resilience, creativity, and the African diaspora. A profound journey awaits.

Episode 7

In this episode, I invite you to join me on an unexpected adventure that took me through the bustling streets of New York and Philadelphia.

Creative Work

Archetype Inspired Sun on The Sea

THe Butterfly Jar

WITH ALL THE RHYTHM, POETRY, AND PAIN...

of a Black girl's childhood, Jalondra Davis tells the story of Tanis Sutton, a 10 year old girl who dreams of having straight hair, happy parents, and an ice-cream colored house on the west side of town. Mischievous and attention-seeking, Tanis struggles with playground romance and schoolyard cliques in the midst of her family's bitter betrayals, which threaten to unravel them as a city explodes. Woven into this simple coming of age story is a powerful statement of the trauma, humor, confusion, and beauty of growing up Black in early-nineties LA.

Select Reviews

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“Jalondra Davis weaves a vibrant tale of South Central life in the 1990s on the brink of the Rodney King verdict. With witty prose and masterful storytelling, she explores tense race relations and the breakdown of a family plagued by poverty, infidelity and an unthinkable tragedy. “Butterfly Jar” is a raw but poignant slice of urban life.”

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— Nicole D Sconiers, Author of "Escape from Beckyville: Tales of Race, Hair and Rage

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"Butterfly Jar is a beautifully rendered story of a young girl coming to find beauty in herself-even when mirrors and the eyes of others lie. Her wry social commentary is enveloped in a lyrical prose that seduces as it enlightens. Butterfly Jar brings to the mind The Bluest Eye's best moments."

— Michael Datcher, Bestselling author of Raising Fences, Under the Overpass, and Americus

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