Dr.
Jalondra
A. Davis
Black FEminist,
Merwomanist & Intellectual
with a fierce pen
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.
"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
Scholar
Selected Publications
“…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)
Description, Abstracts,
and Full Texts Available at
Research Gate
PUBLIC-FACING ESSAYS
“This is Us Should be Remembered for its Nuanced Portraits of Mental Health, Dementia, and Identity” STAT. With Sarah MacCarthy. May 24, 2022.
Media
Eagle-Con 2021: Black Side of the Moon
Eagle-Con. Panel: Black Side of the Moon. California State University, Los Angeles. March 14, 2021
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
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
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
“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.”
— Nicole D Sconiers, Author of "Escape from Beckyville: Tales of Race, Hair and Rage
"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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