Braiding the Essay with Conviction With Lyzette Wanzer

Braiding the Essay with Conviction With Lyzette Wanzer

From Washington Square On Air by LCC Connect

March 31, 2026 · 27 min · Season 3 · Episode 80

About this episode

Lyzette Wanzer discusses her anthology 'Trauma, Tresses & Truth' and its exploration of Black women's relationship with their hair amidst systemic biases.

Award‑winning author, researcher, and teacher Lyzette Wanzer chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wanzer traces the journey of her ground‑breaking anthology from a quick idea for an Association of Writers and Writing Programs panel proposal, to a book proposal, to a published volume. Her book, Trauma, Tresses & Truth , explores the complex relationship Black women continue to have with their hair among the still‑remaining systemic biases in schools, academia, and corporate America, and was named a Top 10 Best Social Sciences Book by Library Journal . Lyzette’s edited anthology, Trauma, Tresses & Truth , is available from Lawrence Hill Books . Lyzette on LindedIn Lyzette on Insta _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

People in this episode

Host: Melissa Ford Lucken

Guest: Lyzette Wanzer

Topics covered

  • essay writing
  • Black women's hair
  • systemic biases
  • anthology
  • publishing journey

Keywords

  • Lyzette Wanzer
  • Trauma, Tresses & Truth
  • Black women
  • hair
  • systemic biases
  • anthology
  • publishing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lawrence Hill Books, Library Journal, Washington Square Review, Association of Writers and Writing Programs

Books & works: Trauma, Tresses & Truth

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