Shaneisha Dodson is originally from Arkansas and currently resides in California. She is a playwright, entrepreneur and the creator of the first black 18 inch superhero doll. Dodson is the founder of the Brilliant Girl and Black Girlz Productions. She has won numerous awards for her literary works. In her free time, she enjoys writing and spending time with loved ones.
Social Media: IG:@blkgirlz12
www.blackgirlzproductions.com
ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE
It's estimated that over 300,000 black women lost their jobs in 2025. Therefore, I wrote Joy. It's a love letter to black women geniuses that focuses on being resilient and self confident in a world that doesn't always play fair.
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EXCERPT FROM JOY
~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.
I can’t control people or their thoughts. I can only worry about me. The black woman who rocks. The black woman who is making history. The black woman who is reaching her goals even when the goal post is being pushed back. The black woman who sometimes feel like giving up but keeps pushing. Making it this far in life hasn’t been easy. This is why I will never give up on me. My accomplishments matter. My mother taught me to speak life into myself until it comes true. I am a black girl genius. I don’t need the world’s approval for me to feel validated. I am a black girl genius. I will continue to be me. I am a black girl genius. I will continue to find joy amid chaos in a world that doesn’t always give me my props. But has no problem taking everything from me including my livelihood. Over 300,000 black women lost their jobs this year. Maybe you didn’t hear me. I’ll say it a little louder for the people in the back. Over 300,000 black women lost their jobs this year!