A CONVERSATION WITH Kateb Nuri Shunnar (Interviewed By The RBM)
The RBM: Kateb, your debut book "Sally Ann - Volume 1" has received wonderful reviews from
some of the most respected people in the underground writing community since its release late last
year. How has that positive feedback helped you as a writer who is preparing to bring us the
following installments of the "Sally Ann" series?
Kateb: First, I would like to publicly express gratitude to each person who has and will examine my
manuscript. Truly, it was a blessing alone for the reason that with the sells of my manuscript I was able to
obtain the nails, wood, and hammers I needed to continue to work on The Southern Black Writers and Artist
Association and other projects. Nevertheless, I was very elated to get word in relation to the positive
feedback my book has drawn from hundreds of people. However I was in total astonishment that people of
non African American decent enjoyed my work and they continue to solicit me asking for more to read. In
closing I have to state these positive factors have given me a thrust to persist to write further from my heart
and soul and I’m glad because a heart and soul writer is my goal.
The RBM: For those reading this, who is Ms. Sally Ann Owens? Will you give an introduction to her?
Kateb: Sally Ann is a young poet from Albany Georgia. Sally was born June 12, 1900. When she was
eighteen she had to step up and fill the shoes of her mother who had died due to influenza. Unfortunately, a
drastic event angered Sally Ann later in her life and she moved up north to Detroit in the 1930’s. She was
hoping for a better chance of a new life in the booming industrial revolution, but when Sally Ann got to
Detroit she saw life for the American negro up north was no better than life in the south. Therefore, Sally
Ann joined a black activist group and begins fighting for justice for the Negro.
The RBM: Volume 1 is entitled "dee roots beneath da tree”. Can you give an overview of what your
readers should expect when reading "Sally Ann"?
Kateb: Well, let me first explain the sub title “Dee roots beneath da tree.” “Dee roots beneath da tree,” is a
folktale that I created which give the reader the only option of solving a problem; which is getting to the root
of the problem. You see we can cut a branch here and there, but the tree (problem) is still there. We can
even chop the tree down, but in time it will grow back if we don’t up root it. Well, here goes the overview.
This story takes place in a small country town thirty five years after chattel servitude which brought us into
the time of indenture servitude and sharecropping.
The RBM: Where did the idea of "Sally Ann" originate? How long was the process of transforming
the book ideas to paper to then the printing of the book itself?
Kateb: When I was twenty seven years old I begun working on a collection of short stories which I called
Sally Ann. Sally Ann is a fictional character that lived in Albany Georgia in the 1900’s. Where did I get the
idea for this story; well one day I was sitting in my studio (Zora Neal Hurston visual arts and writing) and I
saw a image of a little girl sitting under a tree. When I opened my eyes I began to create the life of this
young girl. Unfortunately, I had to bring her story to a halt, because of hurricane Katrina and the death of my
new born son who passed away at nine days old due to hypo plastic left heart syndrome. I tried to rebound,
but things got worse for me as the love of my life who was my grandmother became gravely ill due to her
cancer. At that point, I broke the Sally Ann story into halves and quickly tried to get it published so that my
grandmother could just hold Sally Ann in her hands. I just knew my grandmother smile would have out
shined the sun if she could have seen my accomplishments, but that desire fail to come to pass. How long
was the process of transforming the book ideas to paper to then the printing of the book itself? Truthfully it
took me only eight months to write the stories and it took four months for printing.
The RBM: You dub your writing style "Narpoefolk". Explain the meaning of that term and how that
style separates you from more "traditional" writers with "traditional" writing styles?
Kateb: “Narpoefolk” is a style of writing consisting of narrative storytelling, poetry, and folktales blended in
a unique way. This style separates me from the normal writers, because it is drawn from the soul of our
fathers and mothers who were here before us who used their pen to spread a message of hope and
knowledge in codes with their pens and voices. Like those before us who wrote and sung with the deepest
passion, spirituality, and creativity so do I. In no way am I knocking any traditional writer and their works.
For I know every writer works very hard on their writings and I know we all believe our works will touch
someone.
The RBM: When can we expect the next "Sally Ann "Installment?
Kateb: Well, I’ve always been against affixing time to projects, because when you do that you tend to rush
things to beat time. I’m more of a it will come in due time person all I can say is just keep your eyes wide
open and I do mean wide; it’s coming soon.
The RBM: Now, you also are the founder of the Southern Black Writers and Artist Association
(SBWAA), which I am proud to write Mecca is associated with. Can you give a history of the
organization, the goals of it, and talk about some things the SBWAA is currently accomplishing?
Kateb: All throughout my publishing efforts I started to run into brick walls from every angle trying to get
my voice in print. Through that traumatic point in my life I begin to wonder about how hard individuals prior
to us worked and suffered to surface the road for us new artist in black America and all over the known
world. As a result of this, I decided to start the Southern Black Artist and Writers Association, which main
purpose is to build a strong network of writers and artist in the southern states and to teach the youth and
our communities more about our culture, heritage, and history by means of plays, seminars, festivals, book
fairs, poetry readings, art shows, dancing, essays contest, short film, festivals, and debates. “SBWAA”
network is open to everyone who wants to make a change in our communities and one way to do this is by
helping one another with business and literary projects that can help stimulate the minds of one another and
promote growth as a family. Remember Marcus Garvey said, "EACH ONE, TEACH ONE!” At this time we
are still building this institute stone by stone and we have been able to move a bundle that in its self is a
breathtaking achievement.
The RBM: What do you foresee the ultimate role the SBWAA will play as it continues to drum up
support from not only the south, but from all over the country?
Kateb: We the writers, singers, musicians, actors/actresses, painters, poets, teachers, and leaders of our
religious sanctuaries will step up to be foremen’s in our communities, because we have always had a strong
influence on the people and their lives. Our presence is more than ever needed as positive people to help
teach our youth and community more about our culture, heritage, history, health, and finance by means of
plays, seminars, festivals, book fairs, poetry readings, art shows, debates, writing contest, and much more.
I implore what we fabricate will be here for generations to come. I would just hate to observe all the paint
we use to paint a marvelous picture of our history, culture, and arts which stands before the world to see
lose its color due to lack of proper treatment and neglect. On another note when SBWAA first started I
received more aid from individuals up north, those on the west coast, in England, and even our Latino
brothers and sisters were attracted. That threw me for a loop, because I intended to start off in the south
and work my way throughout America then cross the waters, but it did not work that way. Why? I still
don’t know. However, as time passed I received many e-mails asking to branch out beyond the south and
after praying on it I decided to take that step. I’m glad I did because it has help SBWAA grow beyond
measures. As a result of that, we decided to call the whole chapter The National Black Writers and Artists
Association.
The RBM: What is your overall "feel" of the SBWAA and its members? What are the backgrounds
of the members the Organization is attracting?
Kateb: To be candid I could not elucidate my overall sentiment of SBWAA it would acquire at least three
hundred pages or even more. I just know I’m so jubilant and gratified to be blessed to work with a large
group of leaders and super endowed individuals all over the U.S.A. SBWAA is blessed with Attorney Pamela
Samuels-Young she is the author of the legal thriller, “Every Reasonable Doubt. “ Pamela served as legal
consultant to the Showtime television series, “Soul Food.” After spending several years as a television news
writer, there is also Janie McGee. She has been producing Fine arts for twenty-seven years. Janie’s desire is
to create and explore ways to express history, life, and culture. Janie is also the vice president of Black Fishe
Café Small Press Publishing Books. We also have film makers such as Kimberly Sanders who runs Kudiville
Films Inc in California. We have song writers such as Kasema Kalifah who worked with Les Nubian; Brenda
James Griffin; who is a respected and beloved advocate for Georgia children. Len Gibson the proud Founder
and President of the African American Cinema Gallery & Hispanic Cinema Museum. Len is also the Producer
of the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival. That is just a small insight of the backgrounds of our
members.
The RBM: What are some of the other projects you are currently working on?
Kateb: Currently I’m working on Sally Ann volume two “The Willow Tree: Let them tell it,” which are
African American folktales and stories from the South. A children’s book entitled “Talents,” and “Stained
Glass” which is my own Autobiography.
The RBM: You currently live in Georgia; however you are originally from the Gulf region. How
often do you get to visit the area and from what you've witnessed, how are the rebuilding efforts
going down there, REALLY?
Kateb: I try to visit New Orleans about twice every three months. I use to visit once every other week, but
my work has slowed me down a little. As far as the building efforts they are quick when it comes to
business district and casinos those places look real nice. Go take a ride across the canal, the Gentilly area, in
New Orleans east, Orleans Ave, Paris Ave, Claiborne Ave and many more African American neighborhoods
you will see very few rebuilding due to lack of proper funds. Many people have to take out small business
loans with high interest rates just to fix their homes and till this day some can’t even afford to move home,
because there isn’t anywhere to live. If they find a place to live the price is very costly and the only way they
can afford it is if they are on section eight which is currently closed to new applicants. Those who have
section eight have to live in the state they evacuated to for a year, and then they can transfer their section
eight back to the city. However, it’s not easy finding a home in the city, so many move miles away from the
city to little hick towns and rural areas.
The RBM: Do you ever plan on returning?
Kateb: Yes, I will return to New Orleans, because it is my home. New Orleans played a role in shaping me,
so I have to give back to my community and help restore our rich culture and heritage we have down there
like second lines, super Sunday, and much more.
The RBM: Finally, what does your name, Kateb Nuri Shunnar mean and how did you get the name?
Kateb: As I begun to grow in my writings, I saw a new me, so I looked for a pen name that would be
significant to my love and style of writing. In my journey of defining myself, I considered what other people
thought of me, hence, came the name Kateb Nuri Shunnar. Kateb N. Shunnar is interpreted as the one who
writes pleasantly.
You can read more about Kateb by visiting his official website: The SBWAA
The RBM: Kateb, your debut book "Sally Ann - Volume 1" has received wonderful reviews from
some of the most respected people in the underground writing community since its release late last
year. How has that positive feedback helped you as a writer who is preparing to bring us the
following installments of the "Sally Ann" series?
Kateb: First, I would like to publicly express gratitude to each person who has and will examine my
manuscript. Truly, it was a blessing alone for the reason that with the sells of my manuscript I was able to
obtain the nails, wood, and hammers I needed to continue to work on The Southern Black Writers and Artist
Association and other projects. Nevertheless, I was very elated to get word in relation to the positive
feedback my book has drawn from hundreds of people. However I was in total astonishment that people of
non African American decent enjoyed my work and they continue to solicit me asking for more to read. In
closing I have to state these positive factors have given me a thrust to persist to write further from my heart
and soul and I’m glad because a heart and soul writer is my goal.
The RBM: For those reading this, who is Ms. Sally Ann Owens? Will you give an introduction to her?
Kateb: Sally Ann is a young poet from Albany Georgia. Sally was born June 12, 1900. When she was
eighteen she had to step up and fill the shoes of her mother who had died due to influenza. Unfortunately, a
drastic event angered Sally Ann later in her life and she moved up north to Detroit in the 1930’s. She was
hoping for a better chance of a new life in the booming industrial revolution, but when Sally Ann got to
Detroit she saw life for the American negro up north was no better than life in the south. Therefore, Sally
Ann joined a black activist group and begins fighting for justice for the Negro.
The RBM: Volume 1 is entitled "dee roots beneath da tree”. Can you give an overview of what your
readers should expect when reading "Sally Ann"?
Kateb: Well, let me first explain the sub title “Dee roots beneath da tree.” “Dee roots beneath da tree,” is a
folktale that I created which give the reader the only option of solving a problem; which is getting to the root
of the problem. You see we can cut a branch here and there, but the tree (problem) is still there. We can
even chop the tree down, but in time it will grow back if we don’t up root it. Well, here goes the overview.
This story takes place in a small country town thirty five years after chattel servitude which brought us into
the time of indenture servitude and sharecropping.
The RBM: Where did the idea of "Sally Ann" originate? How long was the process of transforming
the book ideas to paper to then the printing of the book itself?
Kateb: When I was twenty seven years old I begun working on a collection of short stories which I called
Sally Ann. Sally Ann is a fictional character that lived in Albany Georgia in the 1900’s. Where did I get the
idea for this story; well one day I was sitting in my studio (Zora Neal Hurston visual arts and writing) and I
saw a image of a little girl sitting under a tree. When I opened my eyes I began to create the life of this
young girl. Unfortunately, I had to bring her story to a halt, because of hurricane Katrina and the death of my
new born son who passed away at nine days old due to hypo plastic left heart syndrome. I tried to rebound,
but things got worse for me as the love of my life who was my grandmother became gravely ill due to her
cancer. At that point, I broke the Sally Ann story into halves and quickly tried to get it published so that my
grandmother could just hold Sally Ann in her hands. I just knew my grandmother smile would have out
shined the sun if she could have seen my accomplishments, but that desire fail to come to pass. How long
was the process of transforming the book ideas to paper to then the printing of the book itself? Truthfully it
took me only eight months to write the stories and it took four months for printing.
The RBM: You dub your writing style "Narpoefolk". Explain the meaning of that term and how that
style separates you from more "traditional" writers with "traditional" writing styles?
Kateb: “Narpoefolk” is a style of writing consisting of narrative storytelling, poetry, and folktales blended in
a unique way. This style separates me from the normal writers, because it is drawn from the soul of our
fathers and mothers who were here before us who used their pen to spread a message of hope and
knowledge in codes with their pens and voices. Like those before us who wrote and sung with the deepest
passion, spirituality, and creativity so do I. In no way am I knocking any traditional writer and their works.
For I know every writer works very hard on their writings and I know we all believe our works will touch
someone.
The RBM: When can we expect the next "Sally Ann "Installment?
Kateb: Well, I’ve always been against affixing time to projects, because when you do that you tend to rush
things to beat time. I’m more of a it will come in due time person all I can say is just keep your eyes wide
open and I do mean wide; it’s coming soon.
The RBM: Now, you also are the founder of the Southern Black Writers and Artist Association
(SBWAA), which I am proud to write Mecca is associated with. Can you give a history of the
organization, the goals of it, and talk about some things the SBWAA is currently accomplishing?
Kateb: All throughout my publishing efforts I started to run into brick walls from every angle trying to get
my voice in print. Through that traumatic point in my life I begin to wonder about how hard individuals prior
to us worked and suffered to surface the road for us new artist in black America and all over the known
world. As a result of this, I decided to start the Southern Black Artist and Writers Association, which main
purpose is to build a strong network of writers and artist in the southern states and to teach the youth and
our communities more about our culture, heritage, and history by means of plays, seminars, festivals, book
fairs, poetry readings, art shows, dancing, essays contest, short film, festivals, and debates. “SBWAA”
network is open to everyone who wants to make a change in our communities and one way to do this is by
helping one another with business and literary projects that can help stimulate the minds of one another and
promote growth as a family. Remember Marcus Garvey said, "EACH ONE, TEACH ONE!” At this time we
are still building this institute stone by stone and we have been able to move a bundle that in its self is a
breathtaking achievement.
The RBM: What do you foresee the ultimate role the SBWAA will play as it continues to drum up
support from not only the south, but from all over the country?
Kateb: We the writers, singers, musicians, actors/actresses, painters, poets, teachers, and leaders of our
religious sanctuaries will step up to be foremen’s in our communities, because we have always had a strong
influence on the people and their lives. Our presence is more than ever needed as positive people to help
teach our youth and community more about our culture, heritage, history, health, and finance by means of
plays, seminars, festivals, book fairs, poetry readings, art shows, debates, writing contest, and much more.
I implore what we fabricate will be here for generations to come. I would just hate to observe all the paint
we use to paint a marvelous picture of our history, culture, and arts which stands before the world to see
lose its color due to lack of proper treatment and neglect. On another note when SBWAA first started I
received more aid from individuals up north, those on the west coast, in England, and even our Latino
brothers and sisters were attracted. That threw me for a loop, because I intended to start off in the south
and work my way throughout America then cross the waters, but it did not work that way. Why? I still
don’t know. However, as time passed I received many e-mails asking to branch out beyond the south and
after praying on it I decided to take that step. I’m glad I did because it has help SBWAA grow beyond
measures. As a result of that, we decided to call the whole chapter The National Black Writers and Artists
Association.
The RBM: What is your overall "feel" of the SBWAA and its members? What are the backgrounds
of the members the Organization is attracting?
Kateb: To be candid I could not elucidate my overall sentiment of SBWAA it would acquire at least three
hundred pages or even more. I just know I’m so jubilant and gratified to be blessed to work with a large
group of leaders and super endowed individuals all over the U.S.A. SBWAA is blessed with Attorney Pamela
Samuels-Young she is the author of the legal thriller, “Every Reasonable Doubt. “ Pamela served as legal
consultant to the Showtime television series, “Soul Food.” After spending several years as a television news
writer, there is also Janie McGee. She has been producing Fine arts for twenty-seven years. Janie’s desire is
to create and explore ways to express history, life, and culture. Janie is also the vice president of Black Fishe
Café Small Press Publishing Books. We also have film makers such as Kimberly Sanders who runs Kudiville
Films Inc in California. We have song writers such as Kasema Kalifah who worked with Les Nubian; Brenda
James Griffin; who is a respected and beloved advocate for Georgia children. Len Gibson the proud Founder
and President of the African American Cinema Gallery & Hispanic Cinema Museum. Len is also the Producer
of the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival. That is just a small insight of the backgrounds of our
members.
The RBM: What are some of the other projects you are currently working on?
Kateb: Currently I’m working on Sally Ann volume two “The Willow Tree: Let them tell it,” which are
African American folktales and stories from the South. A children’s book entitled “Talents,” and “Stained
Glass” which is my own Autobiography.
The RBM: You currently live in Georgia; however you are originally from the Gulf region. How
often do you get to visit the area and from what you've witnessed, how are the rebuilding efforts
going down there, REALLY?
Kateb: I try to visit New Orleans about twice every three months. I use to visit once every other week, but
my work has slowed me down a little. As far as the building efforts they are quick when it comes to
business district and casinos those places look real nice. Go take a ride across the canal, the Gentilly area, in
New Orleans east, Orleans Ave, Paris Ave, Claiborne Ave and many more African American neighborhoods
you will see very few rebuilding due to lack of proper funds. Many people have to take out small business
loans with high interest rates just to fix their homes and till this day some can’t even afford to move home,
because there isn’t anywhere to live. If they find a place to live the price is very costly and the only way they
can afford it is if they are on section eight which is currently closed to new applicants. Those who have
section eight have to live in the state they evacuated to for a year, and then they can transfer their section
eight back to the city. However, it’s not easy finding a home in the city, so many move miles away from the
city to little hick towns and rural areas.
The RBM: Do you ever plan on returning?
Kateb: Yes, I will return to New Orleans, because it is my home. New Orleans played a role in shaping me,
so I have to give back to my community and help restore our rich culture and heritage we have down there
like second lines, super Sunday, and much more.
The RBM: Finally, what does your name, Kateb Nuri Shunnar mean and how did you get the name?
Kateb: As I begun to grow in my writings, I saw a new me, so I looked for a pen name that would be
significant to my love and style of writing. In my journey of defining myself, I considered what other people
thought of me, hence, came the name Kateb Nuri Shunnar. Kateb N. Shunnar is interpreted as the one who
writes pleasantly.
You can read more about Kateb by visiting his official website: The SBWAA
Check out our other
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July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
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September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
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May '07
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Kateb Nuri Shunnar
exclusive Spotlighted
Author interviews!!
June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
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