A Little About
​Us.

​The Southern Esesu Endeavor was cofounded by Elizabeth Upshur and Etenia Mullins in 2023 to provide a more opportunities and a digital third space for Black—particularly Black Disabled— writers and artists. Our name encompasses our geographic location, our Black heritage, and what we hope to accomplish in the literary space.

Southern, for the physical space where we are guests on Tsalaguwetiyi land, for our education 
Esesu, for the West African concept of "esusu" or community-based investment practice that was mutually beneficial for all participants. A founding principle for shared and beneficial engagement during any and all workshop and class experiences.
Endeavor, for a sense of forward movement and progress in  achieving our goals and growth into the best possible writer and artist possible. 

We held our inaugural digital retreat May 26th-28th, 2023, and have been plotting and planning to produce more magic in 2023-2024. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more updates and submission tips!

Follow our Instagram @thesouthernesesuendeavor for writing tips, craft deep dives, accountability check-ins, and community. 

A Digital Third-space for the Black Diaspora

Everybody Black.
Black Disabled. Afro-American. Afro-Asian. Afro-Caribbean. Afro-Indigenous. African. African immigrants. 

                            Land Acknowledgement 

SEE acknowledges and condemns the genocide of the Indigenous peoples who are family of, connected to, and protectors of this land, the air, and water. We acknowledge and name the Tsalaguwetiyu,  S'atsoyaha, and Shawandasse Tula. We stand in solidarity with those who fell under colonialization, the survivors of the residential school system, and the survivors and descendants of the Trail of Tears in the state known by the government name "Tennessee"" that our cofounders live in. We add our voice to the ongoing call for #MMIW. 

Our actionable items will include: 
Reserve two (2 seats minimum in our digital conference for Afro-Indigneous writers 
Require all participants to identify themselves on the Indigneous land that they are guest of or a member of
Teach living Afro-Indigneous writers/artists
Commit to amplifying Afro-Indigenous voices beyond November
Commit to utilize our reach to amplify Afro-Indigenous representation


We believe and work with the conviction that the future not only includes but is led by Black and Indigenous voices.

The Southern Esesu Endeavor

Get In Touch.
Please follow us on Instagram @thesouthernesesuendeavor to stay up to date and create community with us.