Kerra Bolton
From Ancestral Seas to Future Visions: Narratives That Drive Change
WRITER. FILMMAKER. ENTREPRENEUR.
I’m an award-winning author and filmmaker who uses first-person narrative nonfiction to inspire others to live authentically, disrupt generational patterns, and embrace joy. I founded Woodbine Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to creating, funding, and distributing books, documentary films, and educational projects that help Black communities heal from generational trauma and embrace Black joy.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER!
FLAGSHIP SERVICES
I connect with others through writing, film, and teaching. CNN, Hearst Magazines, Memoir Land, and Narratively are among the diverse digital platforms featuring my work. Please check out my flagship services offerings for opportunities to collaborate and inspire.
Writing &
Independent Journalism
Film
Production
Memoir Writing
Classes
WHAT I’M WORKING ON NOW
Writer, filmmaker, mentor—my purpose is to leverage a dynamic blend of historical research, engagement, and storytelling, funding initiatives that educate, resonate, and heal.
Testimonials
Writing
“Your writing is mesmerizing. So much of what you wrote in this essay (“The Water Spirits Will Carry Me”) was about breathing and being deprived of breath. Your skill in weaving all these histories/stories into one essay quite bedazzles me.”
~ Leah Baer
Teaching
“If you’ve been working on a memoir project that touches on difficult family issues, if you want guidance on digging up records or interviewing those super-reluctant family members, or if you just want the support to dive into your story, this class (Writing With Your Ancestors) is for you.”
~ Brendan Spiegel
Film
“This (Return of the Black Madonna trailer) was powerful. You are taking back what has always been yours. Our ancestors swam in the same waters that would later take them. The different backgrounds of people who assist in your healing are also profound. Whew! I still have the chills.”
~ Janel
SIGNATURE SERVICES
Writing/Editing
Writing With the Ancestors
4-6 Week Course
Join me in a supportive, creative community and learn to transform your personal, familial, and ancestral history into captivating stories that sell and inspire readers.
Memoir Writing Workshop
Three-Hour Intensive
Jumpstart your memoir with our workshop! Engage in hands-on exercises, receive personalized feedback, and advance your work in progress.
Developmental Editing
Ongoing
Struggling with your manuscript? My developmental editing services transform your rough drafts into polished gems, ensuring your story reaches its full potential.
woodbine ventures
I believe in restoring creativity to creators rather than allowing algorithms to decide the stories we tell. That’s why I founded Woodbine Ventures, a media and educational nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to live authentically, dismantle generational barriers, and embrace joy through innovative storytelling.
FROM THE BLOG
Latest News
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The Price of Black Girl Magic
I had been on suicide watch for two days. Every hour on the hour, a female floor attendant knocked on the metal frame of the bed to make sure I was still alive. The bed smelled of urine…
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Can Restorative Practices Save Black Lives in Detroit?
In recent years, the Black Lives Matter movement has been problematic. But its core values aren’t. Founded in 2013, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is a “decentralized political and social movement that seeks to highlight racism, discrimination,…
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On Meeting Henry McClendon and Restoring Brokenness
McClendon is a humble man who dreams and acts audaciously. A Detroit native, McClendon is a pastor of Berean Chapel and the Michigan Regional Representative for IIRP. He was formerly an executive assistant to Coleman A. Young, Sr.,…