“How can I create something meaningful out of this uncertain time?” is not what most people likely thought to themselves in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Niya Miller did just that by editing and contributing to the book, “Sustaining Black Music and Culture during COVID-19.”
The book is about how various black musical artists are sustaining black music and culture during COVID-19 through the livestream events known as Club Quarantine and Verzuz battles on the social media platform, Instagram.
Miller said she was inspired to edit and contribute to the book from watching DJ D-Nice’s Club Quarantine and the Verzuz battles on Instagram Live during the early days of the pandemic.
In addition to writing the introduction, conclusion and parts of Chapter 7 for the book, Miller formulated the book proposal and issued a national call for authors to contribute to the book. After vetting the authors’ chapters and determining which chapters would be acceptable for the book, she helped guide each author in the development of their chapter. Miller then reviewed each chapter and helped each author get their chapter to a finalized state.
While Miller opened up about her editing process for the book, she also gave advice to those who desire to write or contribute to a book.
“First of all, read and stay aware. Stay up to date on what’s current. Second, say yes. If you’re ever asked to write something, say yes, because the only way that you will get experience is by taking advantage of the opportunity. Third, you have to be willing to take the risk. Fourth, make sure you follow through with your idea,” Miller said.
To order a copy of “Sustaining Black Music and Culture during COVID-19”, visit the Barnes and Noble website or your preferred bookstore.
Staff Writer
