September 1998 - September 2008 Dear Kuma Readers, Writers, and Friends Who expected Kuma to be around for a decade? We didn't. It's weird to think that a lot of college students discovering Kuma now (we get a huge increase in hits at the beginning of the academic year), weren't even teenagers in '98. Technically, 10 years really isn't a long time--but we've seen a lot of changes. Mainstream publishers have loosened the purse strings a teeny bit more and some great fiction by/about black lesbians are finding their way to the shelf. (You do own all of Fionna Zedde's novels, right? Picked up Linda Villarosa's Passing For Black?) Who ever thought Zane would put out two black lesbian anthologies--Purple Panties and the upcoming Missionary No More: Purple Panties 2? Yet, mainstream media has not caught up with our community--and we aren't waiting for them, either. NY publishing giants have nothing on independent presses and self-published authors. Black lesbian erotica definitely is not confined to our little corner of the web. (Put aside some "me" time and read Stephanie Rose's Pledges series. Seriously.) Black LGBT writers even have their own conference--save your ducats for Fire and Ink 2009. Jada Pinkett-Smith may be playing a lesbian in The Women, but black lesbians have never stopped writing, directing, producing, staging and starring in our own productions. One of the best things about creating Kuma is that we've had an opportunity to meet lots of writers and artists. We've also discovered that black women are delicious; our skin isn't just brown, it's almonds, mocha, coffe, butter toffee, pecan, caramel, Hershey's Special Dark, etc. We've also read a lot of sex scenes. A whole lot of sex scenes. It's been quite an education. ;) So, we'd like to thank you--Kuma readers, artist, writers, columnist, contributors--thank you for making the last decade an exciting adventure.  Usually, the folks celebrating the birthday/anniversary get a gift*, but we've got a few treats for you. Babeland has graciously gifted us with 5 Silver Bullets to give away. All you have to do is send an email to kumaxtasy2@kuma2.net with your name, address, age and put "Happy Anniversary" as the subject. We are accepting entries from 9/15/2008 to 9/22/2008. The drawing will be held and winners will be notified on 9/23/2008. (The info of the 5 winners will be sent to Babeland so that you can receive your prizes. All of the nonwinning entries will simply be deleted--you won't be added to any newsletter, junk mail lists, etc.) All best, Martina & Tawanna *You can still send a gift if you want. Trust me, we won't be upset if you toss a coin in the tip jar. 
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