Black Muslim Women Literary Salon

The Black Muslim Women’s Literary Salon is an intimate gathering that uses the written word to bear witness to the multiple life experiences of Black women. While the Salon centres books, we also recognise that dominant ways of knowing often use the written word to exclude. To redress this, we welcome oral traditions and other forms of storytelling into our conversations, creating space for what we call literary equity.

Our gatherings aim to unearth and celebrate stories that illuminate how we are seen, and how we see ourselves, within our families, our communities, and society at large. Together, we speak to our emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing, deepening our understanding of ourselves and identifying ways to nourish one another.

A space where Black Muslim women read, reflect, and share stories that nourish collective wellbeing.

  • We gather in a hybrid way to both increase access and deepen connections.

    Each salon begins with an online mixer to introduce ourselves and set intentions. We then meet online for three sessions per book, guided by reflective prompts that spark conversation and connection.

    After each book, we come together in person for a gathering that deepens the relationships and care we have been cultivating online.

    Regular salons follow this rhythm across nine sessions, while salon-lite salons run across five sessions.

  • When you register, you’ll be invited to suggest books for our collective reading. Once all registrations are in, the host will circulate a poll with the suggested titles. Members vote, and the two books with the most selections become our shared reads. Our choices span fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, always centring the voices of Black women.

    Online sessions focus on one of these books each month. In-person sessions, by contrast, shift the focus from reading to storytelling: we explore our own narratives and how they illuminate our place in the world as Black Muslim women. To support this process, a reflective workbook is shared in advance to guide our thinking and conversation.

  • The Salon is designed as a shared journey, and its richness depends on our collective presence.

    • Season registration: Members register for the entire season rather than individual sessions. This ensures continuity and shared investment in the experience.

    • Attendance: Life happens, but we ask members to commit to attending regularly and to avoid missing two consecutive sessions. This helps maintain the trust, rhythm, and depth of connection we build together.

    By joining, you are not only committing to your own healing journey but to walking alongside the community of women who will be reading, sharing, and reflecting with you.

  • There is a £40 cost to join the salon, set simply to cover basic expenses and the time needed to hold and care for this space. It is not run for profit, but to ensure the Salon can continue.

    • You want to be in community with other women.

    • You enjoy reading and the conversations that grow from it.

    • You appreciate space to chat openly, whether about books or life.

    • You have the desire and capacity to both give and receive.

    • You’re curious about the stories that shape and animate our lives.

    • You’re seeking slow, intentional encounters that feel nourishing.

    • You wish to explore practices that centre your self-development as a Black Muslim woman.

“I enjoyed the feeling of belonging and being understood. Sharing my thoughts without fear or judgement. Seeing sisters that look like me.”
— Salon Sister

Autumn 2025: Salon-Lite

This Autumn marks a gentle return of our Literary Salon with a Salon Lite series—a shorter, five-session journey designed to ease us back into shared reading and conversation. Together we’ll explore one book chosen by the group, meeting online and in person to reflect, connect, and experience the voices of Black women in literature.

Salon Lite is a phased return ahead of the full Salon relaunch in April 2026, when we’ll dive into two books across nine sessions.

Autumn 2025 Dates

12 October - Welcoming
26 October - Online gathering
9 November - Online gathering
23 November - Online gathering
7 December - In-Person gathering*
*London or Oxford, TBC

TIME: 12 - 2PM BST/GMT

Salon contribution: £40


“I was so comfortable in every session that I felt safe and I can place absolute trust in the group and share even from a very personal place.”
— Salon Sister

Get in touch if you have questions about the Salon