“Welcome, baby!” Phillis Wheatley exclaims as Dorothy West wraps her in a warm embrace. “There is a seat for you here,” Lorraine Hansberry calls out from the table where they have all gathered, each holding court when it is her turn. As Zora guides her to a cushioned throne between Audre and Octavia, she smiles her brilliant smile. “Young, gifted, and black,” Lorraine chimes as she leans to pat the back of her hand gently. “Joining us much too soon,” Ann Petry intones. “Not for us to say,” Alice Dunbar-Nelson muses, sipping from a heavenly cup of tea. “But it’s being said none the less,” says Audre. “Where am I?” she asks, in awe of the mothers and daughters who had come before her. They all smile. Zora chuckles softly. “In a room full of free women,” she answers. “Where the beauty of your words will continue to light the stars of heaven,” Octavia adds. “Heaven,” they all chime in unison. “Won’t you share something you’ve written?” Ann asks. “I do believe it’s your turn.” “And introduc