The Society of Black Nonconformists

Hello. My name is Sharyll Burroughs and I would like you to join me in something that can inspire and connect us.

I am writing an anthology of essays entitled Skinfolk, a collection of my observations on human beings whose Blackness is incidental to their nonconformity. At first glance, these observations may seem irrational—but they are undeniably true.

Rather than focusing solely on identity, I celebrate what makes each subject an outlier and, more significantly, their fundamental humanity. The human experience is complex and unpredictable. My primary interest revolves around those driven to remain true to themselves. Individuals who reject tradition in favor of originality—artists, athletes, writers, and more.

The book will feature radical nonconformists whose lives transcend categorization, such as the distinguished jazz musician, Alice Coltrane, who embodied a new identity as a Hindu Swamini. The enigmatic rapper and singer Tyler the Creator's evolutionary music makes sense as an abstract painting. George Clinton, the absurdist funk music icon, could have seamlessly integrated into the European Dadaist art movement. Visionary science fiction writer Octavia Butler predicted the MAGA movement and offered a blueprint for transcending it.

I am seeking support while I complete the anthology, which I anticipate will take one year to eighteen months. My goal is to assemble a collection of 15 to 20 essays, eight of which have been completed. Some essays include biographical details, though this is not a biography collection. Styles range from stream-of-consciousness to literal, and lengths vary. Once I’ve finalized the collection, it will require professional editing. Throughout the editing process, I will draft a proposal to submit to publishers and then begin the submission process.

Why does Skinfolk matter? Now more than ever, it is crucial to honor and preserve unconventional human stories that redefine social and cultural norms. We need unorthodox yet insightful conversations—ones that foster connection rather than division.

Nonconformity isn’t just rebellion. It’s a space of equal opportunity, where individuality, creativity, and courage thrive. Please join me in growing a bold, thoughtful community that honors the wonder and power of the human condition.