Autobiography of A Homegirl:

About the Book

Autobiography of A Homegirl is the bittersweet story of a black woman's epiphany when, in a 24 hour stretch, her child's father shows up with his white fiancee and, in an historic coup, the first black woman is crowned, "Miss America." When the validity of this coup is challenged, this emboldened mother goes to battle with both inner and out forces threatening her fragile self-esteem. Ultimately, it is the belief system held by both blacks and whites that is on the front lines as issues of race, color, beauty, and the origins of it all, culminate in this psychological journey through the life of a black woman determined to give her daughter what she herself must recoup, a healthy self-esteem.

The coronation of the first black "Miss America" in 1983 serves as a backdrop for understanding ourselves, and the complexities of American society brought sharply into focus by the guest appearance of that enduring, indefatigable icon, "Barbie." The play explores how entrenched standards of beauty have affected not just African American women, but all women.

Comprehensive Study Guide Notes are included in this edition to supplement African American Studies, Women's Studies, Cultural Studies, Theatre or Playwriting programs and courses in high schools, colleges, and universities.

About the Author

Yvette Heyliger is a grant winning writer/director/producer. She was nominated "Best Playwright" at the 1996 NAACP Annual Theatre Awards for Autobiography of A Homegirl and was selected to present the play on the main stage at the National Black Theatre Festival 2001. She co-founded Twinbiz to produce original projects for stage, television and film about women in America.