J K Chukwu, a writer from the Midwest with Nigerian roots, has been living in Chicago for the past ten years. She is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Brown University, and currently teaches in the creative writing program at U of C. Her debut novel, The Unfortunates, tells the story of Sahara, a young Black Nigerian woman facing challenges at a predominantly white institution where her peers are mysteriously dying. Chukwu’s writing delves into the hidden fears and anxieties lurking beneath the surface of societal institutions like schools and corporations.
Her upcoming novel, The Conservator, examines the facade of Black capitalism and the consequences of fetishizing wealth. In her latest story, “Flight 2212,” featured in the horror collection Of the Flesh, she exposes the dangers of our superficial social media culture obsessed with influencers and MLM schemes.
Chukwu’s writing process involves unraveling the layers of institutions to reveal their corruption and oppressive nature, particularly towards marginalized groups like Black queer femmes. She sees her writing as a journey of exploration, starting with a question that leads to the creation of a story.
For Chukwu, horror is akin to living in a haunted house, surrounded by echoes of past traumas and memories. She believes that true horror lies in the feeling of displacement and vulnerability, a sensation she explores through her narratives. Growing up in a Christian household, she was drawn to the concept of unwelcome intrusions, a theme she incorporates into her work.
In her story “Flight 2212,” Chukwu challenges beauty standards and societal norms, highlighting the pressures faced by Black women to conform to capitalist ideals. Through characters like Kim, a manipulative HR manager, she explores the parallels between corporate structures and media consumption, both of which can perpetuate harmful narratives and maintain the status quo.
Chukwu also delves into the complexities of Black capitalism, questioning the emphasis on material possessions as indicators of success and identity. She aims to celebrate Black culture in a way that transcends monetary value and challenges the notion that worth is tied to consumerism.
Overall, Chukwu’s work invites readers to ponder the intersections of race, capitalism, and community, urging them to rethink societal norms and confront uncomfortable truths. Through her writing, she challenges the idea of performative allyship and calls into question the sincerity of institutions seeking redemption for their past wrongs.
