The Black Obituary Project is a collaborative, Black undertaking designed to convey the reality of state-sanctioned violence and its residual impact.

The authors of these pre-written obituaries, all of whom are living at this point in time, serve to evidence the ease with which Black people conceive of their own death; they clarify that the so-called “talk” Black parents must have with their children—instructing them on ways to avoid destruction at the hands of law enforcement—is not without psychological consequence.

Further, these writers have embarked on a journey toward agency. In drafting such agonizingly introspective works, each has declined the trite and tired obituary template often deployed for those killed by police in favor of their own rich tellings.

These are Black lives, as told by those who experience them in all their glory—tragedy—frustration—triumph.

The Black Obituary Project is a living, growing collection. To contribute your obituary, email blackobituaryproject@gmail.com.

Vibrate.