Karla Denise Baker

Jacked-Up Sistah Karla Denise Baker

Poking her nose in unrequested territory leads Avery to suspicion that an old high school chum may be in danger. Brainstorming to use social media as a microphone, Avery innovates a documentary: "Sistahs from the 'Hood of Hard Lovin'". With a short deadline and a deep sense of urgency, Avery is left with no recourse but to invite women from her neighborhood of Paterson, New Jersey, to talk openly about their life's combats. What starts off as, amicable conversation among women suddenly turns to bad-mouthing, jaw-poppin', spit-flying, Vaseline slathering "On yo Mama" threats and "I just know this b%tch ain't call me... Oh no, this dirty b%tch didn't!" eyes and neck rolling, temples throbbing beefing-quickly changes its tune when the bloody truth comes staggering in the living room. With a visual standing before them and a crackling voice exposing in explicit anguish of what love can do when placed in a cold heart. It gives the women more reason to unite and peel back their unhealed scabs and reopen their flesh wounds to tell the story of women fighting for more than air. They are fighting for peace of mind. Touchingly, there is will-breaking the chain of abuse, self-deprivation that transitions to self-fulfillment-self-loathing that transforms to self-love-writing a new book and opening new dialogue of sisterhood communication.