PARI DESHPANDE COHENAuthor Photo Download | Bio Download Pari Deshpande Cohen is the author of Ashni and the Sari Night, part of an award-winning collection with Scholastic. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), she has led a workshop on educational publishing with the group. As an editor with 10+…
LUCAS JOHNSONAuthor lucasljohnson.com Photo Download | Bio Download When Lucas Johnson was a junior in college, Maya Angelou stated in a letter she wrote him: “I am convinced that you are going to do something marvelous.” He has not disappointed. Lucas landed a position with The Associated Press right out of college when, as an…
MICHELLE MCKINNEY HAMMONDAuthor www.michellehammond.com Photo Download | Bio Download Michelle McKinney Hammond is the author of more than 40 books, with over two million copies sold worldwide. She is an international speaker, vocalist, Emmy Award-winning television co-host, host of Sunday School Made Simple (Urban Ministries Inc.) airing weekly on YouTube, and convener of the Divine Inspiration for Victorious…
JAMAL SIMMONSAuthor killthespider.substack.com Photo Download | Bio Download Jamal Simmons has been at the nexus of politics and media for three decades. He is currently a CNN political commentator, co-host of the Trailblaze podcast on Politicon and author of Kill the Spider on Substack. Before that, Jamal was deputy assistant to the President and communications…
KIMBERLY MONROE, PH.D.Author www.kimberlyfmonroe.com Photo Download | Bio Download Kimberly F. Monroe, Ph.D. is a writer, cultural curator, and associate professor of Africana Studies based in Washington, DC. A native of South Louisiana, her work examines Black radical traditions, historical memory, and global liberation movements. Her recent writing has appeared in A Gathering Together Literary…
SHATAVIA THOMAS, DMFT, LMFTAuthor www.drshayspeaks.org Photo Download | Bio Download “Dr. Shay,” an Atlanta native, is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and provider of individual, couple, and family therapy, continuing education, and holistic wellness consulting (mindfulness meditation and beginner mat Pilates) through her private practice, Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC. In addition, she has…
LYNN BROWNAuthor www.literarylynn.com Photo Download | Bio Download Lynn is a storyteller shaped by place, memory, and the belief that narratives can open doors. For nearly twenty years, she has worked at the intersection of journalism, travel media, and cultural history, unearthing the stories that reveal who we are and how we move through the…
SHIVELY SMITH, PH.D.Author www.shivelysmith.com Photo Download | Bio Download With more than 25 years of distinguished experience in biblical studies and religion, Shively T. J. Smith stands at the forefront of her field as a respected scholar, accomplished author, and in-demand public educator. She is widely respected as a teacher and preacher across mainline and…
TRACI SAULSBERRYAuthor www.tracisaulsberry.com Photo Download | Bio Download Traci Saulsberry is a senior communications executive, leadership coach, and writer. At twenty-seven, she became one of the youngest Black executives at NBC, where she spent fourteen years shaping narratives at the highest levels of entertainment. She later built and led the communications team at Peacock, managing…
TERRA NEWELLAuthor www.terranewellsurvival.com Photo Download | Bio Download Terra Newell faced the notorious serial predator known as “Dirty” John Meehan head-on at only 25 years old. In a terrifying moment that changed her life, Terra fearlessly defended herself, setting in motion a journey that would not only shape her own path but also allow her…
