Lakeasha Williams: Embracing Her Time to Shine, Encouraging Others to Do the Same

 

by Cyrus Webb

Congratulations again, Lakeasha, on your Amazon Bestseller SHINE ON BROWN GIRL. What has it been like for you to stand back and reflect on your first children’s book becoming a #1 bestseller?

Thank you! I’m speechless. Shine On Brown Girl has surpassed my goals within the first week. It’s only the beginning and this book is poised to do some amazing things for our children and people in general. 

Did you always believe that you were intended for greatness?

My parents instilled greatness in me from a very early age. I always knew that I was different, in a good way. However, I did not envision anything beyond teaching, marriage, nice house, and children. My life is nothing like I had originally planned! It’s so much more than I ever imagined. 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with young people and inspiring them to reach their fullest potential?

I made a final decision to work with children my sophomore year in college. Inspiring children to reach their fullest potential automatically came with that decision. If that’s not the goal then you shouldn’t work with young people. 

We live in a world where people of all ages are struggling to see themselves and what they can accomplish? What made you want to make that part of your mission in life, ensuring that others knew what was possible?

My own life serves as a constant reminder to me of the possibilities that can exist for our children, provided they believe in themselves. The biggest difference between children in different socio-economic groups is their experiences and confidence level. I want to be a part of the solution. I want children to know it is possible. Whatever it is that they hope to accomplish. That is the only way that we can change the narrative for the better for our children.

When it comes to the message of SHINE ON BROWN GIRL, I have mentioned to you before it is a timely message for all of us. Where did the idea for Layla and the book come from?

Layla came as a result of several things: My lived experiences. My Brown Girl video that went viral after Kamal Harris became Vice president elect. The current challenges that our children still grapple with. The message in SHINE ON BROWN GIRL is relevant. Therefore, it evokes a variety of emotions from the readers. 

Tell us about the SHINE ON series and what you hope it does?

I hope the SHINE ON series serves as a catalyst for change. Our stories matter. Children need to see themselves represented in literature in a profound manner. I also hope that it teaches tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for all. The next book in the series is SHINE ON BROWN BOY. 

Social media has helped us all to be better connected. How has it assisted you in sharing your message?

I am very intentional with the messaging that I share on social media. I want to convey a message of the importance of living a balanced life, setting and achieving goals, community is our responsibility, uplifting others, and being an equity warrior. I use the platform in a manner that’s consistent with advancing our people. 

What are you looking forward to next?

I am looking forward to the next book in this series, SHINE ON BROWN BOY, as well as, additional platforms to share the many different messages in SHINE ON BROWN GIRL. So, stay tuned!

What advice, Lakeasha, do you have for others when it comes to pursuing their own goals and dreams.

I would say never give up on you. Listen to your body and rest when you need to rest. Also know that only you will pursue your dreams relentlessly. After all, it’s your dream. You must have that tunnel vision. Don’t expect that same level of commitment from others. Know what you know. Know what you don’t know. Seek assistance whenever possible. 

Thanks again for the time. Let our readers know how they can stay connected with you.

Our readers can follow me on my Instagram page, 

https://www.instagram.com/principal_shineonlakeasha/

TAKE TEN with Author and Visionary Eve Lynne

 

by Cyrus Webb

There is nothing like the power of the imagination. When I first heard about author Eve Lynne Robinson and her character Ella B. Jenkins, I was excited about how she was able to takes real-life situations and make them fun and educational for the reader. I even had the privilege to blurb her book Ella B. Jenkins Meets First Lady Michelle Obama. 

Now Eve Lynne and Therapist Whitney Jade Gordy have teamed up for the latest installment of the Ella B. Jenkins series: Ella B. Jenkins Meets Vice President Kamala Harris.

In this Take Ten I talk with Eve about the series and the new book. 

Eve, congratulations on the new release ELLA B. JENKINS MEETS VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS. Before we discuss that what has it been like to see the response to Ella B. Jenkins?

I have been incredibly grateful to watch the evolution of Ella B. Jenkins in the last decade. Many people initially gravitated toward this character because at the time, there was no character out there quite like her. We also understand at this point in history the importance of representation and being able to identify with cultural situations in our day-to-day life are of the upmost importance. Everyone seems to love Ella B., and I hope to give our Ella B. Family more content and material to connect with.

I never had a chance to ask you before, but where did the idea for Ella B. Jenkins come from?

Before Ella B. was created, I was creating ceramic art and sculptures with an Afrocentric flair and influence. I wanted to make ceramic tiles for my bathroom with a character representing a little chocolate girl. At the time,  I had not seen ceramic tiles with any African American images available, so I set out to create my own.  I was in my studio with a friend who said she needed a name. We went back and forth, but the name Ella kept standing out to me.  After hours of trying out different names, I decided upon Ella B. Jenkins. Her name sounded strong and had a ring to it.  I also love the Letter B. for her middle name. The story behind that will be disclosed in a future book.

We look forward to that story. Have you always wanted to write children’s books?

I have always dreamed of writing children’s books! The ability we have, especially the younger audience, to tap into the gift of imagination and fantasy is unparalleled. In these moments we have a chance again, to experience magic. 

Ella B. Jenkins has become more than just another character in a book. She’s become her own brand. How did that come about?

Ella B. truly has a life of her own. Her brand developed quite organically. Ella’s charm, mixed with sly wit has won over the support of small families, young children, independent artists and activists alike. Ella B is on a mission, and people are paying attention

Going back to the new book, it is literally right on time with where we are in time. Tell our readers about the new book.

The new book takes us on Ella B’s next adventure. We get to learn more about Ella B. and her family and how her roots around activism and social justice were influenced. We learn Ella’s mother is an incredible advocate and has inspired her passions and enthusiasm for cultural and community based causes. As an added bonus we learn Ella B. Jenkins meets Vice president Kamala Harris along the way. It’s a very fun story and highlights other important figures within the community

This book includes not just Ella B. Jenkins meeting the Vice President. It also includes some of the issues that we see going on in the world today. How did you decide on that element?

To ignore what is happening in the world right now would be a serious injustice.  Black communities and communities of color deal with a systemic problem on a day-to-day basis, that is not designed to protect or support us. The world we see today has reached its breaking point, again. Not talking about what happens around us and what we see on a daily basis is like asking us to ignore the biggest and most important parts of ourselves. 

Social media has taken on even greater importance today because of life during the pandemic. How has it helped you to read your readers?

Social media has allowed us to engage with new readers and new audiences. In the age of new media, we are also working on being able to provide a digital copy of each of these books so that you can download and access these stories on your tablets, phones and e-readers. Having access to these books through various forms is incredibly important especially as we all are doing our best to socially distance and reduce our interactions in the public. 

You have been writing for a while now, Eve. Any advice for aspiring authors out there?

The best advice I can give is to write from a place of passion and love the subject matter you are writing about. Writing can sometimes feel like a thankless job, however, being able to see your artistic vision and creativity come to life on the page is truly a rewarding and inspiring experience. 

Can you give us an idea of where Ella B. might pop up next? 

I have given a lot of thought about Ella B.’s next adventure, and I’m sure if I know Ella B. the way I think I do, she will definitely be making her way to Georgia to get a firsthand look at a certain hero who has mobilized voters and advocated for voters rights.

That gives us something to look forward to. Thanks for the time, Eve. How can our readers stay connected with you and get their copy of ELLA B. JENKINS MEETS VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS?

I encourage everyone to visit www.Ellabjenkins.com and follow us on Instagram @ellabjenkins and be our friend on Facebook under the same name. We have have all of Ella B’s books available for purchase along with clothing items, accessories and soon to be released, the Ella B. Jenkins plush doll. 

TAKE TEN with author Sherabim Joy

 by Cyrus Webb

Though 2020 had a series of challenges even outside of the global pandemic, it was great to see so many bright spots emerging to give people hope. One of those came from author Sherabim Joy in the release of her newest children's book MANNY AND THE MAGIC KEYS: A Gift From Papa.

In this Take Ten with Sherabim we discuss her writing journey and the new release.

Sherabim, glad we had a chance to connect more in 2020. What a year that ended up being, right? What helped you to navigate the year?

2020 has been a year for the history books! My faith in God’s sovereignty has helped me to navigate these unprecedented times. Like many, I was furloughed from my place of employment, but every one of my needs was provided and it allowed time for me to reassess my long-term goals and focus on what I need to do to accomplish them. Also understanding the necessity of remaining healthy mentally and  physically for my son’s sake motivated me to maintain my momentum.

 You are known for your work as an author and as motivational speaker. Have you always known you had a love of words?

I have had a passion for reading and writing from childhood. I was one of those children who requested books for Christmas in addition to toys. When I was younger, I would write stories for entertainment but never considered becoming an author until adulthood. My love for motivational speaking was birthed through being pushed and encouraged to share the Word of God in church. I soon realized that not only did I love to preach, but I also loved to empower, inspire, and encourage people through various motivational speaking platforms.

What I love about your writing style is that you are able to entertain as well as inspire. Was that your mission?

We are an entertainment-based society, so I recognize the appeal of incorporating an amusing escape from reality for my readers.  However, as a faith-based author, I feel it is my responsibility to plant nuggets of wisdom in the hearts and minds of my readers to motivate them to excel in every area of their lives; whether spiritually, relationally, emotionally, or otherwise. My mission is always to leave my readers with a “thought” that will make them make more sound decisions.

Social media is something you have used like the rest of us. How has it helped you to stay connected and reach new readers?

Social media has become a way of life and is a great and inexpensive way to stay connected with current followers of my work as well as reach new readers. There can be a significant amount of time in between releasing work, but social media helps my readers know that I’m still around, current, and working on new material to empower their lives. Simple gestures such as posting inspirational quotes, thoughts of the day, and blogging can be highly impactful when done consistently. It makes it easier to encourage readers to purchase new works when I have kept in communication with them during the “in-between” process.

You wrapped up 2020 with a children’s book MANNY AND THE MAGIC KEYS: A Gift From Papa. Where did the idea for the book come from?

Believe it or not, I wrote “Manny And The Magic Keys: A Gift From Papa” approximately 4 years ago. The idea was inspired by my son, the real-life, Manny. When he was a toddler he was mesmerized by my father’s, his Papa’s, keys. Whenever I went to my dad’s house he would play with them and did not want to return them. Eventually, my dad gave him an old pair to take home and play with and that’s how the idea was birthed!  I have no idea why I took so long to publish the book. I think subconsciously I was afraid because children’s book writing is a new genre for me. 

One of the great things about that book is that it shows the importance of using your imagination. What do you hope the reader gets from that when they look at themselves?

I hope that young readers would embrace the reality that anything is possible, and that they should never stop dreaming!  A new reality is just one dream away!

In your book for adults AFTER THE BENEDICTION, we see how fear can hold us back. How have you not allowed that to be the case for you?

Honestly, I have allowed fear and insecurity to hold me back for years! I was bound by the fear of failure and looking foolish. One day I just realized that I was my biggest hindrance and I decided to not allow myself to be bound by fear any longer. As my Pastor always says, “sometimes you have to do things while you still feel scared.”  That is some of the greatest advice that I  have ever received.  I still feel scared sometimes about advancing in new arenas, but I’m not fearful to take the steps of faith despite how I feel.

What advice would you give for those looking to pursue their own goals and dreams?

My advice to those looking to pursue their own goals and dreams is to refuse to be their own hindrance! Each person should take time for moments of introspection to determine if they are the cause of not reaching their dreams and goals. Likewise, every dreamer needs to develop an action plan for the dream to become a reality.  A dream without an action plan is simply wishful thinking.

Can you tell us what we should expect next from you?

I am excited to be working on “After the Benediction II”, and I will be releasing another book in the “Manny In the Magic Key’s Series!” in the coming months. Likewise, I am researching opportunities to bring my two novels “After the Benediction” and “Mema’s Pretty Little Black Girls” either to the stage or screen.

Thanks for the time, Sherabim. How can our readers stay connected with you?

Cyrus it was a joy to do this interview with you, and I thank you for having me!  Readers can keep in touch with me through my website and on social media:

www.sherabimjoy.com

Facebook: @sherabim

Twitter:  @Sherabimjoy

Instagram: @sherabimjoy

[Book Review] You Are my SONshines: Born of my Heart by Winsome Sinclair

by Cyrus Webb

Family is not always about blood. It's the love that you have for each other that counts. In YOU ARE MY SONSHINES author Winsome Sinclair shows that when you have love as the main ingredient anything is possible.

The book is not just an adoption story. It is a story about a family coming together, offering support and the needed assistance to help each other feel safe and loved.

It also is a great book for blended families as well, showing that you can come together and be just as close as any biological family out there.

A great story that reminds us that love has no bounds, YOU ARE MY SONSHINES delivers a message that is much-needed today.

Get your copy on Amazon today.