Dr. Margaret Fournier

Dr. Margaret Andrews Fournier is the daughter of a sharecropper reaching for stardom as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nurse Corps and a member of the Inaugural Committee for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Currently, she is the author of several publications and an international speaker for educating people on death and dying, hospice care and coping with the devastating effects of losing a loved one. She has a PhD in Health and Human Science, masters in Nursing administration and Health Care administration, and bachelor degree Nursing science. She is a registered nurse and a legal nurse consultant.

Cynthia Freeman Gibbs
Cynthia Freeman Gibbs is a native of Lansing, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and her MBA from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. Her writing career began in 2016 after spending twenty-two years in Corporate America working in various roles for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company. Cynthia wrote the Dr. Olivia C. Maxwell Novel series which includes “Reasonable Insanity”, and “Insatiable Revenge”. Under the pen name, C. F. Gibbs, she has written a Twisted Fairy Tale Fantasy, “Jack Dante La Banks and The Beanstalk”. She co-authored Writing Is Essential which was published by United Black Writers Association. Cynthia is working on a screenplay for a historical educational film about African American music. Cynthia is a resident of San Antonio where she married the love of her life, J Maurice Gibbs. She has three daughters and two grandchildren. She serves in a variety of ministries at her church and is a Lifetime member of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Cynthia is the President of United Black Writers Association. She is a member of the Tobin Library Writers Group and volunteers her time with a host of organizations in the community. Cynthia is a Foodie who has determined she is no longer dibble dabbling with the Vegetarian/Pescatarian life but has adopted a Flexitarian diet so she can enjoy her husband’s culinary skills. She is thrilled to write stories for the world to enjoy.

Mario Salas
Professor Salas is currently a lecturer at UTSA teaching African American Studies, American Politics and Texas Politics.  He has served as a City Councilman for the City of San Antonio, as well as, 300-Year Tricentennial Commissioner and was very active in the Civil Rights Movement for many years. He has authored several textbooks including, American and Texas Political History: A Maze of Racialized Thought in America, Foundation Myth in Political Thought: The Racial Moorings of Foundation Myth and others. He championed the establishment of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Texas state holiday and helped to develop and present the essential elements for African American Studies courses for high school students across Texas which was passed by the State Board of Education. He is married to Edwina Lacy Salas and has two children, Angela and Elena, and 4 grandchildren.

Rev. Helen Crawford-McBynum
Rev. Helen Crawford-McBynum is a native of North Carolina but has chosen San Antonio as her second home. She accepted her call to the ministry in 2004. she was licensed in 2005 and ordained in 2006 by her Pastor at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in San Antonio where she is the Senior associate Minister. She is the assistant Bible study teacher, she sings in the choir, and is part of the Mission. She has had a Nursing Home Ministry for the past ten years (Agape Love Ministry) where she preaches and ministers to the patients and employees every Sunday morning. She is totally committed to God and the purpose He has called her into. She was educated at Liberty university, with a major in Biblical Studies and a minor in Christian Counseling. By the Grace of God, she had the privilege of walking across the stage in May 2010. Her book, "Preaching Through The Pain" is her personal testimony of how awesome our God is. As she stepped in her purpose as a minister, she soon found herself in dual roles, as a minister and a mother losing her only child a couple of months later.

Tracy Johns
Tracy Johns has been an educator and community organizer in the Pittsburgh community for many years. She is a long-time employee of the Pittsburgh Public Schools system, where she has served in various roles from SDSS, to Project Manager in the Office of Equity, and currently, as a first-grade teacher at Pittsburgh Langley PreK-8. Ms. Johns works tirelessly to help children see themselves in the characters she creates. Her debut children’s book is a part one in a series of “Little Bremar” books. Years ago, Tracy created the affirmation “I am Somebody” which was a Call to Action to ensure that her students were aware of their unlimited potential. Today, the Call to Action has been expanded to include melanated characters in story books to enable children of color the opportunity to embrace their beauty in literature. In 2020, she was awarded by the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC with a Teacher Appreciation Award. However, her greatest recognition comes from being the mother of her sons Mark, Brandon and Brennan.

Hayward Bethel
My name is Hayward Bethel and I am founder of “The Hayward's Humor Show” which has delighted audiences all over the United States and various overseas locations for several years. The show consists of humorous entertainment and is full of delightful short poems, poetic storytelling, spirit filled singing, character interpretations, and audience participation. My shows were originally performed for the Senior Community population, however, in the past few years I branched out and performed shows, motivational speeches, and workshops, at universities, civic groups, private functions, family gatherings, church groups and local hospitals. Many of the funny stories and tales that I share during performances are about my own life experiences and adventures which truly captures each listener's ear, and heart. I am also a National Storyteller and a member of the Central Texas Storytellers Guild. In addition to the show, I have authored and self-published 2 books which are available "Hayward's Humor," and "A Life of Humor." I also co-authored, Abide in the Spirit of Change (2013).

Azure Gabriel
Author Azure D. Gabriel believes in faith, family fun and living in her truth. Azure is stepping out on faith with high hopes of creating a safe space through you public speaking for young girls, women and even men who have been through a toxic relationship; ones who are struggle with who they are and their faith. Her journey of healing from a toxic relationship and finding herself again has been far from easy; but has taught her to be still and know that God is God. Azure is excited to have this platform to inspire and connect with those who can relate to her past and current struggles. Azure believes that her faith, prayer and relationship with the Lord is the focal point to her success and goals while allowing him to be in complete control to guide her to greatness.

Marion Hill
Marion Hill is the author of The Diondray’s Chronicles (Diondray’s Discovery, Diondray’s Journey, and Diondray’s Roundabout), the first three books set in the world of Kammbia. Also, he is the author of Marion’s 25, his first non-fiction book based on his favorite books as a book review blogger since 2011. Marion’s 25 Volume II was released in October 2020. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has lived in Atlanta, Georgia, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Living in those cities helped create the world of Kammbia. Marion currently lives in San Antonio, TX and is working on a new novel set in the world of Kammbia, Ciscoe’s Dance, due Summer 2021.

Fernando Rover, Jr.
Fernando Rover Jr is an author and poet born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.  He earned a dual BA in English and history from Texas Lutheran University. His writing interests range from millennial interests, popular culture, Black male experiences, Feminism, LGBTQ, and spoken word poetry. His work has appeared in Odyssey, Caged Bird, Buddies!, BlackPressUSA, and San Antonio Observer. In 2019, he released his debut poetry anthology, 'Labyrinth', available on Amazon. 'Labyrinth' is the recipient of the 2019 Best Indie Book Award for Poetry and the 2020 Literary Titan Award.

Angela Allen
A native of San Antonio AngieK has written and self-published six novels and published three Authors, two who also live in the San Antonio area and the other in Lexington, Kentucky. She currently edits, ghost writes and offers coaching on manuscript writing. In 2019 Angie K Books bookstore was established, then moved in the heart of the East side in the Alamo City and have now rebranded into a bookstore boutique. We offer new & used books, all independent and local Authors, greeting cards and coming soon, chakra items, candles, waist beads, black owned coffee and tea, and black owned organic skin care line products. AngieK is also currently pursuing her Bachelors of Arts in Psychological Studies. She has two grown children and three grandchildren. 
  Angie K Books      1221 S WW White Rd       SATX       2103141510

Antoinette Franklin
Antoinette V Franklin, sixth generation Texan, began writing at the age of 6 and began publishing in 1989. She is the second daughter of Nathaniel and Ruth Ella Lara Franklin. Proud parent of Alexis Franklin. Antoinette received Honorable Mention from Writers Digest in 1997 and was a 2019 recipient of The Friends of the San Antonio Public Library Arts and Letters Award. She has also taught Creative Writing at Carver Library since 2009. Antoinette has authored over 10 books! Some of her publications include: In the Midst of Struggle: Stands a Woman; The Carver Literary Arts Society 2010 Anthology: We Commemorate This Day; Set Your Compass to the Stars Anthology 2012; The PhD Game: Confessions of a Black Academic; Imagination: Carver Literary Arts Society 2^nd Anthology 2018; A Legacy to Leave Our Youth: Autobiography of John “Mule” Miles.

Uchenna Umeh
Dr. Lulu AKA the Momatrician is a board-certified pediatrician and mom of three sons. She is proudly Nigerian born and an LGBTQ+ and youth suicide prevention activist.  She is CEO of Teenalive.com and Dr. Lulu’s Youth Health Center, both dedicated to Youth Suicide Prevention. She is a TEDx, United Nations and Global Pan African Speaker, a 3-time bestselling author and a freelance writer. She has been featured on local affiliates of ABC, CBS and NBC, and her articles have been published in Blackpast.org, Parents magazine, The Washington Post and other syndicated media outlets. Her books can be found on Amazon, Ingram Sparks, locally at the Igo Branch Library, and at Barnes and Noble at Bandera Pointe. She is currently working on publishing an anthology of immigrant women's stories and a documentary loosely based on her second book. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.

Jordin McFee
Jordin McFee is eight years old, and he lives in San Antonio, TX, along with his mother. He was born in Mobile, AL and moved to San Antonio, TX at the age of four. He is currently in the 3rd grade and very passionate about reading and writing. His favorite books include The Dog Man series by Dave Pilkey. Jordin hopes to inspire other children to enjoy reading by expressing himself through his first book. He also loves exploring the world of science and math. He challenges himself by learning to read and speak Spanish fluently as a second language.
 

Aundar Maat
Aundar Maat is the author of “Who is the Greatest African?” and “Kwanzaa Tales of Africa”, a story coloring book for children. He is a student of history, cultural activist and business owner. As a resident of San Antonio and community organizer, he coordinates and hosts cultural festivals and events such as: The Kwanzaa Market Festival; Pan-African Festival; Black History for Children Book Exhibit; Black Women of History Exhibit and the Holistic Health Fair. Baba Aundar is the co-owner and director of MAAT Marketing-KuumbaNia (Creativity with a Purpose). They create cultural products and programs to educate and empower the community. Also, he is the co-owner of the independent film company, Melaneyes Media. He wrote, performed, and co-produced the movie, Message to the People: A Story of Malcolm X, and he is the co-producer of the documentary film series, Walk on the River; A Black History of Alamo City and Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence in San Antonio. In addition, he was the recipient of the 2019 Friends of the San Antonio Library Arts and Letters Award for outstanding contributions to the artistic and literary community of San Antonio. Baba Aundar Maat is a husband, father and grandfather.

Sharon Lundy
Sharon Lundy is a San Antonio native, born and raised in Denver Heights. She graduated from Brackenridge High School and from there attended St. Philip’s College before going on to receive a B.A. in Communication Arts from The University of the Incarnate Word. She currently teaches in Judson Independent School District. In 2020 she founded Denver Heights House, a publishing company dedicated to promoting literature and media that reflect Black Excellence that is both uplifting and unapologetic.
 

Lee Coffee
Lee Coffee III aka Coffee is the founder of A Goddess Gang, an entity focused on education and mental health. Athena, Ares, and Aphrodite are the makeup of A Goddess Gang, the muse behind the various art forms we create. We aim to educate, encourage, inspire, and remind little girls and boys of color how special they are and how magnificent they will be. Through illustrations, poetry, music, and cinematography we will showcase our Black Girl Magic; reminding the world they are never invisible. A Goddess Gang Mission: To help Black women become the most protected, respected, and cherished person in America.
 

Alexandra Banks
Hi, my name is Alexandra Banks, I'm 10 years old. I was born in Topeka, KS and now live in San Antonio, TX. I am a third generation published Author! I like to sing, dance, do gymnastics, cheer and write. I love to help people, so I do a lot of volunteering in my community. I want to be a pediatrician and a singer when I grow up.

Ms. Banks said she wrote her book, Nosy Mr. Borris, to teach children about the downfalls of gossiping.
 

Dr. Waynette Turner
Dr. Waynette N. Turner is a native of San Antonio, Texas. She received her undergraduate education at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, where she concentrated her studies in the field of Business Administration.  After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she went on to earn a Master of Christian Ministry and a Master of Counseling.  After completing her master's level of work, she received a Doctorate of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling Degree. For the last 11 years she has served as a Spiritual Teacher, Counselor, Mentor and Community Advocate. Dr. Turner has worked to develop and improve various community programs available to the incarcerated and high-risk populace.  Dr. Turner professional affiliations include: the American Counseling Association, and the National Board of Certified Counselors. Dr. Turner is an ordained Minister and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Tabernacle Generation, and Operations Director of Turner of Life Counseling.

Clarence Bell III
Clarence Bell III has been writing poetry, meditations, prayers, and fiction off and on for 21 years.  He has managed bipolar depression and mania for 20 years with his writing and medication.  He wishes to help others that suffer.  He has a BBA: Finance from Texas State University in San Marcos.  He is an Abolitionist under the instruction of his mentors Max Parthas, and Scotty T. Reid. He is a natural student, teacher, and mentor that seeks, serves, and celebrates the 9 eternal principles of Christianity and Ma'at.
 

Fred Williams

Frederick Williams holds a graduate degree from Indiana University.  He worked on Capitol Hill for Senator Birch Bayh as a legislative aide.  Mr. Williams assisted in the drafting and management of the first Senate legislative proposal to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday a national holiday.  He also assisted in the creation of the African American Studies minor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He designed and taught a number of classes to include, African American Political Thought, African American Politics, African American Literature from Phyllis Wheatley to the Black Arts Movement, Politics of the Civil Rights Movement, and a course on Novelists of the Harlem Renaissance.  He also taught a creative writing course at the university.  Mr. Williams teaches creative writing courses for Black Writers on Tour in Los Angeles, California, for the Zora Neale Hurston Festival Education Day in Eatonville, Florida, and for Gemini Ink, a literary agency in San Antonio, Texas.  He is the author of four novels, has ghost written three autobiographies, and has edited numerous works to include, The Color of Strength: Embracing the Passion of Our Culture, an anthology of short stories, essays and short autobiographies, with a special section “Legacies of Courage.” Professor Williams was named one of the four recipients of the “Men of the Year Award,” by San Antonio Magazine. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Arts and Letters Award from the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library.

Dr. Mateen Diop
DR. MATEEN DIOP is a 16-year veteran of the public school system in San Antonio, TX. From 1996-2012 he has been a Teacher, Coach, Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal and Principal. He is considered an authority on the issue of single-gender schools and has authored a book on the subject (Single-Gender Schools in the Inner-City, Can they Work?). He has written many articles on the educational achievement gap of minority males and his expertise has proven invaluable. Dr. Diop believes that it's not our circumstances that determine the desired outcomes, but instead, it's our reaction to those situations. Fortunately for Dr. Diop, God spoke to him at an early age and whispered, "don't go where they want to take you." Since hearing that silent whisper, Dr. Diop has been determined to share his message of the power of having a positive attitude in all situations, finding your purpose, and living your best life. A native San Antonian, Diop graduated from the San Antonio public school system, the University of Incarnate Word and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Chris Pittard
Chris Pittard is a former Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer.  After a 13-year military career, Chris graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and is a practicing employment law attorney, and past legal writing professor.  No stranger to writing, Chris has written a wonderful non-fiction book, Transmanaut Chronicles, A Coming of Age Story from 1977, detailing the adventures of he, his brother, retired Major General Dana Pittard, and their two friends on a road trip to California in 1977.  He has also written a more serious work entitled If You Ain’t Ranger, You Ain’t.…, which chronicles his journey to become a United States Army Ranger.  On a lighter note, Chris has also written four books in his children’s book series The Continuing Adventures of the Carrot-Top Kids based on the adventures of his two redheaded daughters--The Puppies, Cartoon World!, Fun in Mexico, and All the Way to Alaska!

Laura Banks-Reed

Laura N. Banks-Reed, Ed.D. is a native of Tucson, Arizona. She earned four degrees from the University of Arizona: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education. For 39 years, she served as an educator in Tucson. During that time, she served as a teacher, Peace Corps Lecturer, Principal, District Reading Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent. Presently, she is President/Owner of LNB Enterprises, an educational consulting firm. Dr. Banks-Reed is an avid community worker and volunteer. She has served on numerous local, state, and national boards and YWCA, NAACP, Urban League, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Women at the Top.
Dr. Banks-Reed was a Charter Member, San Antonio Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She has received many outstanding awards and commendations. They include the University of Arizona Black Alumni Phenomenal Woman Award, University of Arizona Distinguished Citizen Award, YWCA's Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, Shriner's Award for Service Excellence in Education, and the University of Arizona, College of Education Distinguished Service Award. She is an NAACP Diamond Lifetime Member of Robert L. Horn Award recipient.

Phyllis Clemmons
Phyllis is a local Author, Publisher, and Entrepreneur. She has successfully authored 8 books to date of various genres. Phyllis started a small publishing company – Basic Book Publishing LLC - four years ago and has successfully published over 25 books for an affordable, all-inclusive price. Her goal is to help other authors to manifest their dreams. Phyllis holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Faulkner Christian University and a Master's Degree from Webster University in Management, Human Resource Development and Leadership. She has many years of combined public service in private, city and government sectors.

Nicola Gardere
Nicola Myers Gardere, M.Ed. is an accomplished Administrator, Amazon best-selling author, Trainer of Trainers for Restorative Discipline Practices in Texas, International guest speaker, and scholar. Nicola is the proud mother to two young men and grandmother to a sassy four-year-old granddaughter. She has presented at national and international conferences to change school and organizational cultures through Restorative Discipline practices. She currenty has two published books -- Circle Up, Let's Talk! and Live Your Abundant Life Too.  Please visit her website at www.nicolagardere.com for more information.

Andrea Sanderson
Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson is a San Antonio native that has been performing for over twenty years. She has served as a Teaching Artist for Gemini Ink since 2009. Sanderson is the winner of the 2019 People’s Choice Award Luminaria Artist Foundation, and a 2020 recipient of the Friends of San Antonio Public Library Arts and Letters Award.  Her debut book is entitled: She Lives in Music, Flower Song Press 2020. Her album, She Tastes like Music is available on all music streaming platforms. On April 1st, 2020, Andrea became the first African American, Poet Laureate of San Antonio 2020-2023.
 

La Juana Chambers Lawson
Mrs. La Juana (LJ) Chambers Lawson, MPA, PMP, LSSGB, seen in the O, The Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and VoyageDallas, is the Owner, CEO, and Principal Consultant of Tacit Growth Strategies, a nationally awarded and internationally recognized full-service info tech, project management firm leading individual and organizational success one project at a time. LJ is a highly sought-after growth consultant, undergraduate and graduate school instructor, grant writer and reviewer, startup advisor and investor, and project management evangelist. LJ is author of two technical publications:
“Earned Value Formula Pocket Book and Guide” (2019)
“A Project Manager’s Guide to Grant Writing, Vol. 1” (2020)
Moniker: La Juana (LJ) Chambers Lawson, The Growth Guru ©️

Denise McVea
An award-winning investigative journalist, publisher, and community advocate, Denise McVea's work has brought about important social change for marginalized communities. As a reporter for The Oregonian newspaper in the 1990s, she was the first journalist to investigate and report mismanagement and human rights violations in the Portland, Oregon office of the Federal Immigration Agency. Coverage of those issues eventually earned the newspaper a Pulitzer Prize. In Dallas, she advocated for poor communities by uncovering discrimination and abuse in the county jail system and the city housing departments. Her research into the Yellow Rose of Texas legend brings fresh new insights to the Texas Revolution and exposes dubious practices in how Texas historians recount the stories of historical figures of color. As a New Voices Fellow in Human Rights and International Cooperation (2001-2003), McVea worked with the Indian Law Resource Center to bring national and international media attention to issues affecting indigenous communities in the U.S. and Latin America. In 2003, she founded the Auris Project, Inc., which she is currently transforming into a vibrant nonprofit publishing enterprise – Auris Books Press.  Her next book, an unflinching look at public corruption in San Antonio, will be released later this year.

Summayyah Shakir
Summayyah Shakir is new to published work but has been a writer for years. She finally decided to publish her first book of poetry early 2020. This book takes the reader on a journey of extreme lows, pain and adversity. Ending with victory, self-love, and a new sense of being.

Her book, Melodic Bliss: A Book of Poetry, can be described as  transparent emotional journey filled with pain, disappointments, and victories. It is a touching story given through the lens of freestyle poetry. It can be purchased on Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles.com.