WS Chronicle

Earlier this month, Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) hosted the Black Authors Expo as part of their observance of Black History Month. The brainchild of EBC’s senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Herbert Miller II, the expo gave an opportunity for local authors to network with other authors and to sell their books. 

Emmanuel Baptist Church members and visitors flooded the space known as their old sanctuary to talk with the authors and learn more about their books, after their Sunday morning service on Feb. 11. There was an array of genres available. The authors’ works included children’s books, children’s educational books, self-help books, memoirs, Christian novels, and other merchandise available for purchase.  

“It’s so good to see other authors in the community in one place. The networking has been great, but the exposure was even greater,” said Dr. Sandra Ingram, who displayed three books she has written, including a workbook to help people communicate better. Ingram’s books were “Talk More, Fight Less,” “Before You Pray Again,” and “The Heart of Communication Workbook.”

Portia Mills Henderson’s book display featured 12 books she’s written that center on assisting children with handling their emotions and navigating through difficult times. “It all began with my daughter, Nina. ‘Nina’s Coping Toolbox,’ born out of her transition to a new school in the fourth grade, inspired a series on SEL (social and emotional learning), coping tools and mindfulness, all to nurture resilience.”

Henderson also offers textbooks for schools working with children that may experience trauma or challenging times.  A portion of her book sales go toward her nonprofit, Healing the Roots Foundation, which offers aid for tutoring and the other essential support for children of color.  

Britney Dent, who was named one of the 2024 Young Dreamers at the MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast, also had her book, “Parenting Redefined,” for sale. “This event was great. I’m able to network with other authors and get a chance for people to see my book and hopefully I can help them with their teenagers,” said Dent. “My book is about helping parents raise teenagers. It gives four strategies to help them get through those years,” she said when asked what her book was about. 

There were several other unique books on display. Willis Moore, a retired UPS driver, wrote a children’s book, “The Adventures of Willie and Mack,” which is about a day on his delivery route. Bernice Dunlap displayed her book, “The Duck Who Lost the Courage to Swim,” a children’s book that teaches children (and some adults) about having courage. Then there was Latisha Stuckey’s book, “Cast Down, But Not Destroyed: Destiny’s Child.” It chronicles her early childhood memories of trauma and the journey to wholeness and acceptance.  

Also, a big hit at the event was Mary Carlton’s book, “Front Pew Abuse,” which recounts her life story of being married to an abusive man who was a pastor. Her book has also been adapted into a stage play by the same title, which she also had for purchase.  

Nadyne Brown, the expo coordinator, felt the event went very well. “It isn’t often you will see such an amazing group of talented brothers and sisters assembled together. While the event was great, I was more impressed with the camaraderie among all the authors. [Their] willingness to share advice, support each other and build each other up was amazing. We need that!” Brown said.

After the completion of construction at the church, Emmanuel Baptist may consider having another book expo in the spring. Look for upcoming announcements.  

Other books presented at the expo were:

*B.L. Elam’s (yours truly) “Stained Glass”

*Darrell Izard’s “Overcoming Opposition”

*Jasmine Mallory’s “Feet That Leap Off Ledges” and “Strawberry Moon”

*Reginald McCaskill’s “P.O.P. Passion Over Position”

*Antonio McCoy’s “Flash Coaching: Business Success in 15 Minutes” and “Innovative Growth”

*Kenneth McRae’s “The Glory of Children Are Their Fathers” 

*John Ray and Rosie Smith’s “Let Water Be Your Best Friend,” “Make Yourself Great,” and “Get Off Zero: 25 Ways to Get What you Want From Life”

If you would like further information about any of the books mentioned in this article, email us at letters@wschronicle.com.