Chicken Soup for the African American Woman's Soul

by Jack Canfield

  Betty DeRamus is a newspaper columnist and a 1993 Pulitzer Prize finalist. The Detroiter is the author of Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad, true stories about free and enslaved nineteenth-century black couples who went to extraordinary lengths to stay together. Please contact her at bjderamus@aol.com.

  Phyllis R. Dixon is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She is the author of Let the Brother Go If and the novel Forty Acres. She currently lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

  Adiya Dixon–Sato received her B.A. on East Asian studies from Yale University and worked as a writer and teacher in Tokyo. Returning to New York for law school, she is currently penning a collection of essays on Japan. Please e-mail her at adiya.dixon@gmail.com.

  RuNett Nia Ebo entertains, educates, ministers and motivates. That’s her purpose. RuNett Nia Ebo (Gray), Philadelphia author and poet, established “Nia’s Purpose” to teach black History in Rhyme while entertaining audiences of all ages. She has eight books of poetry. For more information, visit her Web site at http://poetebo.expage.com .

  Lorraine M. Elzia is an editor, author and literary artist. She is co-owner of Eve’s Literary Services and co-moderates Essentially Women, a writing group for African American women. She has previously been published in Chicken Soup for the Single Parent’s Soul. Lorraine can be reached at LorrainesZone@gmail.com and www.evesliteraryservice.com .

  Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig is the founder and editor-in-chief of Shades Magazine; a reporter with the Tri-Valley Herald in Pleasanton, California; has worked as an editor and reporter for several publications; and is the coauthor of Living in theMoment: A Guide to Living a Full and Spiritual Life.

  Leslie Ford is a self-taught trumpeter, arranger, composer and lecturer, CEO of Leslie Ford & Group, LLC, and founder of the Jazz Institute of New Jersey, Inc., helping children connect to the power ofmusic. Leslie iswriting his autobiography. To contact Mr. Ford visit his Web site: http://lesliefordandgroup.org .

  E. Claudette Freeman is an award-winning playwright/author and a twenty-plus year radio veteran. She is the station manager of Gospel AM1490WMBMinMiami. She is currently working on a screenplay version of her novel Sheltered Deliverance, while developing theatre for radio. E-mail her at eclaudettecreative@yahoo.com.

  Nancy Gilliam is a 2005 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers honoree. She teaches English at Greater Hope Christian Academy in Philadelphia. She has authored the companion study guide to B.J. Robinson’s Lebron James: King of the Court and was included in Chicken Soup for the African American Soul. Visit her on the Web at www.nancygilliam.com .

  Elaine K. Green is a native New Orleanian, freelance writer, avid reader, married to husband, Eddie, and mother to daughter, Kelli. Please e-mail her at ekgreen@ hotmail.com.

  Kiana Green is currently in her junior year at Williams College. She is pursuing a degree in American studies with a concentration in African American Studies and Political Science. She enjoys writing short stories and poetry that explore black life and culture. She is a slamm poet, DJ and jazz vocalist. She plans on becoming a playwright.

  Joe Gurneak has worked in the oil industry his whole life and served as police commissioner for his community. Joseph has experienced the gift of others that have come into his life and left him enriched in heart and soul. He is passing that gift on in Chicken Soup stories.

  Emma Ransom Hayward is a former teacher and librarian. A well-known black-doll collector, she uses her dolls to profile and document the black experience in America fromslavery to the present. She is completing a book, Images in Black Spoken in Many Voices, photostories with vintage pictures. E-mail her at miblkdoll1@aol.com. Briana Hendrix is a recent high school graduate who is looking forward to her freshman year at a Michigan university. She enjoys playing basketball, socializing with friends and spending time with family—but mostly playing basketball.

  Lolita Hendrix, APR is a professor of public relations at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She also consults regularly, assisting businesses and organizations with public relations, grant writing and other communication needs. She enjoys writing, exercising and spending time with her two children. Please e-mail her at lhendrix@emiich.edu.

  Barbara Holt is a Chicago Urban League executive whose career has spanned service in the public and private sectors and included election as the first woman and first African American alderman of the Fifth Ward. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, writing, needlework, bowling, traveling and, of course, cooking and dancing.

  Tanya Hutchison resides in California with her husband and five children. She founded Phenomenal Women, Inc., a nonprofit organization. Tanya’s recent book, Beauty! It’s a Journey Not a Destination, is a memoir about her life growing up against the odds.

  Damita Jo Johnson taught middle school for twenty years. She holds several degrees and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. She has been married to Pastor Gene Johnson for twenty-three years. They pastor a church in Carson, California. She enjoys singing, teaching, acting, writing, exercising and helping people.

  Yvonda Johnson is a recent Habitat for Humanity homeowner. She works as a quality control representative. She enjoys reading, writing, spending time with her two sons, as well as attending church. She plans to continue her journey as a newfound writer. Please e-mail her at vonjon23@aol.com.

  Linda Jones, a veteran journalist and freelance writer, is author of Nappyisms:Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes! She is founder of A Nappy Hair Affair, Inc., which promotes African American culture, and is owner of ManeLock Communications, a writing service. She lives in Dallas, Texas and her Web site is www.lindaLjones.com .

  Berthena Kemp is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who is active in church, writes, travels, swims and loves the Lord. She is a breast cancer survivor who spends her time lobbying on behalf of survivors. She is an amazing woman who earned her bachelor’s degree at age seventy-three. Berthena inspires everyone she comes in contact with. Contact her by e-mail at Berthena2@aol.com.

  T. Rhythm Knight is a native Floridian currently residing in Miami. Although she works as a computer systems analyst, she’s a writer at heart. She recently completed her first novel, On theWings of Angels, and is currently working on the second one, The Master Plan. You can e-mail her at ms_t_2u@yahoo.com.

  Sherie Labedis is a Berkeley graduate, civil rights worker, teacher, speaker, mountain climber, black belt and writer. In her book, You Came Here to Die, she chronicles her fears, loneliness and jubilation as an eighteen-year-old voter registration volunteer in South Carolina in 1965. Contact her at: jslab@surewest.net.

  Anita S. Lane is the founder and editor of Keeping Family First online magazine (http://KeepingFamilyFirst.org ). She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her husband and four young children. Please e-mail her at anita@keepingfamilyfirst.org.

  Margaret Lang is a published author of fourteen stories and a Christian speaker/teacher in the United States, Thailand, East Timor and Australia.Margaret’s desire is to help the poor overseas. Margaret’s daughter is a physician/missionary in Asia, her son is a worship leader and she has two granddaughters. Her e-mail address: Contact@servingourworld.org.

  Evelyn K. Lemar is an Army veteran and mother of one daughter, Chantel, twelve. She is currently working on her first novel and is also a poetry/spoken word artist. In addition to writing, she enjoys books, livemusic and the beach. Please e-mail her at YorHyness@aol.com.

  Susan Madison resides on St. Helena Island in South Carolina. Madison writes a column for the Lowcountry Weekly and has recently released a book entitled if i can’t sing the blues, a collection of essays and poems. Susan can be e-mailed at color-sofjoy@ islc.net.

  Keith Mallett is a painter, etcher and ceramic artist, his subject matter ranges from still lifes to abstracts. In recent years, he has devoted his tale
nts to themes that portray the beauty and strength of the African American experience. For more information, visit his Web site at www.keithmallet.com or write Keith Mallet Studios, Inc., P.O. Box 151378, San Diego, CA 92175.

  Nadine McIlwain is a former Ohio public school educator, who has received numerous awards for excellence in the classroom including the prestigious National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. Her first book, From Ghetto to God: The Incredible Journey of NFL Star Reggie Rucker was published in 2001.

  Charles Stanley McNeal is a student of American Sign Language at Mount San Antonio, Walnut, California. He is an employee of AT&T in the city of Pasadena, California. Charles’s love for poetry and writing developed when he was a child. His goal is to become a licensed interpreter.

  Monica Montgomery was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. She has been writing short stories and poetry for personal enjoyment since she was ten years old. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mass communications at a local university.Monica likes to spend her free time bowling, skating, at the movies or on road trips. Her dream is to see the world and then write about it.

  Evelyn Palfrey writes romantic suspense for the “MarvelouslyMature.” Her novels, The Prince of Passion, Dangerous Dilemmas and Everything in Its Place have appeared on the Essence Best Seller List. She is an attorney in Texas. Find out more about her at www.evelynpalfrey.com .

  Dawn Nicole Patterson earned her B.A. and Juris Doctor from Washburn University. She is a wife, mother and educational consultant who speaks Spanish and enjoys research and helping others. Her book, God’s Leaders Leading God’s People, is available through Cushani Publishing, Inc., 913-299-4144. Please contact her at dawn_n_patterson@yahoo.com.

  Hattie Mae Pembrook has written her first book, Messages to Awaken yourSelf, which is the companion text to her sister’s original and inspirational CD, A Musical Messenger. She enjoys writing, facilitating wake-shops with her sister and being a champion for children. You can visit her Web site at www.hattiemae.com .

  Ruthell Cook Price received her bachelor of science degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She is an administrative assistant in banking for HTC International Ministry. Ruth is a wife and the mother of three sons and has one grandson. A professional singer for several decades,writing has become her current passion. E-mail her at: marstepri@yahoo.com.

  Swannee Rivers received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1987. She lives with her family in Renton, Washington. Swannee is the author of three literary works: Healthcare Under Dress: An Inside Look at the University of Washington Billing Scandal, a cancer journal, and a teen journal. Please e-mail her at swanneerivers@mindspring.com.

  Bari-Ellen Ross graduated from Loyola University in Chicago where she received a B.A. in business. Bari and her husband, Charles, own and operate a seafood/soulfood restaurant, Ross’ Hooked & Cooked, in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Brooke and Staci.

  Carol Ross-Burnett is a gospel artist, songwriter and producer with Mighty Power Productions and H.I.S. Records, founded with her husband, Ron. A Berkeley graduate, she is also a dynamic speaker, trainer and published author who travels nationally through her company, CRB Consulting. Carol resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. For booking and information, contact her at crburnett@prodigy.net.

  Jerilyn Upton Sanders lives outside Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and infant son. She currently directs an inner-city educational enrichment program. She hopes to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps to encourage all children to work hard, educate themselves and make their ancestors proud. E-mail her at rookiemom1@hotmail.com.

  Sophfronia Scott, “The Book Sistah,” wrote for Time and People magazines before publishing her first novel, All I Need to Get By and being hailed byHenry Louis Gates, Jr. as potentially “one of the best writers of her generation.” Sophfronia provides workshops and coaching for aspiring authors at www.TheBookSistah.com .

  Angel V. Shannon, poet, writer and activist, is the author of . . . And Then There Were Butterflies (2004). Committed to social change, she balances a career in medicine with motherhood, writing, and lecturing on human rights and environmental justice. Ms. Shannon is currently completing her first novel. Visit her Web site at: www.angelvshannon.typepad.com .

  Nikki D. Shearer-Tilford is a writer and owns a business, The Sacred Mind. Her story, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper,” appeared in Chicken Soup for the African American

  Soul. She enjoys encouraging the expression of unresolved emotions through gifts, talents and strengths, and creating healing messages that speak to the heart/Spirit. She can be reached at thesacredmind@cinci.rr.com .

  Sonya Simpson received her bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Notre Dame. She is transitioning her career from the financial industry to teaching preschool children and writing. Sonya enjoys cooking, live music, dancing, swimming and going to the theatre. Please e-mail her at simpson6140@comcast.net .

  Dayciaa C. Smith is author of The Godfamily Series and The Way of the Righteous . Visit her Web site at www.dayciaa.net for more information about her and her novels. She has a doctor of education degree and teaches children’s Bible study and Sunday school. Her son is Timothy Paul Smith.

  Sheila P. Spencer created W.O.W. (Women of Words) and SistahFriend, an online newsletter. He Is: A Lyrical Miracle is her spoken word CD. She writes because that’s what she was created to do! Sheila believes she’s been blessed to be a blessing to you. Contact her at SistahSpk@aol.com or www.SistahSheila.com .

  Kelly Starling Lyons, a North Carolina journalist, transforms relationships, memories and history into stories of discovery. Her children’s books include NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal and the upcoming release, A Million Men and Me (Just Us Books). Find out more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com . This story is dedicated to her grandma, Ruth Starling, and her mother, husband and daughter.

  Bernetta Thorne-Williams was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She received a B.A. in English and a B.S. in criminal justice from North Carolina Wesleyan College. Bernetta has written several romance novels. She resides in North Carolina with her husband and two sons. Please e-mail her at Bernetta.Williams@ncmail.net .

  Jacinda Townsend a 2003–04 fiction fellow at the Wisconsin Institute of Creative Writing and a 2002 Hurston Wright Award finalist, has been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies. A former Fulbright fellow and graduate of both Harvard University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, she teaches at Southern Illinois University.

  Karen Waldman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, is a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup series. She enjoys writing, dancing, the theater, music, nature, spending time with relatives and friends, traveling with her husband, Ken, and playing with their children and grandchildren (Lana, Greta, and Natalie). Karen’s e-mail is krobens@aol.com .

  Patricia L. Watler Johnson earned a bachelor of business administration degree in real estate from Pace University in 1983 and is a housing and communications professional in New York State government. She is the proud mother of Theodore and Clifton Johnson and has received awards for her community service. Pat enjoys writing and motivational speaking and is writing a book on forgiveness as a path toward healing. She can be reached at highlyfavored509@verizon.net .

  Carolyn West received her certification in Audix and Definity administration from Avaya University in Pasadena, California, in 2001. She is currently a telecommunications analyst with IBM Global Services. She enjoys singing, writing poetry and mentoring her grandson Derell. She plans to write a novel. Please e-mail her at berrylovr1@yahoo.com .

  Lisa J. Whaley is president of Life Work Synergy, LLC. A highly sought-after speaker, she’s the author of Reclaiming My Soul from the Lost and Found and Prisoners

  of Technology: Time to Get UNPLUGGED . Lisa received a bachelor of science degree from Hampton University in 1982. Contact Lisa at www.lisawhaley.com .

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p; Mary SaxonWilburn a retired R.N., has been writing since childhood. She currently lives near Atlanta, Georgia, where she is active in the writing community. One of her stories appeared in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul , and her first mystery novel, Blood Kin , was published in 2005. E-mail her at: mnsaxon@aol.com .

  Blanche Williams is the host of the nation’s newest talk show sensation, Greatness by Design, broadcast live from coast-to-coast on XM Satellite Radio. She’s an acclaimed author of How to Design Your Mind for Greatness , motivational speaker, business strategist, inspirational columnist, life coach and successful entrepreneur. Please e-mail her at blanche@blanchewilliams.com.

  Permissions

  We would like to acknowledge the following publishers and individuals for permission to reprint the following material. (Note: The stories that were penned anonymously, that are in the public domain, or that were written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen or Lisa Nichols are not included in this listing.)

  A Line in the Sand . Reprinted by permission of Sherie Labedis. © 2005 Sherie Labedis.

  Legacy . Reprinted by permission of Jerilyn Upton Sanders. © 2002 Jerilyn Upton Sanders.

  Letters of Love . Reprinted by permission of LorraineM. Elzia. © 2005 LorraineM. Elzia.

  Walking the Lessons of Life . Reprinted by permission of H. Renay Anderson. © 2005 H. Renay Anderson.

  These Precious Hands . Reprinted by permission of Sheila P. Spencer. © 2005 Sheila P. Spencer.

  My Mother’s Shoes . Reprinted by permission of Andrea Blackstone. © 2005 Andrea Blackstone.

  What She Said . Reprinted by permission of Betty DeRamus. © 2005 Betty DeRamus.

  Getting to Know Miss Gladys . Reprinted by permission of Bari-Ellen Ross. © 2004 Bari-Ellen Ross.