Kevin Benoit learned the power of voice early. Since age 12, he has helped others find and use their own. This Black History month, SBC highlights and explores the contributions of the 39-year-old self-starter who founded Parlé Magazine over two-decades ago, and, more recently, its arm nonprofit organization, Parlé Endeavors.
Benoit was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Originally named Kerven, his parents legally changed … Read the rest
On Friday, July 25, Janifer P. Wilson hosted the first-ever fundraiser for her company, Sister’s Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center, at its Harlem home in an effort to ensure the beloved establishment can continue serving communities.
In this series, Ms. Wilson reflects on the journey of launching her business, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and whether Sister’s Uptown will continue to serve the community for years to … Read the rest
Darlene Williams wears many hats: award-winning businesswoman, adjunct lecturer, bestselling author, youth and literary advocate, mentor, and President of the Black Authors Festival. The annual celebration will mark its third year in Sag Harbor on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Arrianee LaBeau, this year’s event will honor 10 esteemed figures, including Sunny Hostin, Alton Fitzgerald White, Don Lemon, Kendis Gibson, Marc H. Morial, Harriette Cole, Cheryl Wills, … Read the rest
Summer Hope Chamblin, daughter of fashion and stylist icon June Ambrose, is carving a path of her own. The soon-to-be Business & Management graduate wears multiple hats from student to content creator to founder and CEO of the new haircare line, Summer Hope Beauty. But balancing those different roles has not been the hardest part of her journey thus far.
“I graduated high school when I was 16 during … Read the rest
Sometimes advice is situational, other times it is lasting. Researching and creating while awaiting the next opportunity is a philosophy that award-winning independent filmmaker Nakia Stephens (Cream x Coffee; Suga Water; Nepotista) continues to impart. While this guidance is for those who aspire to tell stories for the screens, it can be applied to anyone with a dream. Recently, the Damn Write Originals founder spoke with … Read the rest
What’s a soul read? A soul read is basically a book that touches one or every fiber of one’s being. It is when you feel a strong connection to the story. For Monica Shepherd, founder and CEO of the New York based organization, Acinom Yoga & Therapy LLC, that book is Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams (Worthy Books/Hachette) by actress … Read the rest
As we know, book store owners and booksellers are a big part of the publishing community and/or book world. We know them to give book recommendations—among other things. But what advice do they have for readers aside from what to read? Sherrele Goloversic, founder and owner of The Book Readers Venue, based in Humble, Texas, offered her perspective in a recent interview on SBC.
In addition to being kind … Read the rest
When Emmy-winning television host, marketing executive, and bestselling author Markette Sheppard returned to SBC in support of her new children’s book Ninja Nate (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023) illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., we asked if it starts with an idea or confidence.
It was during this topic that Sheppard revealed the success story of a book idea of hers that had gotten … Read the rest
Often, when people share that they have written a book, they are met with congratulatory responses. While the reason may seem obvious, let us unpack an author’s perspective on why this is common. New York-based entrepreneur, educator, and debut author Cheyenne Gadsden recently appeared on SBC in support of her children’s book Dream Big Young One: Believe it and It Will Come True.
“That is a milestone,” she says. … Read the rest
Sometimes our success stories seem unplanned. Entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, and consultant Dr. Sidjae Price can attest to this as it happened with her company Priceless Publishing. It all started when she gained the desire to write a book, which prompted her to take a course on how to publish it.
“Part of the course was an assignment to get a beta tester—to publish their book,” the Chasing Rainbows author … Read the rest
