The greater Milwaukee area is simply thriving with talented authors who are creating books that families need to know about. We are grateful to Orange Hat Publishing in Waukesha for collaborating with us on this spotlight. Orange Hat Publishing is a local publishing house that is proud to feature works by numerous local authors, many* of whom are spotlighted below.
*Not all authors listed are represented by Orange Hat Publishing
Author Spotlights | Milwaukee Area Black Authors
Deanna Singh
Get to Know Deanna
What inspired you to write your books?
I was frustrated by the lack of books that feature positive images of children of color.
What impact can books have on affecting change in our world?
Lora L Hyler
Get to Know Lora
What inspired you to write your books?
What specifically would you like local parents to know about you, your books, and/or how they can support local authors?
Reginald Walton
Get to Know Reggie
I am a marriage counselor, speaker, educator and author. I have been blessed to become a father less than a year ago. Born in Chicago, IL my family and I moved to Milwaukee, WI young in my life. I really enjoy helping and building people up, encouraging others to go beyond their boundaries and become who they see themselves becoming in their minds.
What inspired you to write your books?
I wrote my children’s book series because, as an educator and counselor, I’ve noticed the importance of celebrating parenthood. Many children in the Black community do not have a father in the home and, unfortunately, a single parent home has become the norm. My first children’s book “My Daddy’s Hat” is for fathers to see how their children look up to them and wish to mimic them. The same goes for “My Mommy’s Shoes.” It displays how children look up to their parents, and at the same time, how children learn and have fun.
What specifically would you like local parents to know about you, your books, and/or how they can support local authors (especially authors of color)?
I came from a single home family, raised by my mother. I grew up in the city as well. I’ve faced many of the challenges youth of color have faced, or are facing today. Ideally, one must grow up and move past some of the racial challenges. It starts with the next generation. If you are blessed with the gift of parenthood, then you have an opportunity to change things for your children. Be present with your children. Know they are watching you and that your actions affect them. Knowing how much effect you have on them should motivate us to become better individuals and parents.
Terrance Talley
Get to Know Terrance
I am a school assembly speaker and evangelist. I get the opportunity to travel around and love people for who they are. I am from Burnsville, MN originally, but we have lived in West Allis, WI for the past 3 years. I just love getting to know people and reaching those who feel alone, hurt, and unknown. My goal is to make sure everyone knows they’re loved.
What inspired you to write your books?
I received a letter from a student after an assembly one day where he talked about how he was molested when he was 13 years old by his uncle. The police were called and thankfully nothing had happened since then. He was 18 at the time he wrote to me and explained that he hadn’t told anybody besides his family because he hated himself for letting that happen and he believed people would look at him differently if they knew. I couldn’t stand the thought that this kid felt alone in his pain and hurt. There is a world of students that have gone through the same things, and they would never know about each other because they’re all trying to keep their secrets hidden. I didn’t want secrets to separate people any longer.
What specifically would you like them to know about you, your books, and/or how they can support local authors (especially authors of color)?
Angel Bell
Get to Know Angel
What inspired you to write your books?
My son, Cameron was inspired to write a book on bullying after his personal experience with being bullied and being a witness to someone else being bullied. After his experience and research, it sparked us to write about it. Why Bully Me? is a story about a school-aged child who suffers from being bullied at school by another student and can’t seem to understand why the bully decides to pick on him. As his creative director….(mom/coauthor) I felt the need to spread anti-bully awareness through prevention and by educating others on how to understand it, stand up to it safely, and treat others with kindness and respect – all issues that are common in today’s society.
What specifically would you like them to know about you, your books, and/or how they can support local authors (especially authors of color)?
Additional Milwaukee Area Authors of Color
Thank you for doing this article on black authors. Great way for me to get introduced to other black authors.
I pleased at each profile I’ve read. It’s very inspiring to me .As , well as motivating. Be ready for something new. Next year.
This was such a cool article to read. As a local, it’s wonderful to learn about the many talented residents in our community.