Celebrating Authors of the Rescuing History Authors Tour 2026

Anthony Browder

Anthony T. Browder is an author, publisher, cultural historian, artist, and an educational consultant. He is a graduate of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts and has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan and Europe, on issues related to African and African American History and Culture.

Mr. Browder is the founder and director of IKG Cultural Resources and has devoted 47 years researching ancient Egyptian history, science, philosophy and culture.

He has traveled to Egypt 68 times since 1980 and is currently director of the ASA Restoration Project which is funding the excavation and restoration of 25th dynasty tombs on the West bank of Luxor, Egypt.

Browder is the first African American to fund and coordinate an archeological dig in Egypt and has led over 30 archeological missions to Egypt since 2009. His latest publication, Finding Karakhamun documents 15 years of Excavations, Restorations and Discoveries.

In 2003, Browder was appointed to Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs. This 4-year appointment allows Mr. Browder to represent Middle Eastern (Egyptian) interests throughout the state.

Mr. Browder’s four decades of study have led him to the conclusion that ancient Africans were the architects of civilization and developed the rudiments of what has become the scientific, religious, and philosophical backbone of mankind. It is from this framework that IKG has concentrated its research and disseminated its findings.

Through IKG, Mr. Browder sponsors lectures, seminars, cultural field trips of Washington, D.C., publishes his research, and has conducted study tours to Egypt, West Africa, South Africa and Mexico since 1987. He has been featured in numerous documentaries and has produced dozens of digital downloads of his lectures.

Browder has authored or co-authored 15 publications which are currently used in classrooms around the world. His four decades of studying and teaching African history has led him to the conclusion that ancient Africans were the architects of civilization and developed the rudiments of what has become the scientific, religious, and philosophical backbone of mankind. It is from this framework that IKG has concentrated its research and disseminated its findings.

Browder has devoted himself to the positive portrayal of the world-wide African experience. He is the host of “The Browder File” a weekly radio show which airs Wednesdays, from 5-6 PM at www.wpfwfm.org.

Tracy Rookard-Shaw

Tracy Rookard- Shaw is an author, historian, researcher, curator, and educational advocate who resides in Douglass County, Georgia. Her passion is documenting African history through the creation of literary works and spaces that illuminate African contributions to the nation and world.    As the Chair of the Committee on African American History and World Perspectives, she is able to share her passion with her community. 

Tracy is nationally known for her historical exhibits which showcase pieces from her private collection. Her displays include 17th, 18th, and 19th century periodicals and documents with original signatures which include Dr. W E B DuBois, Dr Booker T Washington, Frederick Douglass, The Honorable Thurgood Marshall, and more. 

Her family’s private collection of African American original documents is considered one of the largest of its kind in the southeastern United States. Tracy is a member of the West Georgia (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is also a proud HBCU graduate who received a BA in Public Policy and conducted her MBA coursework both at Alabama A&M University.

D. Amari Jackson

D. Amari Jackson is an Atlanta-based novelist, screenwriter and award-winning journalist with over two decades of writing for a variety of regional and national publications. He is author of Mirroring Lincoln: The Cursed Existence of Paschal Beverly Randolph (Oct 2025), The Savion Sequence (2024) and Jelani’s Key (2023)

It has long been rumored that Abraham Lincoln, over the latter years of his life, shared a mysterious friendship with an eccentric Black mystic. Weaving history with lore, Mirroring Lincoln: The Cursed Existence of Paschal Beverly Randolph is the untold story of this shadowy real-life figure, a man revered as a clairvoyant genius in his time yet lost to the whims of history. Lauded by Lincoln successor, President Andrew Johnson, for his “very rare and unusual attainments as a scholar and orator,” Randolph was celebrated for his metaphysical gifts in a tumultuous era where war and enslavement juxtaposed with séance and mirror-gazing. Mirroring Lincoln: The Cursed Existence of Paschal Beverly Randolph captures the enigmatic life of Randolph, his murky parallels with America’s most beloved president, and the reputed curse that hounded him until his mysterious death in 1875.

Alice Moore

Alice Moore, author of Alice’s Family Album: Memories of Don Thompson Vocational School, has dedicated her life to public service and community empowerment. As the daughter of beloved Don Thompson teacher James Henry Moore and having lived directly across the street from the school, her roots are deeply connected to its history. Alice’s career—including 15 years as a dedicated recruiter for Job Corps and her work with Winn (Work Incentive Program)—reflects her commitment to helping others succeed. Today, as a volunteer with Florida Rising and formerly with Urban Alliance, she continues to champion community growth, bringing her passion and insider’s perspective to preserving the legacy of her community, including Don Thompson.

Ersula K Odom

---

Ersula K. Odom is a publisher, legacy strategist, preservationist, and cultural entrepreneur committed to rescuing, and documenting history.

She is the Founder of Sula Too Publishing, a full-service publishing imprint guiding authors from manuscript through production. Through strategic author coaching and structured publishing systems, she helps both emerging and established writers produce works across memoir, history, poetry, self-help, spirituality, and culturally significant narratives. She is also the visionary behind the Tiny Book Collection—concise, message-driven works designed for accessibility, impact, and legacy building.

Ersula is the Founder and President of Rescuing History, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to identifying, digitizing, archiving, and re-homing culturally priceless artifacts and everyday historical materials. Through high-speed scanning initiatives, community archiving projects, and heritage education programming, she advances preservation as both a civic responsibility and an economic opportunity.

She is also the Owner of Ersula’s History Shop, a retail and cultural heritage space that curates books, ephemera, restored photographs, historical memorabilia, and legacy-based products. The shop serves as a community hub for author events, exhibitions, workshops, and preservation services, bringing history out of storage and into public engagement.

A dynamic motivational speaker and historical interpreter, Ersula is known for immersive one-woman portrayals, most notably her commanding performance as Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

With more than 20 years of Fortune 500 experience in computer technology, systems training, and documentation management, she combines corporate precision with entrepreneurial creativity. Her disciplined, process-driven approach enables her to build scalable publishing systems, preservation infrastructures, and culturally anchored business models that transform memory into measurable legacy.

Katrina Blanchett

Katrina Blanchett is a contemporary poet and author whose work explores love, heartbreak, healing, and personal transformation. With a voice that is both intimate and reflective, she writes from lived experience, inviting readers into journeys of emotional resilience and self-discovery. Her poetry is characterized by vulnerability, strength, and an unwavering belief in the power of growth through adversity.

Her latest book, Love & Me, is a deeply personal collection that traces the evolution from romantic pain to self-acceptance. Through lyrical storytelling and honest reflection, Blanchett examines the complexities of relationships while highlighting the importance of self-worth and inner renewal. The book resonates with readers who have loved deeply, lost painfully, and found themselves stronger on the other side.

Beyond the page, Katrina engages audiences through literary events and community conversations that celebrate authentic expression. Her work continues to inspire those seeking healing, clarity, and the courage to embrace their own stories.

Nadine Mcilwain

"We went to teach and found ourselves learning."

Nadine McIlwain is an educator-turned-author whose life’s work blends passion for storytelling, history, and community impact. A retired Ohio public school teacher and former principal, Nadine dedicated decades to shaping young minds in history and government classrooms, later serving on the Canton City Schools Board of Education and as Board President. Her deep commitment to character development and civic engagement earned her numerous leadership accolades throughout her career. 

As a writer, Nadine has authored and co-authored several books that explore personal journeys, local heritage, and cultural identity. Her earlier works include From Ghetto to God: The Incredible Journey of NFL Star Reggie Rucker and contributions to My Father’s Child. She also co-authored African Americans of Canton, Ohio: Treasures of Black History, a richly illustrated narrative celebrating the legends, unsung heroes, and historic firsts of the African American community in Canton and Stark County. 

Her newest release, Rolling Stone, marks her debut in fiction—a compelling novel of family bonds and social justice that follows five siblings who uncover deep-rooted secrets, challenged identities, and love that has the power to heal generations. Blending emotional depth with historical resonance, Rolling Stone showcases Nadine’s range as an author and her enduring commitment to storytelling that bridges the past and present. 

Through both nonfiction and fiction, Nadine McIlwain continues to illuminate voices and stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

Bill Willis

Bill Willis is an Atlanta, Georgia–based author and independent scholar whose work examines faith, history, and human consciousness through a lens of critical inquiry. He is the author of The Irony of Eden, a thought-provoking exploration of the biblical Garden of Eden narrative and its enduring theological implications.

In The Irony of Eden, Willis examines what he describes as the fundamental contradiction at the heart of paradise: a perfect, innocent existence that nevertheless contained the very elements—freedom of choice, temptation, and the promise of knowledge—that led to its unraveling. Rather than treating Eden as a simple origin story, he presents it as a profound metaphor for humanity’s intellectual awakening and moral development. Through clear analysis and accessible prose, Willis invites readers to reconsider longheld assumptions about obedience, accountability, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Rooted in Atlanta’s vibrant intellectual and spiritual community, Willis engages audiences in discussions that bridge scripture and critical thinking. His work challenges readers not to abandon belief, but to examine it more deeply—encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the intersection of faith, free will, and the human condition.

Pamala McCoy

“Every journey through our rescuing history reveals that while many stories exist, your path to uncovering them is entirely your own. That said, our inaugural book bus tour was TRANSFORMATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, INTELLECTUAL, EXPERIENTIAL, and INSPIRATIONAL.”
https://www.pamalamccoy.com/

Pamala McCoy is an American entrepreneur, financial empowerment strategist, and author dedicated to helping individuals transform their financial futures through education and mindset development. She is the Founder and CEO of BONA5D Credit Consultants, LLC, a company focused on credit education, financial literacy, and personal empowerment. With more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, McCoy has held leadership roles in collections, fraud prevention, and credit recovery, which shaped her mission to educate and uplift others.

She is the author of BONA5D BITS: Where Inspiration & Intellect Collide With Your Finances, a motivational and practical guide designed to help readers develop healthier financial habits while strengthening their mindset. Her story is also featured in Pamala McCoy: A Community Shero’s Story, which highlights her journey as a business leader and community influencer.

McCoy is recognized for her commitment to empowering individuals and communities through financial knowledge, personal growth, and leadership. Her work continues to inspire others to pursue financial independence, purpose, and lasting impact.

In addition, in 2020 she launched B5™REAFFIRM which provides a behavior modification tool designed to help females shift their mindset to that of “I’M ME” (Improve My Mental Esteem) and transform their negative thought process into powerful positive self-talk.

This program has LITERALLY saved the lives of some participants.

The mind-shift endeavors of both companies allow this Empowerment Evolutionary™ to “EMPOWER PEOPLE TO BECOME BETTER VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES“

Ingrid Landis-Davis

Jerel McCants

Mr. Jerel McCants is a native of Chattanooga, TN and a 1996 graduate of Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in architectural engineering. He earned a Master of Architecture from University of South Florida, Tampa in 2001. He was honored to become a Student Ambassador to the Soviet Union in high school during the summer of 1990 under Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “People to People for Understanding” Program. In Graduate School, he studied abroad in Paris, France in 1999 within the USF Overseas Study Program, which continued his passion to learn from other cultures. With this desire, to date he has visited over 30 countries and was a volunteer with a Haiti Relief Mission at his Church to build shelters after the earthquake in 2010.

During the Great Recession, Jerel established Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. A full-service boutique architectural firm specializing in Municipal, Educational, Cultural, Residential and Federal Markets. He continued his education by earning a certificate in Community Real Estate Development in 2010 from the USF Florida Institute of Development.

Jerel’s organizational experience is broad: he has served on the American Institute of Architect’s, Tampa Bay Chapter President. He is a member of Plant City Lodge #206 of F&AM, Prince Hall, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He has served his community in politics working to organize support for Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama. Jerel was elected as a Delegate to the 11^th Congressional District Delegate for the Democratic National Convention in 2008 and was also elected to Precinct Committeeman, Precinct #207 for two terms.

Currently, he is Vice President on The Friends of Tampa Union Station non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the historic landmark, Board Member of CDC of Tampa and participates in various social and advocacy organizations. He is the Past-President of the AIA Tampa Bay Chapter, 2022, where under his leadership the Chapter membership and net revenue increased substantially. His firm maintains a staff of seven employees, has won various awards and has been published in various magazines and online journals.

His first book, Architecture of Segregation, The Hierarchy of Spaces and Places, released in 2024 is a review of design practices that have prevailed throughout civilizations to inhibit and restrict access to its citizens and the effects of special perceptions.

Troy Johnson

Troy D. Johnson is the founder and president of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), one of the largest and most comprehensive platforms dedicated to Black literature. He established AALBC in 1997 to provide an online space for readers to explore and celebrate books by Black authors. Over the years, it has grown into a vital resource for the literary community, promoting both emerging and established Black writers.

Johnson’s work is characterized by his commitment to amplifying Black voices in the literary world. Through AALBC, he has created a platform that showcases the rich diversity of Black experiences, giving authors a venue to share stories that may be overlooked by mainstream publishing. His site features book reviews, author interviews, and a wide range of resources, helping Black authors reach broader audiences and ensuring that their work is accessible to readers globally.

In addition to his work with AALBC, Johnson has been an advocate for preserving Black literature and history. He believes in the importance of keeping the legacy of Black authors alive for future generations. By promoting works that reflect Black culture and heritage, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining these narratives within the public consciousness.

Johnson’s efforts also include challenging the systemic barriers faced by Black writers in the publishing industry. By offering them a platform and advocating for their inclusion in the larger literary landscape, he helps address the biases that have historically limited their visibility and success. His advocacy extends beyond publishing, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation through the promotion of literature that highlights the complexity and richness of Black experiences.

Through his leadership, AALBC has become a trusted resource for readers seeking to engage with diverse literary voices. The site not only curates book recommendations but also organizes events and builds a community of readers who are passionate about Black literature. Johnson’s dedication has made a lasting impact on both authors and readers, ensuring that Black literature continues to thrive and be celebrated.

Troy D. Johnson’s influence in the world of Black literature has earned him recognition as a key figure in promoting and preserving Black voices and stories, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable literary world.

Akua Adiki Anokye

Akua Adiki Anokye is a cultural historian and author whose work celebrates the artistry, heritage, and social meaning of African hair traditions. Drawing from decades of research into African coiffure as a form of identity, expression, and cultural continuity, Akua has become a recognized voice in documenting how hairstyles serve not only as aesthetic adornment but also as living embodiments of history and community. Her earlier work in the field includes the foundational African Hairstyles, a seminal reference first published in 1980 that helped bring scholarly and popular attention to traditional African hair practices. 

Her newest release, African Hairstyles Book II: A Historical Hair Journey, offers readers an expanded, richly visual exploration of hair design across the African continent. Celebrating both everyday styles and elaborate constructions crafted from clay, grass, and natural fibers, this book delves into traditional techniques like pleating, top knotting, and sculptural braiding. Akua guides readers through the cultural significance behind these forms, showing how hair can communicate status, social roles, tribal affiliation, and personal identity. More than a style guide, African Hairstyles Book II situates each coiffure within its historical and cultural context, honoring the beauty and ingenuity of African hair artistry. 

With a unique blend of visual documentation and cultural insight, Akua Adiki Anokye’s work continues to elevate understanding of hair as a dynamic and meaningful element of African heritage.

Monica Grant

Dr. Monica Grant is a Tampa, Florida–based author, educator, and community champion whose work intersects creative expression, leadership development, and neighborhood empowerment. A dynamic voice in local cultural engagement, she creates spaces where literature, art, and community converge.

Dr. Grant is the author of Poems for My People and Me, How to Organize Your Block: Simple Steps to Create Real Change in Your Community, and Mind Your Business and Prosper: A Young Entrepreneur’s Guide to Being Successful, among other titles that blend personal insight with actionable guidance.

In addition to her books, she produces a series of historical coloring books that celebrate heritage, culture, and community narratives—tools she uses to facilitate connection, reflection, and learning. These titles serve as the centerpiece for her popular “Sip & Color” community events, where participants gather to color, converse, and build social bonds over creative activity and conversation. Dr. Grant also hosts educational workshops, mentoring sessions, and public discussions that emphasize literacy, civic participation, and intergenerational dialogue. Her work is rooted in the belief that community transformation grows from shared creativity and intentional engagement.

Elvina L Parker

Elvina L. Parker is a memoirist whose writing transforms personal experience into powerful testimony. Through candid reflection and heartfelt narration, she brings depth and meaning to moments that shape our collective understanding of resilience, health, and the human spirit. Parker’s latest book, My Personal Battle With Covid (2023), details her own encounter with COVID-19, offering readers an intimate account of survival, struggle, and reflection during one of the most challenging public health crises of the 21st century. Blending first-hand narrative with broader historical significance, the book stands as both a personal memoir and a contribution to the record of a global event that affected millions. Through her writing, Elvina L. Parker invites readers into a journey that transcends biography to connect individual experience with shared resilience—preserving a story that resonates with empathy, courage, and insight.  

Alvin Harris

Alvin Harris is the author of Knee Baby – 1947, a memoir that captures the lived experience of a Black family navigating race, migration, faith, and survival in mid-20th-century America. Born into a hardworking family in rural Ohio, he chronicles the emotional and cultural shift as his family moved north to Boston during the Great Migration, writing with clarity about identity, family, and resilience.
A Vietnam War veteran and retired mental health counselor, Harris brings discipline, reflection, and lived wisdom to storytelling that preserves everyday Black life as American history. Though the memoir concludes in his teenage years, the narrative voice carries decades of insight shaped by service, struggle, and growth.
On the Rescuing History Authors Bus Tour, Alvin Harris offers more than a book. He offers testimony rooted in memory and legacy, reminding audiences that history is not distant—it lives in our families, our neighborhoods, and in the stories we choose to tell.

Elizabeth P Brooks

Elizabeth P. Brooks is an award-winning poet and author whose work is celebrated for its emotional depth, lyrical grace, and spiritual resonance. Through poetry and reflective prose, she explores themes of faith, perseverance, love, identity, and personal transformation. Her writing draws from lived experience and keen observation, offering readers language that speaks to both the heart and the conscience.

Brooks has a distinctive ability to translate life’s complexities into accessible, rhythmic expression. Whether addressing joy or hardship, her voice remains anchored in hope and moral clarity.

She writes to uplift, challenge, and inspire—inviting readers to pause, reflect, and see themselves with renewed purpose. Her published works include poetry collections that center on spiritual growth, resilience, and self-worth. Each book reflects her commitment to encouraging readers to rise above circumstances and embrace their God-given potential. With carefully crafted verse and thoughtful reflection, Brooks creates literary spaces where healing and affirmation coexist. Through public readings, community engagement, and literary events, Elizabeth P. Brooks continues to share her message of encouragement and empowerment. Her body of work stands as both artistic expression and testimony—preserving emotion, faith, and experience in words that endure beyond the page.  

Gwyndolyn D. Parker

Gwyndolyn D. Parker, the epitome of Leela James’ song, I Ain’t New to This, excels at creating opportunities for herself and others. She exerts her business acumen and creativity in her second career as a Creative, specifically as an 11-time self-published author, poet, spoken word performer,
workshop facilitator, and songwriter with 75 completed songs in the genres of Country, Gospel, Jazz, and R&B. This retired, active Dun & Bradstreet executive achieves her current titles by producing her own reality and seeking opportunities continuously for creative outlets to build and monetize
her brand which ultimately impacts her local entertainment clients and the communities she serves and has served at the local, county, state, and national levels enthusiastically.

In 2017-2019, Gwyn added nonprofit leader to her repertoire of skill sets in collaboration with her daughter, Margaret McCarley, and co-founded Up by the Bootstraps to help Douglas County students improve their SAT scores by offering SAT prep classes. She realized their success was a
compilation of serving in excellence to equip students with the tools to achieve success. Gwyn uses her determination and tenacity superpowers to educate and entertain others and lives by the mantra, If you are so privileged to see a need do something about it, for God opens eyes that can act on what they see.

As a leader in her industry and under Gwynism Publications, Gwyn’s goal is to provide entertainment for clients and help them assess challenges through her writings. Her accolades are many and include recognition as the 2014 Winner of the Rhyme In Time Perspectives Poetry Award, featured poet at the 2017 Cultural Arts and Humanities Program, highlighted author at the 2017 Cultural Arts/DC Connections Authors and Poets, Winner of the Atlanta Writer’s Club 2020 Poetry Contest, recognized as Douglas County Woman Poet for Women in Business, Douglas County 2021 Author and Poet Honoree for Culture, Arts, and Humanities Celebrating Women’s History Month. Also, Gwyn’s work has been featured in two books, Clayton Ramsey’s Viral Literature: Alone Together in Georgia, introducing her poem, Lady Liberty Resurrected; and another poem, Into The Unknown, was showcased in Tracy Rookard-Shaw’s book, The Ghost of Douglass County.

Gwyn’s published books include, It’s Hard to Catch Fall – Except Through the Rearview Mirror; Gwynism; How I Gave Myself Raises on a Fixed Income; The Systematic Denial of the American Dream; The Unseen Advantage in the Wings of Black Women; My Shrink Asked Me What I Was
Thinking: This is what I told him!; The Re-Knowing; Coffee, Tea, and Conversation; Gwynism II, Imperfect Butterflies Still Fly, and The Re-Knowing Revisited.
She is a strategic, genuine affiliative leader focusing on teamwork, an accomplished problem solver, and an effective communicator committed to using her creative and artistic skills to change lives. The pillar that serves as the foundation of Gwyn’s core of being is her stick-to-it-ness, which is the characteristic that helps her build a legacy of excellence in community change and equality.

Gwyn is a global traveler, life-long learner, and servant leader who serves as the Douglas County Democrat Committee Youth Outreach and Education Coordinator, Douglas County Democrat Committee Post Seat Holder, Citizen’s Committee for Annual Celebration of Fredrick Douglass Education Chair, Douglas County African American Restoration Project Volunteer. She holds memberships in the American Song Writers Associations and is a national member of the American Business Women’s Association and its local Douglas County Charter Chapter.
She is described as prompt, accountable, and steadfast. Her most valuable lesson learned in business is that if you first do not succeed, try, try, and try again. When Gwyn speaks, value is the result; she relishes being a disrupter of the status quo and aligns herself with her superhero, political activist Angela Davis, a risk-taker for equality. On a Saturday morning, you may find Gwyn facilitating a workshop, volunteering in the community, or writing a poem or song, which gives her joy and peace. She resides in the Atlanta Metro area and cannot live without a good pen, creativity, and feedback! Join this empathetic and creative superwoman in her plight to serve others through empowerment and inspiration. Follow Gwyndolyn Parker on social media: Facebook at Gwyn.Parker1 & Gwynism Publication; Twitter: @Gwynisms and Instagram: GwynParker to learn about her
upcoming projects!