I decided to join John Saturday afternoon at The Second Saturday Author Event planned at Barnes & Noble to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. whose birthday is coming up this week.
Dr. Brandi Brown 
Lesa Butler 
Charlyne Blatcher-Martin
I loved hearing the stories of these women and how they were led to write books and plays and share their stories with others.
Dr. Brandi Brown is an educator, author, entrepreneur and mentor. She has a doctorate in education administration and is the host of her own show on Soar Radio, a Stellar Award winning station and first Inspirational Internet Station to be monitored by Nielsen BDS. She is the step-daughter of John Devereueawax, at one time a Rockford alderman, an inspiration in his own right, who suffered two severe strokes yet continued to be a role model to Brandi and his other children. She is the author of three books, the Jeremiah 29:11 series focused on inspiring women, men, and children to seek and follow their Creator’s plans for their lives.
Another, Charlyne Blatcher-Martin earned her college degree and then master’s degree 25 years after graduating from high school and raising her family. She went on to host her own Comcast Cable TV show Something to Talk About, now in its 18th year. Charlyne is a writer and playwright, a speaker at community events, and continues to contribute her wisdom and insights to her family and community.
Lesa Butler left the DeKalb school system to join RPS 205, to better use her experience and strengths to help children discover their own gifts and use them to help themselves and others.
A fourth, author Yolanda M. Harris from the Chicago area, was unable to attend because of the severe weather. Because severe weather prevented many others from getting to Barnes & Noble and attending the forum, there will be an encore presentation on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 21, in Barnes & Noble Rockford at 1:30 PM. I would urge you to put in on your calendars – well worth your time.
