With the launch of our new book quickly approaching, our office has been buzzing with literary anticipation. But for those who have to wait until Thursday to get their hands on Voice Matters, we found five inspiring books to get you through the week and beyond.
Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World
By Crystal McCrary, Nathan Williams and Lauri Lyons
Just in time for Women’s History Month, bestselling author Crystal McCrary released her latest page turner, Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World. The beautiful collection features 30 extraordinary trailblazers — from Michele Obama and Marian Wright Edelman to Venus Williams and Mary J. Blige.
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
By Deborah Feldman
Feldman’s triumphant memoir chronicles her journey from a repressive Jewish community to single motherhood in a modern world. "Deborah Feldman was raised in an insular, oppressive world where she was taught that, as a woman, she wasn't capable of independent thought,” says author Jeannette Walls. “But she found the pluck and determination needed to make the break from that world and has written a brave, riveting account of her journey.”
Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self
By Danielle Evans
Evans’ debut collection of short stories offers an humorous yet honest account of growing up Black in 21st-century America. The 26-year-old writer fiercely explores sexuality, class and racial identity through her gutsy characters. Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self was named one of Oprah’s Top 10 Books of 2010.
Brothers (and Me)
By Donna Britt
In her sharp new memoir, the former Washington Post columnist explores the life-long consequences of being surrounded by men — her father, three brothers, two husbands, three sons, and countless friends. The venerable journalist was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1990.
Leaving Cecil Street
By Diane McKinney-Whetstone
In Diane McKinney-Whetstone’s fourth novel, energetic block parties serve as the backdrop for the stories of two African American families in West Philadelphia. McKinney-Whetstone is a two-time recipient of the American Library Association's Black Caucus Literary Award for Fiction.
Voice Matters: An Anthology of Public Relations with a Conscience
Edited by McKinney & Associates
McKinney & Associates thrives on its core mission to deliver public relations with a conscience. For more than 20 years, the firm has practiced what it believes by selecting clients who share its commitment to social justice. Naturally, the firm’s first book, available March 8, features essays by 12 activists including New York Times columnist Bob Herbert, Busboys and Poets founder Andy Shallal, filmmaker Larry Adelman, poet E. Ethelbert Miller, and CNN Top Hero Susan Burton.
By Samantha Miller
Samantha brings a unique background in journalism and social media outreach to the McKinney & Associates team. Over the past several years, she’s written about everything from celebrity event planning and sustainable fashion trends to racial tensions and the growing prevalence of cyberbullying. As the PR/Digital Media Assistant, she generates brand awareness through social media platforms, contributes to McKinney & Associate’s Voice Matters Blog, and helps develop marketing initiatives.
Samantha has freelanced for the Washingtonian and Rue Magazine. She recently graduated from American University with a master's degree in Journalism and Public Affairs; she graduated from William Smith College in 2009 with a double major in Sociology and Media Studies.
