On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color came to Possible Futures in New Haven, Connecticut, for an afternoon of conversation, reflection, and connection.
The event featured three contributors to Shades of Excellence: Dr. Latoya Hinds, Rebecca Betancourt, and Dr. John Watts, with Dr. Hinds serving as moderator. Rather than simply talking about the book, the panel invited attendees to think about something deeper:
Why do we tell our stories? And what happens when we choose to share them?
Dr. Hinds guided the conversation by asking each panelist why they decided to contribute their story to Shades of Excellence and what they hoped their chapter would contribute to the larger collection.
Their answers reflected the many reasons scholars of color choose to tell their stories.
For some, storytelling is about documenting a journey that is rarely represented. For others, it is about creating a roadmap for someone coming behind them. And for others, it is about acknowledging the challenges, sacrifices, relationships, and moments of perseverance that exist alongside professional accomplishments.
That is at the heart of Shades of Excellence.
Excellence Is More Than an Accomplishment
When we talk about Black excellence and the excellence of scholars of color, it can be easy to focus only on the finished product—the doctorate, the professorship, the book, the leadership position, the award.
But behind every accomplishment is a story.
There are people who encouraged us when we questioned ourselves. There are moments when we had to navigate spaces where we were underrepresented. There are families who made sacrifices. There are mentors who opened doors. There are communities that reminded us why we kept going.
And there are also the decisions we make along the way to open doors for someone else.
Shades of Excellence was created because those stories deserve to be documented.
The scholars featured in this collection are not simply sharing what they accomplished. They are sharing why their journeys matter.
Why Representation Matters
At Lauren Simone Publishing House, we believe books have the power to help people see possibilities.
That belief extends beyond children's literature.
When scholars of color share their experiences, they provide representation for students, educators, professionals, and future scholars who may be wondering, Can I do this too? Do I belong here? Is there a place for someone like me?
Sometimes seeing someone else's story is the reminder we need that the answer is yes.
The Possible Futures conversation created space for those stories to be heard—not as isolated accomplishments, but as part of a larger conversation about education, identity, perseverance, and impact.
Continuing the Conversation
The panel at Possible Futures was one stop in the ongoing journey of Shades of Excellence.
We are grateful to Possible Futures for providing space for this important conversation and to everyone who joined us, listened, asked questions, and supported the scholars whose stories are included in this collection.
Most importantly, we hope these conversations continue beyond the events.
Because excellence should not simply be something we recognize after someone has reached the finish line.
Excellence is also the courage to tell the story, the determination to keep going, and the commitment to make the path a little easier for the person coming behind you.
That is the message of Shades of Excellence.
Our stories matter. Our journeys matter. And there is power in sharing them.
Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color is available for those who want to read, reflect on, and support these powerful narratives.