Lauren Simone Blogs

Shades of Excellence edited by 4 professors of Caribbean heritage invited authors of black, Asian and Latinx descent to share their experiences during their graduate studies. East Hartford Library graciously hosted the first book talk. Read more…

Shades of Excellence shares inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and success while addressing the realities scholars of color face in higher education. Whether you're pursuing college, teaching the next generation, or leading educational change, this conversation is for you.

📖 Preorder your book and bring it to be signed by the editors and authors!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948071789?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

🎟️ Register for this FREE event:
https://easthartfordct.libcal.com/event/16849785

Lauren Simone Publishing House is excited to announce the release of Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color. This inspiring anthology features personal narratives and reflections from 32 scholars of color who share their experiences navigating higher education as students, faculty, administrators, and professionals. Addressing themes of resilience, representation, mentorship, equity, and achievement, the book offers a timely exploration of the challenges and successes of scholars of color in academia. Edited by Dr. Kaydian Reid, Dr. Christiana Best, Dr. Melissa-Sue John, and Dr. Vangella Buchanan, Shades of Excellence is both a celebration of diverse voices and a call to create more inclusive educational environments.

After traveling through St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I stayed at three very different hotels: Beachcombers Hotel in St. Vincent, Tetam at Chatham Bay on Union Island, and Bequia Plantation Hotel in Bequia. Each one had its own personality, strengths, flaws, and moments that made me either smile deeply or question my life choices.

A Jamaican wife visits her Vincentian husband’s country for the first time.