I am honored to serve as Board Chair of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature. The Givens Foundation supports and celebrates the work of African American writers and serves as the ‘primary steward’ for black literature that has been passed down through the centuries as well as the literary works of today. We want to ensure that the greater community recognizes the value of African American literature as it relates to educating our children; bringing pride and understating to our community; and celebrating black writers and their achievements. This worthy endeavor is one to which I gladly dedicate my time, energy, and enthusiastic support.

I have a profound respect for books because I know what they have done to expand my world. In my work with the Givens Foundation, my purpose is to bring more attention to the great treasure that is African American literature. My dream is that by reading books we will all learn something valuable about ourselves and about each other.

I serve on the Givens Foundation board of directors because of the important gap the organization fills in introducing and celebrating different cultural perspectives through literary arts in the Twin Cities. I also believe deeply in the important role the foundation plays in breaking down the barriers created by the increasing specialization of today’s cultural world; to try and return a sense of well-rounded curiosity about ourselves and others; and to learn something along the way.

I serve on the board of the Givens Foundation for African American Literaturebecause I love reading books by black authors and I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to develop a similar love.

My reason for being honored to be a member of the Board is quite simple---I believe in the mission of Givens. Through all of our programs and values-based activities, we have the intention of expanding awareness, deepening knowledge, dispelling misinformation/punching through stereotypes, and greatly enhancing self-esteem and talents... all through the power of African American literature. How fortunate am I?

Through literature, writers capture the language, beliefs and norms of their culture. The work of the Givens Foundation ensures that the stories of our ancestors survive and that we continue to develop writers who will give voice to our current and future experiences. Serving as a board member of the Givens Foundation is my way of contributing to the preservation and continuation of African American culture.

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature in collaboration with the Givens Collection at University of Minnesota, serves as an invaluable resource to foster appreciation for African American literature through exposing the public to the varied and rich heritage of African American literature.

Literature, especially African/American literature, often reminds me of windows (which allow light to come in, and through which we sometimes struggle to see), or doors (which allow for privacy, but sometimes are a bit ajar, or have a few cracks, to help us catch a glimpse; and which sometimes fling themselves open to show us into a new place), or even mirrors (leaving us no choice but to see ourselves, and perhaps to learn). The chance for me to be in the presence of such literature, and to have a role in protecting and promoting it, and on top of that to work with those who create it anew, is special, indeed. And the further chance to meet and work with the Givens Foundation Board and Staff is nothing short of a gift. I'm honored to have the chance to participate.

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Givens Board and be part of the growth in developing young/adult readers value their heritage and experience with pride the stories of our culture.

The Givens Foundation is an invaluable resource for the promotion of African American literature and culture, past and present. As a scholar of African American literature, I consider myself a devoted educator and culture worker. I find myself in good company as a board member of the Givens Foundation, my veritable "amen corner."

Why do I serve on the Givens Board? I serve on the Givens Foundation Board because I believe in the purpose and the mission of the Foundation. Supporting the great work of the Foundation gets the best of great African American Literature into the minds and hearts of many in our community, young and old. Since this genre of literature enriched my life, my understanding, my teaching and leading, serving this Foundation has provided me with a way of expanding the opportunity for others.

"I blundered into writing," is my favorite quote from African American writer Ralph Ellison. I'm another writer who has blundered into the literary arts. After twenty years in the theatre I found this artistic calling as a writer as fulfilling, challenging and frustrating as acting! And like the patrons who support the theatre, the literary arts have realized the importance of keeping a unique repository for African American literature. I will dedicate my term to serve on the board of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature to the best of my ability and with enthusiasm. I look forward to continuing the stewardship of keeping a special dwelling for the African American literary arts.

As a Board member of the Givens Foundation, I am committed to assisting the Board in "collecting, preserving and promoting the use of books and manuscript material that document the literary history and cultures of African Americans".

Fredrick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read you will be forever free.” In a world plagued by ugliness- bullies, low self-esteem, achievement gaps and underperforming schools, I am honored to be a part of an organization that is preserving freedom by promoting the legacy of African American Literature and fostering the talent of new writers. The Givens Foundation is helping to ensure future generations are FREE.

The Givens Foundation is one of few organizations in the country that focuses on African-American Literature. This art has been a form of culturally specific construction that leads our national landscape. African-American Literature like Jazz or Katherine Dunham Dance operates as a beacon of freedom and liberty. I will do anything to ensure that this work is understood and appreciated.

I primarily joined the board due to the mission of the organization and what it stands for. We're all in this world together and being more aware and understanding of each other's culture and history is of the utmost importance. What better way to promote this than through the recognition and celebration of African American writers and literature?.......and I am honored to be a part of it all.