Can you tell readers what "There Was A Spirit"
is about?
Kimberly Noelle-There Was A Spirit is the story of character Najwa
Jackson and her experience as president of her sorority chapter
on a predominantly white campus in 1973. During this time, being
a member of a sorority was not necessarily the "black" thing to
do. As a result, she struggles to maintain her identity as a "conscious"
black woman as the campus is faced with racial tensions. There Was
A Spirit is about relationships, love, sisterhood, social activism
and mystery all wrapped into one. The reader will be captured by
the story from beginning to the surprising twist at the end. I guarantee
this novel series will be talked about for years to come.
What inspired you to write the book?
There are so many sides to predominantly African-American Sororities
and Fraternities that remain to be explored. There are just as many
stories to be told. When we begin to focus on just one aspect, we
dishonor the rich legacy of their presence. By writing There Was
A Spirit, I wanted to honor my fellow Greeks with a story they could
embrace because it was their own.
If the book were turned into a film what actors would you like
to see cast?
It is really hard to say! I would love to see the main character
Najwa Jackson played by Sanaa Lathan or maybe Nona Gaye. If this
were 1976, Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra Jones) would play Najwa without
a doubt! Everyone imagines Dakota as this tall handsome, chocolate
brother who is also fun, sensitive and caring. Dakota could be played
by Cress Williams (Scooter - Living Single). Trust me on this one!
Can you tell readers about your book "Break It Down Now!"
"Break it Down Now" was a book that I wrote but never released for
public consumption. I spent five years on a National Award Winning
Step Team. (Delta Sigma Theta - Chicago Alumnae Chapter) During
that time, the members of the team shared experiences that changed
the way in which we approached life adversities and challenges.
As the presence of Youth Praise & Drill Teams grew, I felt that
our experiences could benefit them in several ways. Though the book
was never offered to the public, a Step Team "Boot Camp" was established
after its concept. Team building, leadership and self-esteem building
activities were the emphasis.
Where can this book be purchased?
1. "Break It Down Now" is not available for purchase at this moment.
However, due to an overwhelming interest, I am in the process of
editing it for release to the public. More information about its
release will come soon on my website.
2. There Was A Spirit can be purchased on my website at www.knoellepublishing.com,
amazon.com, borders.com
and in various book and Greek Stores in the Midwest. More information
can be found on my site about purchase locations.
Will there be a sequel to "There Was A Spirit?"
Yes. There Was A Spirit is a novel series. There will be two more
novels that will complete this story. However, as I have received
letters from my readers, many are asking for spin-offs of their
favorite characters. I believe that readers are looking for something
different and every character in There Was A Spirit can offer that
reading stimulation. I have actually begun the research to write
a spin-off on the sorority's founders. That story will take the
reader into the early 1900's for a look at the historical and human
side of the founding. Every Greek at one point wonders what happened
when the meeting of the minds came together to form their organization.
This spin-off will attempt to paint a picture of what it could have
been like for each of them.
What does being a member of Delta Sigma Theta mean to you?
Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has several meanings
in my life. I believe that regardless of our affiliations, we have
a basic responsibility to the welfare of the human race. Being a
member of Delta Sigma Theta is just one way in which I publicly
acknowledge and fulfill that responsibility. It means a lifetime
commitment of public service to my community. It means that to whom
much is given much is required.
Do you think that Black sororities on predominately white campuses
face special challenges?
I believe all chapters of sororities have the same basic challenges;
maintaining academic requirements (G.P.A.), hazing and chapter vitality.
However, on predominately white campuses those challenges are coupled
with a lack of understanding of the culture of African-Americans
in general. As a result, African American Sororities face special
challenges. In my opinion, a tremendous amount of time and energy
is spent on all the aspects that attribute to their failure (i.e.
hazing and meeting University requirements) While these areas are
important, more time should be spent on what it takes to help them
succeed. I commend my fellow Greek Campus and Graduate Advisors
(especially those who are volunteers) who take on that challenge.
It is not easy. But I believe we are finally making strides as more
books are coming out that celebrate and seek to educate the public
on the legacy and culture of the Predominantly Black Sororities
and Fraternities.
Any comments?
I would just like to encourage everyone to pick up a copy of There
Was A Spirit. Read it with an open mind because it is definitely
different from what most may be used to seeing in a sorority fiction
scenario. No matter what organization you are affiliated with you
will find a little bit of yourself and your sorority in this book.
Lastly, I would like to also encourage all members of predominantly
African American, Latina/Hispanic and Multi-Cultural Sororities
to continue to strive for Excellence!
|
