Kimberly K. Parker is the mastermind behind locally based Writing Momma Publishing, LLC, a full service publishing company.
The company has a creative writing program called Write On! geared towards young writers. Write On! participants explore different genres of writing and learn the steps to publishing a book.
Parker is also the Executive Director of The DeBraux Parker Foundation, Inc.
According to the website this non-profit organization’s mission is to "… stimulate, build, and sustain a diverse community of young writers who find commonalities in a shared passion for ideas."
Kimberly K. Parker took time out of her busy schedule to share her hair story and the inspiration behind her businesses.
Hair story …
My journey to natural hair was a most revealing experience! In 1995, I took my first steps towards being "natural" due to the detrimental effects of excessively relaxing my hair.
I made a conscious decision to get rid of those chemicals and recover from my burned scalp.
So, one morning I sojourned to the barber shop, requested to have all of my hair cut off -- with the exception of two inches of new growth --, and proudly wore my Afro…for all of nine months!
The assuredness I felt when I sat in the barber’s chair in August was met with peer pressure and daunting stares through May.
Because I lacked the inner strength to ignore those silent attacks, I sat in a stylist’s chair in May 1996 and started living "the lye" once more.
After four more years of "burn baby burn", I began to grow out my terribly processed hair by wearing cornrows, braids, and two-strand twists.
Little by little, I trimmed my hair of whatever relaxer remained and by 2001 I was free from those chemicals…and from what people thought of my hair…and have been ever since.
The difference between my attempts in 1995 and my success in 2000 was I knew who I was and had become so much more embracing of my naturally beautiful curly hair.
Advice for those contemplating wearing their hair natural …
I would advise anyone contemplating wearing their hair natural to research the damaging effects of chemically straightening your hair.
Conceptualize a clear picture of what you’re doing to your scalp, brain cells, and internal organs and understand the risks you’re taking to look like a super-model or a woman of another persuasion.
Then, ask yourself, "Is trying to be someone I am not worth my well-being?"
Take small yet permanent steps to stop living "the lye", embrace your God-given beauty, and keep it moving…naturally!
Inspiration behind Writing Momma Publishing, LLC …
Writing Momma Publishing, LLC was inspired by my son, Khalil, when he was two years old.
During the time, I was a stay at home mother and would often share his innocent words as inspirational emails with my family and friends.
It was around this time that I began tuning into the words he spoke in a whole new way.
While it was nothing I planned, my spiritual ears really heard what he expressed and how it applied to my life.
It was as if God was saying, "See, Kimberly. This is what I have been trying to tell you."
The first occurrence was so profound, automatic, and applicable to my state of affairs at that point in my life. Without even thinking, I immediately sent out an email to a few friends.
This is what I shared:
Khalil, who turned two on 10/20/00, has been potty-trained since 12/10/00.
While this is still new to him, I constantly ask, "Noodle, do you have to go potty?" Of course, he tells me "No." However, I generally take him to the potty and he generally goes.
One day while we were playing, he said, "Momma, you go potty?" I did what he does and said, "No." With such encouragement he replied, "It's easy, Momma!"
After I laughed, I remembered that God said, "It’s easy", too. He said, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light". Sounds good to me.
Whatever your situation may be on this day, remember what God said in Matthew 11:30.
The response to that email was overwhelming! Many replied with "Thank you, Sister Parker. I needed to hear that." I said the same thing to Khalil when he encouraged me.
It was a most humbling experience to see how those three simple words out of the mouth of my two-year-old impacted my life and the lives of so many others!
From that point on, listening to and actually hearing Khalil took on a whole new meaning. The more he talked the more spiritual insight I gained.
Even when I tried to dismiss the revelation as "cute" or "he is just two," God continued to say, "Listen to this Gift I’ve given you."
Not only did I listen, but I began to take notes and continued to share his gems of wisdom. It was not long thereafter I realized God was preparing me to write books.
The birth of two more children added to the wisdom imparted and, as a result, more books followed.
So, in 2007 I officially launched Writing Momma, now Writing Momma Publishing, LLC.
We are a full-service publishing company helping writers at various levels in their development become the best writer they can be and publish their works.
On Write On! focusing on youth …
My focus on youth began in 2007 when I created the "Write On!" Writing Program.
Initially rejected by two school districts in 2007 and 2009, it finally got off the ground in 2010. "Write On!" is a creative writing program for youth ages nine through 18.
This safe-haven fosters the belief that writing renews the mind and liberates the soul for it is one of the greatest forms of expression!
Additionally, we believe that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.
The weekly sessions are peppered by original and fun writing exercises of poetry, stories, and journal entries that will enable a community of young writers to connect via their literary passions, become excited about writing, and develop strong writing skills while having fun during the process.
Writing workshops geared towards book publishing are facilitated.
Because we believe the proof is in the pudding, the eight week program concludes with a finished product in the form of a book that participants will be able to share with their family, friends, and the world!
To date, we have helped nine youth age nine to 14 become published authors.
More on Writing Momma …
One of the greatest resources we provide is one-stop referencing on our Parent Resource Network page at www.writingmomma.com.
There you will find tons of information on events, activities, scholarships, and services in the Washington, DC area and beyond.
Additionally, we offer a very engaging workshop entitled "Effective Essay Writing: How to Get Them at ‘Hello!’"
This workshop takes the participants step by step in writing a most captivating essay for high school, college, and scholarship applications.
With vocabulary building techniques woven throughout this two hour presentation and Q&A session, the participant will leave feeling much more confident about getting her thoughts on paper effectively.
* There are a limited number of workshops scheduled from November 2011 to January 2012, so those interested contact Parker at info@writingmomma.com to schedule a session.*
"I will gladly come to their church, organization, or other location. My fees are extremely reasonable," says Parker.
Advice to parents …
One piece of advice I would give any parent who wants to help their child improve their writing skills is to read with your children! Reading is the best way to become a strong writer.
While I must confess that I would much rather write than read, there is really no way to do one without the other.
Another piece of advice I would offer is to post sight words around your house and use them in your daily language.
Instead of saying "untruthful" say "mendacious." Instead of saying "pretty" say "comely."
And please, to the extent that you can, help your child understand that the word "things" is an over-used place holder for greater expression.
For example, if your child wrote: "There are so many things I want to learn in my life" they can just as easily write "There are so many lessons I want to learn in my life."
What the future holds …
It is my desire to help as many youth become published authors as I possibly can. It’s a tremendously easy process that does not have to cost thousands of dollars.
In my more immediate future, I will launch a 501(c)3 called The DeBraux Parker Foundation that focus on literacy and, of course, helping young folk learn to write effectively.
More Information
Writing Momma Publishing Webstie
Email info@writingmomma.com
Kimberly is currently looking for a few young writers who are interested in participating in the "Write On!" eight week writing program. Visit the website or email her for more information.
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