Black History Month Speaker and TWWBF Poet Laureate Aressa V. Williams

PICTURED: Aressa V. Williams, Cardyn Brooks, and Dr. April Copes, Professor of Communications at Anne Arundel Community College.

Special Guest Blogger Aressa V. Williams on her Black History Month appearance at Anne Arundel Community College
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Black History Month at AACC
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
“Failure Teaches Too!” Theme for the In Deanwood book talk went well with the students. Attentive, engaged, appreciative! Humanities, Auditorium 112 seated fifty-sixty students, faculty members, and Campus Current newspaper staff. After Candice my (Book Ambassador) and April (AACC Communications Professor) set up Williams family photos, the Student Government President introduced me.  Here's What I did:
Greeted and praised the students for “being about something”, pursuing dreams and goals in one of Maryland’s best educational institutions.
Promised good news. Explained "failure teaches too", read “Promotions” as an example.
Talked about being a C student who had to learn study skills and critical reading. (If I can make dreams and goals come true, you can too!)
Shared while teaching at AACC being acknowledged, affirmed, appreciated reassured that I was fulfilling my purpose.
Asked audience to look at the word fail in a positive light:
             F follow your heart, form friendships, fellowships, have fun
             A acknowledge, affirm, appreciate yourself and others
             I  imagine positive outcomes, use intuition
             L  love yourself, learn from mistakes, listen to wise people
Explained In Deanwood’s purpose: tribute to family, teaching and learning, community.
Read “Spoiled”, “Elementary School”, “Never Did That Again”, “Girl Scout Cookies” “Don’t Call My Name”, “10th Grade”, “The Ivells”, “Second Chances”, “One Counselor and Two French Professors”
Signed copies of the memoir.
Answered students’ questions and comments:
1)      When did I know I was a writer?
2)      How did I like being the youngest of fourteen?
3)      What did I learn about myself while writing In Deanwood?
4)      If the Ivells became famous, would I have enjoyed traveling around?
5)      What’s in the future as far as writing?
6)      What authors influence your writing?
7)      Any reading recommendations?
8)      What did I teach at AACC?  What were students like?
9)      You opened your book with “We don’t make mistakes on purpose.” I try to tell my mother that!
10)  I have never heard anyone describe deep, unbearable pain some of us feel. We think that hurt will last forever. Thanks for talking about that!
 
After the interview for the Campus Current and picture talking, a reception for all with an assortment of tasty sandwiches and delicious cookies, water, tea.
I felt honored, appreciated and humble!
 
Always,
Aressa Verdell

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In Deanwood
by Aressa Verdell Williams

Ebook on Kobo
Paperback on Barnes & Nobel