Women’s History Month’s Feature: Bebe Moore Campbell, Author, Journalist, and Teacher

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you author, journalist, and teacher, Bebe Moore Campbell. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and was an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was also a member of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and a founding member of NAMI-Inglewood.

Her fiction works tackled racism and its harmful effects on individuals and their relationships. In 1992, she released her first novel, Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine which drew inspiration from the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. The New York Times Magazine described it as one of the most influential books of 1992. Her second novel, Brothers and Sisters was inspired by the Rodney King beating and the Los Angeles riots that ensued. In 1994, within two weeks after its release, it was named The New York Times Magazine best seller.

In 2003, she wrote her first children’s book, Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry, which won the NAMI Outstanding Literary Award. Her book 72 Hour Hold dealt with mental illness and her first play, Even with the Madness which debuted in New York City in June 2003 dived into the theme of mental illness and the family.

She was also a journalist having written articles for The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise, and many more publications. Additionally, she was a commentator on the National Public Radio (NPR) program, Morning Edition and was known for her inspirational sayings. Although she is gone, she will definitely not be forgotten for the trailblazer that she was (1950 – 2006).

Writing Tip: I will focus on Bebe Moore Campbell's interest in mental health and her exploration of this theme in her literary works. It's important that writers who are passionate about a cause or an issue to explore them in their writings.

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