The first of a three-part virtual series in 2022, featuring a fireside chat with two inspiring children’s books authors shining a light on Sickle Cell Disease in the lives of children. Kim Smith-Whitley, MD will lead the discussion with authors Chanel Arrington and Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway, who give us two unique children’s books that every family needs on their shelves. They shared their reason for writing their respective books and their process for taking it from idea to execution. The theme of our first fireside chat is Helping Children Live Their Best Life!
Meet our Moderator
Kim Smith-Whitley, MD
She is Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Clinical Director of the Division of Hematology, and a professor of Pediatrics. She holds the Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology. Her clinical and research focus is on sickle cell survivorship: predicting and preventing long-term, chronic, and life-threatening complications of the disease.
Meet the Authors
Chanel Arrington
Chanel Arrington is the founder of InspiHeard Now, LLC, a company she created to inspire creativity, enhance visibility, and encourage connectedness through educational and inspirational content. She is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, author and advocate. Chanel grew up in North Carolina and graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to Chanel’s entrepreneurial endeavors, her career path includes years of experience with diversity in higher education. She worked for the Office of Diversity Affairs at The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, providing educational opportunities around cultural competency in medicine. Chanel also has over 10 years of experience working with grassroots community organizations, focusing on community outreach, organizational development, and strategic planning. Presently, Chanel’s goal is to combine her career experiences along with her craft of writing to highlight stories of success, promote the importance of education, and inspire others through her organization. In August 2021, Chanel published her first children’s book, Clemmie: Walter Clement Noel and the Discovery of Sickle Cell Disease. She was inspired to write this inspirational true story by her youngest daughter, who lives with the condition. Chanel and her family are on a continuous journey, learning about sickle cell disease while advocating for her daughter.
You can purchase her book HERE!
Dr Linda J. M. Holloway
Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway currently serves as the Program Coordinator at Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama. Her research interest is Black Women and Emotional Wellness. She has been teaching for over for 27 years in higher education. Her teaching philosophy is “Classrooms Without Walls,” where she advocates for preparing counselors in training on social justice and multicultural issues in applying them to real world events.
Additionally, Dr. Holloway is a story activist, spoken word artist, multi-award winning author and has published five children’s books: I love My Happy Hair 2021-New York Big City Book Distinguish Award (Four Star Review From Readers Favorite-2021); Little Miss Linda Goes To Counseling, 2021 New York Big Book Award (Five Star Review From Readers’ Favorite-2021); Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Sickle Cell, 2020 Moonbeam Children’s Award (Five Stars Review From Readers’Favorite-2021); Little Miss Linda Speaks About Rap (Five Starts Review from Reader’s Favorite -2021); Little Miss Linda Speaks About Diversity(Five Star Review From Readers’Favorite-2021).
Dr. Holloway is a true servant leader who lives her life by the motto, “Always willing to serve.” She retired from the United States Army Reserves as a Colonel after serving over 27 years. During which she completed four combat tours: (1) Operation Desert Shield Desert Storm Farewell (2) Two Tours to Iraq- Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and (3) Operation Enduring Freedom- Afghanistan.
During Dr. Holloway’s spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read, travel, go to the movies, and exercise. Her philosophy on life is “Dream Your Own Dreams.” She is building her legacy through own personal ministry- Women Without Limitations, where she educate, elevate, and empowers women and girls by teaching them there is no limits to what God almighty can do with your life.
You can purchase her book HERE!
Meeting Recording:
