About The Writers

Each writer in this anthology brings her own lived experience, creative practice, and truth to the She Worthy conversation. Their words honor the women who shaped them and the strength that endures across generations. Ranging in age from twenty-six to ninety-two, these women represent nearly every decade of womanhood—each voice offering a unique perspective shaped by time, experience, and grace. Together, their voices illuminate the beauty, resilience, and creative legacy that connect us all.

Alexis Pauline Gumbs serves as the Featured Poet in this collaborative anthology. Celebrated for her daring fusion of poetic innovation, Black feminist thought, and deep ecological insight, she brings a profoundly resonant voice to this project. With a career marked by genre-defying works such as Spill: Scenes of Black Feminist Fugitivity, M Archive: After the End of the World, and Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals, Alexis has received major recognition—including the 2022 Whiting Award in Nonfiction and the 2023 Windham-Campbell Prize for Poetry.

Her poems lend voice, grace, and love to this collection. Each piece reflects the essence of She Worthy—
a celebration of resilience, legacy, and the quiet strength of women whose stories continue to inspire.

Alongside Alexis Pauline Gumbs, a remarkable ensemble of women writers contributes poetry and prose in dialogue with the visual stories of artist Carol Black-Lemon. Together, their words and reflections weave an intergenerational tapestry of strength, grace, and creative kinship—the gift of generations.

E’lana Lemon Hardy is a full-time creative and VP, Associate Creative Director, celebrated for her bold vision and strategic storytelling. With over a decade of experience in advertising and design, she brings brands to life through award-winning campaigns that merge innovation, artistry, and emotional impact.
Passionate about crafting visual narratives that are both beautiful and meaningful, Lana’s work strives to make a difference in healthcare and champion patient advocacy. Beyond her creative leadership, she continues to explore her love of art across various mediums, capturing beauty and authenticity in every form.

Jewelán Cleveland is a trained actress and a free-spirited creative whose heart finds its rhythm in exploring art through every medium that calls to her. When she isn’t in the throes of creative exploration, she brings that same passion and artistry into her professional life—where creativity meets purpose, and vision meets leadership. Her journey has carried her across the country and back, in search of the places that felt most like home, each destination adding a new shade to her story before she finally settled in Virginia. Though this marks her first formally published piece, Jewelán knows with quiet certainty—it will not be her last.

Kayla Lemon represents the youngest voice in this anthology, representing a generation of women whose stories are still unfolding. She is a quiet and loving individual, known for her thoughtful nature and deep appreciation for both words and life. Though reserved, she demonstrates a strong commitment to compassionate service—qualities reflected in her professional journey. She currently serves as a full-time medical assistant supervisor while pursuing her studies as a pre-nursing student.

Dr. Lisa Paisley-Cleveland, who also writes under the pseudonym Sila Long, is a first-generation Jamaican-born author raised in New York City and a former professor and mental health professional. With a deep reverence for the untold or overlooked stories of marginalized communities, she crafts narratives that are both intimate and broad in scope, with a focus on women.

Mabel Sellars Hall is the eldest voice in this anthology at ninety-two. A retired English teacher and
guidance counselor, she is the author of Meet Me in Heaven: One Family’s Story, a narrative passed down through the women of three generations. Grounded in Scripture, her book offers a wealth of spiritual insight and truth for daily living. She is regarded by all who know her as a matriarchal figure, admired for her kind spirit and timeless wisdom.

Syreeta L. Carrington is a middle school teacher and a restorative justice practitioner whose passion and avocation is writing. She is a two time Governor’s Educator of the Year Award recipient and has received the Judy Weston Award for Inspired Teaching. She is the author of The Gentle No: Wanting What Wasn’t  For Me.

Tonya Morman Jackson  known to many as MsTonya The Poet, is a Florence, South Carolina native, community advocate, artist, and spoken word poet whose work uplifts and connects people through truth and creativity. She uses her voice and artistry to inspire growth in all who experience her work, encouraging others to think bigger and care more. Beyond the stage, Ms Tonya is a content creator dedicated to highlighting local stories and everyday change-makers. Her passion lies in giving voice to the community and
championing freedom of speech. 

 Veronica S. Black is a former regional director and faith-based community organizer for one of America’s most prominent Civil Rights organizations and a proponent of social justice and racial and economic parity. Her service, both professional and personal, has always been deeply rooted in her desire to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and nurture lasting harmony within and between communities. Veronica is an enthusiast of the arts, particularly as these relate to family, faith, African American history, feminism, freedom, reconciliation and peace. She sees the arts as a powerful vehicle for social commentary and healing.

Wilma McNeil  is a proud veteran who entered the military at 32 and graduated at the top of her class with honors. Passionate about serving God and her community, she volunteers with several organizations including The Naomi Project, The Veterans Village, Pathfinders, and Pee Dee Area Veterans. She is also a member of The Wisdom Players senior theater company and the founder of Women of Purpose, a group of empowering women to live with faith and purpose. 

 Carol Black-Lemon is a visual artist, painter, and curator whose work reflects a lifelong creative journey—one rooted in observation, emotion, and an unshakable love for art that speaks from the soul. She creates, exhibits, and sells her work through her online business, Carol Black Lemon Art. A passionate advocate for the arts, she is the founder of Creative Connection, a discussion group for creatives of all genres dedicated to
nurturing creativity and artistic expression.