It is with great reluctance that I announce my decision to leave my role as director and producer of Black Writers Reunion & Conference effective upon completion of the 2012 conference and retreat. After significant consideration, I have decided to change the course of my primary career and pursue a direction that will make it difficult to produce the conference at the high standards by which it is known while managing my other obligations and roles.
Although the time has come for me to step down, I realize that ending this incomparable event will leave a gaping void. Thus, it is my sincere hope that the BWRC can live on under new ownership and that the legacy we’ve established for empowering aspiring, emerging, and established Black writers shall be expanded beyond measure.
It has been an incredible journey and an honor to serve the African-American literary community during the past 12 years as director of the conference and the three years prior with the organization that spawned it. I feel deeply blessed to have been able to positively impact so many. It has been intensely gratifying to have watched so many authors flourish and live their dreams.
I am especially appreciative of the many extraordinary speakers over the years and my amazing staff who catapulted this sensational conference straight to the top of its class as well as those who have supported BWRC as volunteers and viva voce promoters. There are so many of you I am thankful for, yet too many to list, but I do thank each and every one of you and pray that you continue to aspire toward and achieve your grandest passions.
With this being my last year at the helm, I look forward with added excitement to the momentous program that will be the 2012 Black Writers Reunion & Conference.
Warmly,
Tia Ross
I’ve been associated Black Writers since the beginning and I always marvelled at your energy, integrity and professionalism. As a writer, and as Conference speaker, you always made me feel nurtured and, more importantly, understood. Thank you for all you have done for me personally and for the Black writing community. You are an inspiration. God bless all your endeavors.
Gail, Diane, Evelyn, Helen, Patti, Monique, Michelle & DeJuan: Thanks to all of you ladies for the wonderful comments and well wishes. Each of you have been sources of motivation and inspiration for me as well, and I am eternally grateful for your contributions, support, and love in return. Continued successes and abundant blessings to you all. See you in the next chapter!
As for the Looney character, I am LOL & SMH at the same time. “Herfer?” Wow.
No, any photo of me, singly, on this site is cropped directly from the original. None of my photos have been “touched up” that I can recall.
I have attended at least 3 reunions and i have always found you and your staff to be warm, polite and cordial with all of the attendees. It gives me great pleasure to once again teach a workshop. I commend you Tia and wish you well in all of your endeavors! Thanks for the many opportunities to share with other writers.
Diane Dorce’
Thank you, Tia, for all you’ve done. Much success in your next endeavor. Keep in touch!
You have given so much to so many especially to me, and I thank you. I am sorry to see you go, but I understand that you must continue the journey that God has chosen for you. I will be forever grateful to you, your wonderful staff and to the outstanding presenters that you have introduced to us. I look forward to attending the 2012 Conference and seeing you. You will be successful and blessed in whatever you chose to do. I wish you continued success, happiness and good health.
Tia,
The industry will not be the same without your dedication and devotion to the literary community. You are truly well-respected and I wish you all the best in everything you do. Don’t be a stranger!
Tia, thank you for the incite into to literary world, it has been an amazing journey, and you are a wonderful inspiration to so many of us. I now you will continue to do great things, and I will see you there.
Much love,
Monique
Tia, you have been a role model to me since we met at BWRC 2006! I will be forever grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to speak at BWRC. I wish you many blessings in your new endeavors.
Keep in touch…
Michelle
Tia, as brokenhearted as I am by your decision to step down, I am so incredibly blessed to be able to call you my mentor and friend. Hopefully BWRC will continue and be the venue where aspiring authors can find support, wisdom, knowledge and friendship.
Love,
DeJuan
Damn; that Herfer is FINE, [Tia]. Or did someone touch up your photo ?
I know I am late responding but I was hoping against hope (yeah, I know, selfish, right?). However I understand that it is time for you, Tia. I’ve been with BWRC since the beginning and I am a recipient of the encouragment, education, experiences and relationships that I couldn’t have gained anywhere else. You’ve been instrumental in creating a dynamic and unigue organization that’s impacted the lives and careers of countless writers. God bless you as you transition into your next ‘masterpiece’. I look forward to watching you soar to new heights.
There was no doubt in my mind that I was surrounded by the black heavy weights of the writing profession. The courses were worth more than the cover charge, especially the networking. The wealth of knowledge went far and beyond my expectations. I’ve even had the pleasures of doing business with two other the writers after the course. Just recently, October 18, 2012 Berlinda aka L.A. had me on her “Naked Conversations” radio show to do an author interview. I’ve even been able to gain a few Twitter friends from the conference: (@SherriceShomas,@Tia_Ross,@kimgreenwords,@Lasincere,@Bryankeyth,@KimGreen,@BwrcMedia).