2022-2024 NOMINEES FOR BCALA LEADERSHIP &
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

Vice President/President-Elect – S. Michele Echols 

S. Michele Echols has quite a diverse array of experience and education, but what unifies her professional philosophy as a librarian, bibliotherapist, scholar, and career coach is a commitment to mentoring professionals from all walks of life. S. Michele Echols has held various leadership positions for the New York Black Librarians Caucus (NYBLC) and served as the Councilor at Large for the New York Librarians Association (NYLA), representing academic libraries. She recently became the Committee chair for the Affiliates of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). She received a five-year appointment (2021-2026) to the New York State Regents Advisory Council representing libraries. Holds a Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) from St. John’s University as well as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Fund-Raising and Grant-Making from New York University (N.Y.U.). A graduate of the JRNI coaching signature program, adding to her repertoire a specialty in designing reading lists specifically for mental health providers using coaching principles. An unrelenting passion for empowering people has fueled Michele’s journey to excellence. From a childhood interest in reading and storytelling, Michele’s gift and passion for seeing great potential have allowed her to grow her career as a librarian and speak/present at national, state, and local conferences for over a decade. Since 2015, Echols has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at several colleges and universities in New York State, specializing in Information Literacy, Grant-writing, Career Development, and Reference and Information Sources. A native New Yorker, she enjoys reading and participating in community service and lives by the words of late activist Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular:  Indiana Black Librarian Network – President (Current) Indiana Black Librarian Network – Treasurer (Immediate Past). Currently serving and as committee chair for the Affiliates of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and I was recently appointed to a five-year term at the New York State Regents Council on Libraries. I have held various leadership positions for the)New York Black Librarian Caucus -– (Past President / Fundraising Committee Chair). New York Black Librarian Caucus -– (President) 2015-2018. 2020 NYLA Outstanding Services to Libraries Award, Held Councilor at Large for the New York Librarians Association (NYLA), representing academic libraries. New York Library Association – (Conference Curator) 2015-2020. Joint Conference of Librarians of Color – (Fundraising Committee Member) 2017-2018. “What does Black Librarianship Look Like in the Proverbial Information Age?” Spring 2012 with Linda Bannerman-Martin. The 21st Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges. Ed. Jackson, A., Jefferson Jr., J.C. and Nosakhere, A.

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:

Online Teaching Certificate: St. John’s University NYATEP: New York City Advocacy Academy

National Council for Behavioral Health: Mental Health First Aid USA for Higher Education

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?

My gift and passion for seeing great potential have allowed me to grow my career as a librarian and lecture at national, state, and local conferences for over a decade. I have had the pleasure of working in public, academic, and school libraries, and I have strong advocacy and fundraising skills. In addition, my teaching skills as an adjunct professor have led me to see where there are gaps in the Masters of Library Science program for students of color. I also believe in teaching based upon a bell hooks book -Teaching to Transgress. “When education is the practice of freedom, students are not the only ones who are asked to share, to confess; engaged pedagogy does not seek simply to empower students. Any classroom that employs a holistic learning model will also be a place where teachers grow and are empowered by the process. That empowerment cannot happen if we refuse to be vulnerable while encouraging students to take risks”. I did not see it as a student, nor did I witness my colleagues demonstrating this philosophy while teaching in the MLS program. I would continue to build upon the foundation laid by my predecessors who have held the position as President/Elect.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• The current administration is working diligently toward outreach towards increasing membership, which needs to be done continuously. Professional Development opportunities for support staff to grow into librarian positions as we know that this is the pipeline for most black librarians. Finally, increased fundraising to provide mini-grants to members to assist with attending professional development opportunities that may not be library-related, for example, business and mental health awareness courses.

Vice President/President-Elect – Kacie Armstrong

I have proudly served as the Director of the Euclid Public Library for the past nine years. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I attended and graduated from Notre Dame College of Ohio and went on to earn a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University. After graduation, I began my career at the Cleveland Public Library. While at CPL, I served as a Teen Librarian, the Manager of six branches, and the Central Neighborhood Team Manager. After CPL, I began working for the Cuyahoga County Public Library as a Branch Manager of three suburban library branches. Upon completing my four-year term at CCPL, I accepted the position as the Director of the Euclid Public Library. As the Director of the Library, I am directly responsible for overseeing the library’s operation, which includes staffing, facility management, administering a 5.6-million-dollar budget, and providing a high-quality collection of materials and services to meet the needs of our community. I am also responsible for directly working with the Friends of the Euclid Public Library and the Euclid Public Library Foundation. I am proud that our efforts have significantly increased the Foundation’s endowment and ensured public library services for future generations. I am a member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, the Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table, the Coretta Scott King Standing Program Committee, and the Ohio Library Council (OLC). I am on the Board of the Ohio Library Council and am an OLC Certified Public Librarian. Recently, I concluded terms on OhioNet Board and the Coretta Scott King Book Jury. In addition, I completed the Leadership Ohio program in 2020 and helped the 251 public libraries in Ohio recognize and participate in the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I love to read, travel, spend time with my children and family, and spoil my three grandchildren, Ke’Mari, Elijah, and Luna, in my spare time.

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular:  This fall, I will begin my 18th year in public library service. During this time, I have served as a Teen Librarian, Branch Manager, and Neighborhood Team Manager for the Cleveland Public Library; Branch Manager for three branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library; and now the Director of the Euclid Public Library. My professional activities have varied, but recently, I completed two strategic plans for Euclid Public Library, was awarded an $85,000 Cleveland Foundation grant to complete 2020 Census activities for Cuyahoga County, served as a Team Leader for the Cuyahoga County One Community Reads Project with eight other library systems, served as the Co-Chair of the National Library Card Sign-Up and Amnesty Campaign for Cuyahoga County, and successfully completed three negotiation cycles with SEIU District 1199 Union. Over the past nine years, I have served on the Ohio Library Council Board of Trustees as President, the OhioNet Board of Trustees as a Member, the Coretta Scott King Book as a Jury Member, Coretta Scott King Program Committee as Interim Committee Chair, the Public Library Association as a Member, and the American Library Association Literacy Committee as a member. In addition to these professional affiliations, I completed a Certificate of Leadership from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, the Ohio Leadership Program (State of Ohio), and the Library Leadership Ohio Certification.

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  I am proud to have accomplished much in my 18-year career. My accomplishments, awards, and honors include:

• The Ohio Certified Public Librarian

• Completing the Ohio Leadership Program (State of Ohio)

• Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs Leadership Certificate

• The Library Leadership Ohio Certification

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  Serving as a Board Member and President of the Ohio Library Council and the OhioNet Board of Trustees has prepared me to be an excellent candidate for the BCALA Board Member. Through these my board volunteer involvement, I attended monthly meetings, served on several committees to ensure that the board met our objectives, such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and served on the hiring committee to bring a new OLC Executive Director aboard. I am very familiar with developing, reviewing, and revising Board policies and procedures. Serving as OLC Board President allowed me to conduct meetings, communicate with Board Members and affiliates of the 251 Ohio public libraries, and address statewide library concerns, such as the Coronavirus Pandemic, legislation against LGBTQIA+ programming, Critical Race Theory, and advocating for funds on behalf of the Ohio public libraries.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Recruitment and retainment of African American and African librarians. As potential BCALA members finish graduate school and begin their careers, many do not understand the unique difference between the American Library Association and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. One thing that can be done to strengthen the BCALA is to make sure that we fully connect and recruit African Americans who are recent graduates or involved in other areas of ALA, such as the Coretta Scott King Award. Once recruited, we need to make sure that they are actively involved in committee meetings, conference events, and other opportunities at BCALA.
• Idea 2: Advocacy. BCALA has done great work in the Advocacy area. However, with the attacks on Critical Race Theory and the LGBTQIA+ community, it is time to develop a new and revise our strategy. Never could I have imagined that legislation would be passed to prevent specific segments of the population from learning about the history of African Americans. The truth about what happened during slavery, reconstruction, the civil rights era, and now even the Black Lives Matter is under constant threat. Public Libraries, school libraries, and public-school systems are being attacked, and BCALA must help our members develop new strategies to deal with these persistent acts against members of our community.
• Idea 3:  Technology. Some 18 years ago, librarians across the country were having conversations about the role of technology in libraries. We know how technology has impacted our community, mainly through misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Social media platforms are allowed free reign to divide our communities and make it harder for residents to trust any information, including facts provided by libraries. Strengthening our role in the technology arena will allow BCALA to keep pace with digitization efforts, new training opportunities, etc. It will enable us to prepare as technology continues to grow and develop. 

Assistant Secretary – Naomi Dunsen-White

My name is Naomi V. Dunsen-White. I am an editor and an author. I have published two children’s books and one book for parents and caregivers, providing advice from educators, professional research and various resources to assist them in guiding their children into reading excellence. My education and background include teaching and social work. I taught early childhood education, worked as a Foster Care Specialist and spent several years tutoring children in reading. Reading has always been my favorite one of my greatest pleasures. In addition, I have owned two successful small businesses, the current one being Naomi Books, LLC, which includes my self-published books, author visits, speaking engagements and providing editing and coaching services to both emerging and published authors. Many of my clients are Amazon best-selling authors. Advocacy for diversity and equity in the children’s literature industry is extremely important to me and key to my presence on social media, as well as my charitable efforts. In addition to volunteering with Read to A Child, Literacy Nation Library, Inc., and local literacy and community agencies in my area, I have donated over 800 copies of my books, Johari The Great and Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose. This has been accomplished through personal sacrifice and successful donation campaigns. All books are donated to schools and organizations that service inner-city children. To that end, I have recently established a nonprofit organization called Literacy and Diversity for All, Inc., which will service Black and Brown communities by assisting authors and illustrators in producing children’s books with Black and Brown characters, and distribute those books to inner-city children and children in disadvantaged areas. Our goal is to close the diversity gap which exists in the children’s book industry. My life’s purpose is tied to serving Black and Brown children. I consider it a great honor and privilege to use my voice to speak into children’s lives. Yet, I understand that it is also a great responsibility, which I hold with utmost respect. For that reason, being awarded a spot on BCALA’s 2021 Best of the Best Booklist is one of my greatest honors.

Please list all BCALA Involvement:  BCALA Member, BCALA Read-A-Thon

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: Volunteer – Literacy National Library, Inc. Volunteer – Read to A Child, Inc. Volunteer and Donor – Center for Success Volunteer and Donor – Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village Donor – Book donations (over 800 of my books given to inner-city children)

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  “Best of the Best Booklist 2021” BCALA (“Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose”)

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I have devoted my time and my career as an author to advocate for Black and BIPOC children and am committed to closing the diversity gap that exists in the children’s literature industry. I have excellent communication skills, oratory skills, writing skills and organizational skills. I believe that diversity and equity in literacy are critical to our children’s success. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of children.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Expanding membership to supporters of librarians and supporters and advocates of literacy within the Black community. 
• Idea 2: Making the Black community aware of who BCALA is and what BCALA does to serve them.
• Idea 3: Increase member presence on social media platforms.

NOMINEES FOR BCALA EXECUTIVE BOARD

Danielle Robinson

I love being a librarian and would love to share my experiences with others.

Please list all BCALA Involvement:  I haven’t really been involved but I stay up to date on the activities of the organization.

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: I just want to be a volunteer.

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors: ALA Committee: Teaching Financial Literacy to Kids

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I started my career in a public and corporate library before becoming a media specialist at a High School. And, then I returned to a public library.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• I think the Black Caucus is on the right path. We just need to figure out ways to attract more librarians to get involved.

Laura Johnson

Laura Adair Johnson, B.A., M.L.S., C.A.S. Laura is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. She completed a BA in French and an M.L.S. at UNC-Greensboro. She earned an advanced degree in Educational Media and completed Educational Administration certification at UNC-Charlotte. Laura is also a graduate of the BRIDGES Academic Leadership for Women Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, she has been a public librarian, a school media specialist, a coordinator of special programs, and a classroom teacher. Laura retired from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a Vice Principal at West Charlotte High School. Since 2012, she has served as the Director of Library Services at Livingstone College where she started her academic career as the Reference Librarian. Laura is widowed and has three adult daughters. She is the grandmother of one granddaughter and the foster son of her oldest daughter. Laura loves to read, write and travel.

Please list all BCALA Involvement:  Member, Presenter at the 2021 NCAAL Conference

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: Director at Large for the NCICU Library Collaborative, Past Secretary for the NCICU Library Collaborative, Senior Class Advisor, Secretary for the NC ACRL Chapter, Elected member of the OCLC Global Council

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  Mentor for the College Directors Mentor Program, Graduate of the BRIDGE Program for Women in Higher Education/University of NC-Chapel Hill, Doctoral Student at North Central University in Educational Leadership, Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Highest Leadership Award in my Chapter named for me.

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA? I have great skills in verbal and written communication; worked in different types of libraries which has helped make me aware of the needs of various librarians; networked with librarians through digital, listservs, social, and professional settings; and been a member of ALA and NCLA for numerous years.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Marketing the work of the Caucus
• Idea 2: Making direct contact with librarians through a newsletter or other medium
• Idea 3: Hold zoom networking meetings

Olanike Olaniyi

I was born in Nigeria and practiced as librarian before moving to the United States with my family some years ago. I had a Bachelor degree in Library, Archival and Information Studies, a Master degree in Information Science from University of Ibadan, Nigeria and a Master degree in Library and Information from Indiana University. I am a Certified Community Health Worker. I currently work with Indianapolis Public Library in Collection Management &Acquisition but had earlier worked as Children Librarian and Digital Projects Librarian. I was actually the library’s first Diversity Fellow. I am passionate about researching, collaborating and connecting my communities with their diverse information needs and backgrounds. In my spare time, I enjoy helping immigrants and refugees in my community and love growing foods. I am married and blessed with three wonderful children.

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: Professional (1) ALA Member, (2) BCALA Member, (3) Indiana Library Federation (Racial, Justice & Inclusion committee)

Member Extra-Curricular – (1) Natural Helper/Community Leader/Volunteer with Immigrant Welcome Center, Indianapolis (2) Volunteer: Grassroot Projects, Indianapolis (3) Member, Impact 100 of Greater Indianapolis.

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors: 

•  Two-times scholarship recipient from Indiana Library Federation.
•  ALA 2022 Emerging Leader
• alumna IVLP (International Volunteer Leadership Program) under US Department of States

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  As a librarian I recognize the essence of commitment to good cause (such as what BCALA stands for and believes in), encouraging colleagues, and individuals in pursuing the best cause. – As a professional and African, I believe in the power of connecting, empowering each others while I keep yearning for more knowledge and wisdom. – I believe and uphold confidentiality, patriotism and standing up for the truth. – I am versatile in research and data analysis which I believe is backbone to the library and information science profession and would benefit BCALA.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1- intensifying strategies, collaborations and advocacy with stakeholders (e.g., library schools, institutions) on increasing Black/African American librarians and leadership (e.g., sponsorships, job retention, compensation, etc.) in our libraries. 
• Idea 2 – advocacy on scholarship, graduate school sponsorship
• Idea 3 – encourage local library chapter/unit engagement, collaborations

Brenda Johnson-Perkins

I served as BCALA Secretary 2020-2022. As a Community Engagement Administrator for Baltimore County Public Library in the Adult Community and Engagement Department, I oversee equity and diversity initiatives to empower lives. I am a graduate of the Maryland Library Leadership Institute and a 2021 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: I have been a member of BCALA for over twenty years, working primarily with membership and coordinating the NCAAL exhibits. I am a founding member of the St. Louis Regional Black Librarians (BCALA Affiliate).

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: President of the Friends of the Julia Davis Branch Library (St. Louis Public Library); member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); assist the ALA Spectrum Scholars and the ARL Kaleidoscope Program

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  Proud recipient of the 2019 DEMCO/ALA Black Caucus Award for Excellence in Librarianship

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I am running for a seat on the BCALA Executive Board to contribute to the organization’s mission to advocate for library services and resources for the African American community and to recruit and support the professional development of African American librarians. My current BCALA involvement is co-chair of the Membership Committee and serving on the NCAAL exhibits committee. I continue to work to attract African American students to librarianship, support our BCALA Affiliates, and look for effective ways to stay connected with our retired BCALA members.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Increase targeted outreach to library support staff, encouraging them to become members of BCALA 
• Idea 2: Greater utilization of BCALA retired members
• Idea 3: Continue to increase our ongoing efforts to offer professional development opportunities for our members (i.e., webinars, discussion groups, etc.)

 

Rudolph Clay

I have been a member of BCALA for over twenty years, working primarily with membership and coordinating the NCAAL exhibits. I am a founding member of the St. Louis Regional Black Librarians (BCALA Affiliate). At Washington University in St. Louis, I serve as Head of Library Diversity Programs and Policy, the Subject Librarian for African and African American Studies and Urban Studies, and I manage a summer internship program to encourage undergraduate students of color to consider academic librarianship as a career.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: I have been a member of BCALA for over twenty years, working primarily with membership and coordinating the NCAAL exhibits. I am a founding member of the St. Louis Regional Black Librarians (BCALA Affiliate).

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: President of the Friends of the Julia Davis Branch Library (St. Louis Public Library); member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); assist the ALA Spectrum Scholars and the ARL Kaleidoscope Program

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  Proud recipient of the 2019 DEMCO/ALA Black Caucus Award for Excellence in Librarianship

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I am running for a seat on the BCALA Executive Board to contribute to the organization’s mission to advocate for library services and resources for the African American community and to recruit and support the professional development of African American librarians. My current BCALA involvement is co-chair of the Membership Committee and serving on the NCAAL exhibits committee. I continue to work to attract African American students to librarianship, support our BCALA Affiliates, and look for effective ways to stay connected with our retired BCALA members.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1:  Increase targeted outreach to library support staff, encouraging them to become members of BCALA 
• Idea 2: Greater utilization of BCALA retired members
• Idea 3:  Continue to increase our ongoing efforts to offer professional development opportunities for our members (i.e., webinars, discussion groups, etc.)

Leslie Etienne

Dr. Leslie Etienne’s previous professional experience was based in youth leadership and development, social services, and K-12 education. He has also worked with the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, TN and Project South: Institute for the Elimination of Poverty and Genocide in Atlanta, GA. He is a proud graduate of two historically Black institutions. Philander Smith College, where he earned a BA in Psychology and Clark Atlanta University where he completed a master’s degree in International Affairs & Development. He attained his doctorate in Leadership and Organizational Change from Antioch University. Dr. Etienne currently works at IUPUI as a Clinical Associate Professor of Africana Studies in the School of Liberal Arts, where he is also the Director of the Africana Studies Program and Founding Executive Director of the Center for Africana Studies and Culture. Dr. Etienne’s research interests are based in Black freedom movement histories, frameworks for grassroots leadership and organizing, and the justice-based multigenerational emancipatory education found in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Freedom Schools enacted during the “Freedom Summer” in 1964. In the community, he is Project Director for the IUPUI Center for Africana Studies and Culture/School of Education/Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School site. He also serves as the Vice President of the Joseph Taylor Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. A former Peace Corps volunteer, he served in Guyana, S. America from 1997-1999 as an urban youth development worker. Dr. Etienne values interaction with students and enjoys teaching and mentoring.

Please list all BCALA Involvement:  Member and supporter

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular:  ASALH, CDF Freedom Schools

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  Various Fellowships

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Support from members such as myself 
• Idea 2: Volunteering time
• Idea 3: Amplifying the great things it does

Jherusha Lambert

Greetings, my name is Jherusha L. Lambert. I have several years of experience in librarianship. I have a passion for service and libraries. During my time as a librarian, I have promoted diversity and inclusion through collection development, programming and other library initiatives. I have successfully served as chair of several committees related to the libraries that I have worked at and in my community. I am a servant leader and always looking for ways to serve in a positively, impactful way.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: Member

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: I served as a Co-Chair on the Atlanta Emerging Librarians Committee. I have also served on several committees in my prior library experience such as: circulation, summer reading, Money Smart Week and grant applications.

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  I was awarded honors and awards for my work, customer service and volunteer work by previous employers.

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I enjoy and am good at collaborating with others, I am dependable, reliable, and am good at organizing. I also have a commitment to service.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus?

• Idea 1: Marketing
• Idea 2: Recruitment
• Idea 3: Mentorship initiatives

Taryn Fouche

In 2016, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baruch College where I majored in Creative Arts Marketing and minored in Religion and Culture. I now have six years of experience at the Queens Public Library where I started as a volunteer Marketing Intern, became a part-time Government and Community Affairs Assistant, worked four years as Customer Service Supervisor and am now a full-time Children’s Librarian! I was the Queens Public Library 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Community Service Award for providing Notary Public Services in the community of Flushing, Queens, New York. I graduated from Queens College where I received a Master’s of Library and Science degree with a Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Services in the Public Library in May 2020. My goal as Children’s Librarian is to advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to children in communities of color and encourage literacy to all.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: Executive Board Member 2020-2022, Professional Development Committee, Public Library Sub-Committee

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: Volunteer Children’s Bible Study Teacher, NYS Notary Public

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  2019 QPL Excellence in Community Service Award

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I am a creative, flexible and positive willing learner that possesses a never-ending welcoming attitude of gratefulness and passion towards the providing access of information and advocacy of library services to all.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus? 

• Idea 1: Creative and innovative outreach practices to increase membership 
• Idea 2:  Provide BCALA’s Professional Development opportunities to more libraries
• Idea 3:  Opportunities for mentorship in all fields of librarianship

Tamela Chambers

I am a library professional with 20 plus years of experience serving all ages in school and public library settings. I am a product of both Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Public Library and it has been an honor to pay it forward. I am a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I received a bachelor of science degree in advertising, master of science in library information science and school library certification. I also hold a masters of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction and a certificate of advance study in education technology from National Louis University.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: Public Library Committee Chair, Services to Children of African Descent, BCALA X GNCRT Black Literature Matters Committee Member, Children’s Literature Book Award Committee Member

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: School Library Journal Book Reviewer (2012-present) Chicago State University MSLIS Advisory Board (2021-present), school/public library cooperative committee , ALSC representative (2020-present), CSK Awards Juror (effective 6/30/2022)

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors:  BCALA Best of the Best Booklists, Summer Booklist BCALA, Inaugural Children’s Book Award, Reading is Grand Initiative (highlighted in the book A Librarian’s Guide to Family Engagement)

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  I have 21 years of experience working with people of all ages in school and public library settings. Because of my experience, I have a wealth of knowledge regarding the needs of Black families in big city environments. In addition, I have led professional development sessions for school and public librarians as well as mentored student teachers and pre-service public librarians. I bring a keen understanding of the evolving trends in library science and the training needs that arise from it.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus? 

• Idea 1: Continued professional development for school/public librarians working with Black families
• Idea 2: Continued mentorship of LIS students and those considering entering the profession
• Idea 3: Continued promotion of the organization’s work to enhance visibility

LaKeshia Darden

I am currently the associate librarian for reference and instruction for Warren Library at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach Florida. In the fall of 2020, I completed my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University. My dissertation, Diversity Training Through Story: University Professionals Explore Narratives of the Black Experience by Reading Coretta Scott King Book Awards Titles, explored the effectiveness of narrative theory coupled with using award-winning Black children’s literature as a diversity training tool with white university professionals. I have been a member of BCALA for several years; a member of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards Committee for which I served on the jury from 2017-2021; and 2019-2021, I served as the chair. In addition, I am currently serving a two-year term on the American Library Association’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Assembly. I have designed, led, and facilitated EDI trainings for colleges and universities, public libraries, and special interest groups. I am the wife of Lt. Col. Kurtis Darden (USAF) and together we have six children. I look forward to serving BCALA in this new role.

Please list all BCALA Involvement: BCALA Member (active on the listserv and attend virtual meetings) Assisted with drafting a BCALA social justice booklist–Connecting, Cultivating, & Constructing Conversations Through Literacy Booklist, June 2020

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular: Professional Memberships Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), American Library Association (ALA) American Library Association Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Assembly, 2020-2022 Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee (CSK) Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury, 2017-2021, Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT), Member of ALA International Literacy Association (ILA), National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors: 

Select Professional Work Accomplishments:

Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury, Chair 2019-2021

Honors

2021 North Carolina Library Association’s REMCo’s Academic Library Roadbuilder’s Award 2015 recipient of Dean’s Award for TeachingCALA Best of the Best Booklists, Summer Booklist BCALA, Inaugural Children’s Book Award, Reading is Grand Initiative (highlighted in the book A Librarian’s Guide to Family Engagement)

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA?  My creativity, motivation, and passion for advancing the field for Black librarians are all qualities that make me a good candidate to serve as a board member for BCALA. I have observed the interactions of BCALA as a faithful member and now I want to serve this organization in a more active role.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus? 

• Idea 1: Promote -Continue to advertise the benefits and joys of the library profession to Black professionals; and continue to advocate for the hiring and advancement of Black librarians in the field.  
• Idea 2: Prepare -Continue to provide access to professional development opportunities to BCALA members that strengthen and speak to the unique experience of Black librarians.
• Idea 3: Persevere -Advocate for the inclusion and respect of Black professionals and the Black experience in all avenues of the American Library Association and the field of library science.

• Idea 1:  The first thing that needs to be done to strengthen BCALA is to reduce the leadership terms to 1 year. We cannot create a pipeline of leadership for BCALA when we are requiring leaders to engage in a 6-year commitment (2 years VP, 2 years prez, 2 years immediate past president). I wished to run for president this year but I’m not roping myself into a 6-year commitment at the volunteer level. Frankly it’s stupid; we’re requiring over half a decade of people’s time. No volunteer role should require 6 years of obligation. My #1 goal as a BCALA executive board member will be to generate the support necessary to have the bylaws changed to require a 3-year commitment from leaders (1 year VP, 1 year prez,1 year immediate past prez). If we’re able to implement this change during the Hayes presidency, then when Hayes’ term ends in 2024, the next president can take office with a one-year presidential commitment. I want to be president of this organization but I cannot consider it until the term of obligation is lowered.
• Idea 2: BCALA needs to pull out of JCLC. Our latest ALA election has shown that the other ethnic caucuses do not stand with BCALA or with Black people. They ally with us because it helps them express that they are victims of racism too. But when a white person emerges whose adjacency the leaders of the other ethnic caucuses crave, they will forget about Black people and everything a Black person who was down for the cause did for them. REFORMA is Exhibit A in this. Despite ALA presidential candidate Kelvin Watson’s work in the implementation of the Joint Council and his support for JCLC since its inception, REFORMA avoided endorsing Watson because a white candidate who has done very little on the diversity front in libraries had their attention and Nicanor Diaz and REFORMA’s leadership craved that white adjacency, which they seem to think they got (white adjacency isn’t achievable, which they’re going to find out the hard way). That’s fine, but they won’t be smiling in my face while working against me and my people, that’s bullshit and we don’t need it, it doesn’t help us, and I’ll press the exec board and Caucus leadership to not put up with it. The library world suffers from a lot of unrealistic thinking and one of the most unrealistic things I’ve encountered in this profession is this idea of “BIPOC solidarity.” Entities for people of color do not work often to achieve common anti-racism goals and non-Black people of color have never shown to be strong allies to Black people in anti-racism efforts in this nation. BCALA needs to focus on Black people and not be swayed by the fake allyship offered by the other ethnic caucuses. They were never for us. I knew this all along. Now we have proof.
• Idea 3: Past presidents of BCALA have tried to address BCALA’s branding issues unsuccessfully. We need to re-engage those talks.

Jessica Tingling

I am the founder and publisher of J&B Press LLC and the Upper School Librarian at the Baldwin School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I received my MSLIS from Drexel University and my MA in History from Millersville University. I am an avid reader and passionate advocate for information access. Over the last 12 years, I have worked as an Academic Reference Librarian at the university level and supported archival endeavors in both public and private collections. I have also facilitated classroom instruction across age groups and with students showcasing an array of capabilities and interests. Throughout this time, I have served on a number of committees. A few include the Franklin & Marshall College African American Alumni Council, the Records Committee of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of ChurchTowne in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Fundraising and Programming Committees of the National Conference of African American Librarians, and the Fundraising and History Committees of the Black Caucus of American Library Association. I also support the organization WOC+Lib as the Marketing & Lead Content Designer. I am proud to serve on the executive board of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and I look forward to supporting the organization as it continues to grow, expand, and build upon our noteworthy foundation.

Please list all BCALA Involvement:Current Exec Board Member, History Committee, Fundraising Committee, NCAAL committees.

Professional Activities & Extra-Curricular:WOC+Lib Marketing Lead Content Designer, Franklin and Marshall College African American Alumni Council, Records Committee Consultant for Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Churchtowne Lancaster PA

Accomplishments/Awards & Honors: I have completed 2 Master’s and I’m in the early stages of planning for my doctorate program.

What skills/experiences make you a good candidate to be a board member of BCALA? I passionately support BCALA’s growth and plans for the future. I believe this organization is incredibly necessary and fulfills a powerful service for new and lifetime librarians. The community and support that the organization provides is invaluable and deserves not only preservation but continued promotion across media platforms. With this in mind, I come to the table with a mindset for archival preservation and marketing experience ready to preserve the organization’s legacy and share its’ contributions with everyone near and far. I have served on a number of BCALA committees and I enthusiastically lend my voice to future plans and endeavors.

Name 3 specific things you see that need to be done to strengthen the Black Caucus? 

• I want to see the BCALA continue to grow in membership, reach and impact. I want more media opportunities for the organization. Recent news coverage has been wonderful. I would like to see the BCALA in more media outlets, large and small to ensure every black librarian knows this organization exists and the opportunities we provide. I would like to see committee members speaking with students within library programs about the organization so that before they graduate, they are already dedicated, involved members. I would like to see more opportunities for community and open conversation with fellow members. I know everyone has so much on their plate but the benefits of open conversation with one another is undeniable.

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE FOR YOUR CANDIDATES:

Only current members of BCALA as of April 1, 2022 may participate in the election and you will only be allowed to vote once, so please review your ballot before voting.

If you do not have online access or do not wish to cast an electronic ballot, please contact Rudy Clay, Membership Chair at [email protected].  Rudolph will assist you in getting a printed ballot that can be mailed in.

THE BALLOT WILL CLOSE ON May 15, 11:59 PM 2022.

Please follow the steps below to cast your 2022 Election Ballot:

1. Review this Candidate page to become familiar with the nominees.
2. Check your email for your official BCALA Election ballot.
3. Complete the ballot, you will only be able to complete the ballot once.
4. Submit your ballot and you have cast your vote.

ElectionBuddy will tabulate the results of the vote which will be verified by the Organizational Director and the Nomination and Election Committee chair (BCALA Immediate Past President).

Thank you for your attention, support and participation.

2022-2024 BCALA Nomination and Election Committee

Richard E. Ashby Jr, Chair

BCALA Immediate Past President