Blacklisted: 12 Men Facing Stigma and Success (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781724644251)

Elishia Peterson is a poet, author, educator, and grew up in West Philadelphia. In her very first years of school she was known as "the quiet girl," but through writing she had lots to say. Her imagination at six years old was so detailed and mature that her first-grade teacher noticed her talents and insisted she never give up on her writing. Instead of writing short sentences as a first grader, Elishia was writing full paged stories, stories her mother still has in decent condition. Elishia continued that vivid imagination by crafting her writing style into something that is encouraging, fun, and something she can be proud of. After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Print Communications from Arcadia University in May 2009, her journey as a professional writer began. She has worked as a freelance writer, and led writing workshops as a volunteer for five years at Tree House Books, a non-profit literacy organization serving youth in North-Central Philadelphia. In May of 2013, upon receiving her Master's degree in Writing Studies, Elishia felt empowered by her thesis project "Black Roses: Five Women and Their Mental Breakthrough." So, she published her work into a chapbook to promote, and start the conversation about mental health within the black community. Blacklisted is her first and official published book that features 126 poems. Elishia currently resides in New York City where she has worked as a teacher in Harlem and Brooklyn, while pursuing more education opportunities to be of service to youth and adults.