Ebony Essence: A Coloring Book for Grown Ups Celebrating Black Women and Girls (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781979618427)

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, LaShawnda is a formally trained African-centered educational psychologist, mental health counselor, and social scientist. In 2013, LaShawnda discovered her natural talent for "making" and merged it with her knowledge of and love for West African art and culture to launch Ananse Design Essentials. She is a self-taught craftswoman that creates each item from start to finish. Ever since then, she has constantly evolved as a maker, artist, entrepreneur, scholar, craftswoman, and activist. LaShawnda served as a college professor for over seven years and is currently a research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women. In 2015, she was recognized by The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta Magazine, as one of Augusta's ten most outstanding young professionals. She is also the founder of Black Girls Matter, a social media campaign to bring awareness to issues that Black girls face in global society. With deep devotion, LaShawnda has vigorously accepted the call to enhance the well-being and lives of Black girls globally. Her wide array of research over the past decade has created a platform that sheds light on the social determinants, racial injustices, and cultural biases that burden the progression and viability of Black women. This devotion emerges in her scholarly work as well as her craftswomanship.