Reception held in the Hub City for a TN author

JACKSON, Tenn.—One Tennessee author is being recognized with a special event in Jackson.

A reception was held Sunday at JCM beginning at 5 p.m. for author Melody Hawkins. Hawkins is a Jackson native and once attended school at JCM.

She is a nationally recognized advocate of equality in education, especially for those with ethnic or culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Hawkins took her own experiences and expertise within the education field to write the book entitled “Black Girl in the Middle,” which examines how five changes in education practices can have a huge impact on African American girls in Middle School.

At the event, she was available to sign copies of her book and was also recognized for her many achievements. The audience could hear her story and were allowed time for questions as well.

“My book provided five transformative practices that I have used in my classroom, and as an administrator that I’ve seen other administrators and teachers use to ensure that we’re providing black girls with a space they feel valued, heard, seen and they can thrive,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins has been recognized as the 2021 National University Teacher of the year, Knoxville’s 40 under 40 Most Influential People, honored by the TN General Assembly and the City of Jackson.

Along with being an author, she is currently working as an administrator for a school in Knox County, Tennessee.

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