I was "sick and tired," but I had to go on. This weekend, I had the sacred privilege of bringing two of America's great voices and geniuses to the stage: Zora Neale Hurston on Saturday and Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer on Sunday. But performing both women on consecutive days would have required tremendous physical, emotional, and spiritual strength even if I had been completely healthy. The Sunday before the performances, I began feeling sick. By Wednesday, I had been diagnosed with acute bronchitis....

I didn't begin voting until I was in my early thirties. As a television journalist, I believed my responsibility was to report the news impartially. But everything changed when I began portraying extraordinary women whose lives taught me why voting matters—not just as a right, but as a sacred responsibility. From Fannie Lou Hamer's courage to Zora Neale Hurston's independence, these women showed me that freedom requires participation. Here's my journey to understanding why voting matters.

here are stories that entertain us. And then there are two books that awaken us. Inspired by my one-woman show on Zora Neale Hurston, The Zora Collection brings you two powerful books: When Zora Spoke, I Remembered My Name and When Zora Spoke, Finding Courage, Voice & Healing. These two books will guide you to rediscover your identity, reclaim your voice, and walk boldly in your divine purpose. Together for only $34.99 (save $5), and a portion of every purchase helps restore Zora Neale Hurston’s