On December 3, 2024, an extraordinary moment unfolded for The Diamonds of West Virginia project. I was honored to be invited to the WVNS 59 News Room in Beckley, West Virginia, to share the heartfelt stories behind this book that celebrates the remarkable African American individuals of West Virginia. This was more than just a news segment; it was an opportunity to amplify the voices of The Diamonds who have inspired me and many others with their resilience and brilliance.
When given the choice between a live or pre-recorded broadcast, my initial instinct was to choose the latter, to stay within my comfort zone. But my husband had a different perspective. He gently encouraged me to go live, which reminded me of Dr. Maya Angelou’s wisdom: “Say yes, and think about it later.” With those words echoing in my mind, I stepped out of my comfort zone and agreed to the live broadcast at noon.
The day before, we drove to Beckley to ensure an easier morning. Little did I realize that Beckley would greet us with freezing temperatures and snow, a fittingly dramatic backdrop for such a momentous occasion.
As we arrived at the studio, I was awestruck by the wall of awards, a testament to the excellence of WVNS 59. After a few deep breaths to calm my nerves, I was greeted warmly by News Anchor Jonathan Forsgren and the newsroom crew. They walked me through the process, and before I knew it, it was almost time to take my place in front of the camera.
In those moments leading up to the segment, I reminded myself that this wasn’t about me. It was about The Diamonds. This project isn’t just a book, it’s a celebration of lives that deserve to shine brightly. Knowing this gave me the courage to push through my nerves.
As the countdown began, I took my seat at the news desk, mic’d up and ready or so I thought. The first question came, and to my horror, my mind went blank. My worst fear had come true. But then, Jonathan pointed to the screen displaying images from the book and asked me to talk about them. That simple prompt grounded me. I found my voice and shared the stories of The Diamonds with ease, passion, and pride.
The segment may have lasted only three minutes, but its impact will resonate far longer. It was a chance to invite others to join this journey, whether by donating or becoming part of our growing community.
This trip was also a milestone for the project in another way. While in the area, I was able to complete two in-person interviews and photo sessions with The Diamonds: a talented singer in Beckley, WV and a trailblazing federal judge, in Charleston, WV. Capturing their stories and images was an unforgettable experience that will add even more depth and richness to this book.
This project is deeply personal to me, but it’s also a shared celebration of West Virginia’s resilience, beauty, and contributions. If you’d like to support The Diamonds of West Virginia, please visit diamonds.phinishingtouches.com to donate or join the community. Together, we can ensure these stories shine as brightly as they deserve.
Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping to make it a reality. Let’s celebrate the brilliance of The Diamonds!
Link to the broadcast - WVNS_Diamonds of WV Broadcast
(Image screenshot from broadcast)
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