Darlene Williams, President

As an award-winning business professional, Darlene has over three decades of experience which includes being an Amazon bestselling author, adjunct lecturer, former NYC Assessment Probation Officer, former NJCAA Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, and College Administrator, and Alvin Ailey personal development instructor. She has played key roles in preserving historical landmarks across Long Island where she grew up.

She has penned personal and professional development books for girls, tweens, teens, and women. In fact, as the lead author in the anthologies that she has spearheaded, professional American women of all ages, share their stories of success. The foreword of her books have been written by WNBA Legend, songstress, and model, Kym Hampton, celebrity fitness expert, Kacy Duke, America’s sweetheart, BerNnadette Stanis, “Thelma Evans” from the 70’s sitcom, Good Times, and others.

Her books have been recognized as #1 in Women & Business as well as other categories. She has received accolades for her work from various public officials across the country.

Her personal development curriculum for young people has been implemented in three juvenile facilities across the New York City Region and has been used in churches and non-profit organizations.

She currently sits on the Barack Obama Green Charter School as a Trustee and serves as the President of the Barack Obama Green Charter School Foundation Board.

Darlene is the Chief Operating Officer of her husband’s non-profit, A Father’s Love and works very closely with him and his programming. A Father’s Love serves as the non-profit arm of the Black Authors Festival and a portion of the proceeds from the Festival goes toward programming for young people.

Maurice L. Williams, Vice President

Maurice L. Williams serves as the Vice President of the Black Authors Festival. He is the Executive Director of A Father’s Love Personal Development & Community Services, a Chaplain, author of the very popular book, Bastard: From Prisoner To Professor, an adjunct lecturer, Founder of the Far Rock Peace Treaty, and is currently in his last year at Columbia University’s School of Social Work, in pursuit of his second Master’s Degree.

For more information about Maurice and A Father’s Love, visit his website: www.afatherslove54.com