Denene Millner has been excellent her entire career.
Millner’s commitment and tenacity in identifying and amplifying Black stories beyond the stereotypical narrative of mainstream media—be it news, lifestyle, or publishing—is the hallmark that catapulted and shaped her life’s work.
After eight years in journalism, Millner pivoted into publishing after a supervising editor continually suppressed her talent and blocked her professional advancement in the newsroom. As fate would have it, the emerging writer had written a feature article for the newspaper that went viral, resulting in a commission to write her first book, The Sistahs’ Rules: Secrets for Meeting, Getting, and Keeping a Good Black Man. A single offer led to another, which led to another, which eventually led to Millner being commissioned to co-author Steve Harvey’s wildly popular book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which went on to sell over 2.8 million copies and spend 64 weeks on The New York Times’ best-seller list.
Due to her writing prowess and ability to transform people’s life experiences into impactful narratives, Millner became a highly sought-after biographer, having penned the memoirs of Taraji P. Henson, Jessye Norman, Charlie Wilson, Cookie Johnson, and Nene Leakes, among others.
Millner’s excellence and leadership extend beyond the page and into the community. In addition to being a popular and prolific writer, Denene dedicated six years to leading a writing program that she spearheaded within the halls of Atlanta Public School system’s Grady High School. Millner personally tutored students, rallied student and community engagement in the school’s annual poetry competition, and developed college essay clinics for a diverse group of students who needed the support.
Millner has been just as influential in the careers of other mainstream authors, providing guidance, support, and opportunity.
In recent years, Millner continues to have an astounding impact in her community through her leadership and writing. She has penned the critically acclaimed historical novel One Blood, which, in its own right, is a literary masterpiece that addresses the Black familial experience, adoption, and adoptees’ right to know and own their identity. Over the past 25 years, Millner’s literary prowess has grown increasingly sophisticated, but also necessary to the intersecting demographics she represents: African American, female, and humankind. Her place in the canon cannot be denied. Millner is perpetually elevating excellence.
RELATED CONTENT: ‘One Blood’ Is The Most Black And Beautiful Adoption Story You’ll Ever Read
Source: Black Enterprise
