About The Author
Ollie is a prolific author who uses the power of poetry to advocate for change and connection. She has published seven diverse works, including The ABC Character Builder, Fire in My Bones, Commander in Chief (The 44th President), Searching-Genealogy-Connecting: Phase I, Sprouts of the Spirit, Scattered Changes, and Equality, Injustice or What. Born the seventh of sixteen children in the Union Chapel community of Springfield, Arkansas, Ollie’s upbringing instilled in her a lifelong commitment to service. Today, she resides in Orange, New Jersey, with her husband. Her distinguished career includes serving as a retired Newark Public School educator and a former VISTA Volunteer—a role in which she played a
pivotal part in helping create the first Rent Control Bill for the City of Newark. Ollie’s educational background is as varied as her advocacy work. She holds a BA in Sociology from Northridge State University, a Secondary Certificate in Social Studies from Montclair State University, and a Certification in Preschool and Special Education from Kean University. A
dedicated community activist and lifetime member of the NAACP, she remains deeply active in her church, continuing to use her voice to inspire, educate, and connect those around her.
