Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Darlene Williams of West End

We recently had the chance to connect with Darlene Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Darlene, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are sacred. I begin with gratitude and stillness, prayer, meditation, and reflection on God’s goodness. I take this time to align my spirit before I engage with the world. I often write in my gratitude journal, review my intentions for the day, and spend quiet moments visualizing success, not just for myself, but for the people and projects I’m called to serve. Once my heart and mind are clear, I review my priorities, respond to critical communications, and ensure my energy is directed toward purpose, not pressure.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Darlene Williams, an author, educator, philanthropist, and founder of the Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor,, Black Authors Festival @ATL, Black Authors Festival @LosAngeles, Black Authors Festival @Chicago, and Black Authors Festival @Texas one of the nation’s most distinguished literary celebrations honoring Black authors and promoting literacy, equity, and cultural preservation. I also serve as the COO of A Father’s Love Personal Development and Community Services, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth through mentorship, education, and empowerment.

What makes my work unique is its fusion of legacy and leadership, a commitment to restoring faith, dignity, and opportunity in our communities through storytelling, education, and wellness. I believe literature is liberation. Every event, book, and initiative I lead is rooted in purpose, guided by faith, and designed to create access where barriers once stood.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God saw me first, before anyone else ever could. He saw the leader, the teacher, the visionary, and the vessel I was meant to become. It was God’s quiet voice that reminded me of my worth when I couldn’t see it myself. His vision for my life was always greater than my own, and learning to trust that has made all the difference.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Funny you ask as I have an entire series of anthologies where I and my co-authors t discuss what we would tell our younger selves. I would tell my younger self, “You are more than enough, not because of what you do, but because of who you are and you’re a born winner.” I would remind her that her light doesn’t need permission to shine, that her sensitivity is strength, and that the same things that make her different will one day make her powerful. I would whisper, “Keep holding on! Your voice will move mountains!”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! The public version of me is rooted in the private work that I am committed to. What people see is the confidence, the grace, the faith, the result of years of refinement, resilience, and relationship with God. The difference is that in private, I’m quieter. I listen deeply, I rest in stillness, and I’m intentional about pouring into others from a full cup. But there’s no contradiction, I strive for authenticity in every space I occupy. The same Darlene who stands on the red carpet is the same one who prays, laughs, and cries behind closed doors.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
First and foremost, I want God to pleased and want him to say well done good and faithful servant. I also hope that he is pleased that I raised a child that loves Him and seeks to obey His will and help to make a difference in this world and that my son will pass God’s legacy on to his children. As for others, I hope people will say that I lived my life in service and that I made people feel seen, heard, and inspired to become who they were meant to be. That I used every platform God gave me to uplift others and create spaces where our stories could live forever. I hope they’ll say I was a bridge-builder between generations, between faith and purpose, between pain and healing.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of faith, integrity, and impact, that I didn’t just talk about change, but embodied it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackauthorsfestival.com
• Instagram: Black Authors Festival
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-williams-42a590a7/

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Hazy Sun Productions