Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Floyd.
Hi Beverly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Introductions are interesting. I’m learning our stories begin generations before our existence through the lives of our ancestors.
Like many others, my three siblings and I grew up with limited information about our lineage. Our dad grew up a foster child, so our paternal family tree starts with him. He eventually enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Korea, where he met our Korean mother. They fell in love, got married, and started their family. I am the third of four children. We left Korea when I was around three or four and we had very little communication with our Korean relatives after we moved.
Our dad taught us the Bible growing up, but we were never members of a church. We studied at home on the Sabbath (sundown Friday through dusk on Saturday). I am pretty sure I speak for all my siblings when I say we hated it.
I joined the Navy when I was 17 and began reading the bible on my own, mainly to discredit what my dad taught us. Instead, I was drawn to the Tanakh (Old Testament) and like my dad, I observed Shabbat and the holy days described in the Jewish scriptures.
Fast forward to 2017, my dad completed a DNA test and discovered his heritage as Nigerian from the tribe of Judah. I literally rejoiced when he showed us his report. Until that time, I hadn’t realized how not knowing our identity affected me. And my being drawn to the Jewish scriptures finally made sense. Also, the timing could not have been more perfect because a few months prior, my husband, dad and I booked a trip to Israel—a place we longed to visit for years.
It’s an amazing phenomenon that history passes through our bloodline and helps shape us. The importance of history, identity and legacy is the basis of a novel I’m writing, Peculiar People. It is about a young, black African-American male who discovers he is a descendant from the lost tribes of Israel and his quest to find his brothers from the remaining tribes.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In 2019, my nephew, Cedric, died tragically. He was 27, an educator and world traveler who inspired thousands of people to explore the globe and embrace diverse cultures. In the three years he lived abroad, he visited 30 countries, started a scholarship for African-American college students, and co-founded a travel group. He was funny and fearless and his sudden departure from this life shook our family to the core.
Many years earlier, in 2006, my mother died from dementia. This summer, upon our stepfather’s death, we discovered our mom silently suffered abuse by his hands when she was alive. I cannot begin to explain the myriad of emotions that flood my spirit daily. Our mother was beautiful, strong, resilient, honest. She was the type of mother who could laugh at herself when we lovingly teased her. I wish I could reverse time and rescue her. One way I plan to cope with this grief is through spreading awareness and helping people recognize the signs of abuse that we tragically missed.
I know we are not the only family to suffer these traumas. My heart goes out to all who have been forced to say goodbye to someone they love dearly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In 2020, my husband and I launched our publishing company, InkWell Publishing LLC. It was a prophecy that waited in the wings since 2007 when a stranger (who is now a dear friend) prophesied it would come to pass. I know what you’re thinking, that’s 13 years! Sadly, the words came to fruition after my nephew’s death. One of his high-school teachers suggested we write a children’s book series based on his travels and I remembered the prophecy. Reflecting on his life taught me that by living in close proximity to my passion, I will find my purpose. Today, we are publishing stories by diverse authors in the U.S., Canada, Kenya, and you guessed it… Nigeria. You see, Cedric traveled the world and had amazing adventures. And now, InkWell ventures the globe giving storytellers a platform to do what they love to do… write.
Through storytelling, InkWell embraces the responsibility to not just entertain readers around the world through children’s books and fiction novels; but also collaborate with writers to enlighten, inspire, and educate people on difficult topics such as identity, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. So… although Cedric’s death led to the birth of our company; his life is what inspired it.
What matters most to you? Why?
Family. My husband and I have been married 32 years. We have two tenacious daughters and three grandchildren who make my heart melt. My siblings and our spouses are best friends and we have raised our children and grandchildren together. The silent prayers of our dad—the patriarch of our family—is what strengthens us. And what of our relatives in Korea? My oldest sister took my mom to see them before she died. And in 2019, my siblings and I took a page from Cedric’s book and visited during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). It is the second book in Cedric’s picture book series, CedintheCity Presents. I can imagine that made mom and Cedric smile.
Interviews like this also matter, because it may reach someone who needs encouragement. If someone reading this is in an abusive situation, or if you think someone may be in an abuse situation, please know people care deeply and are standing by to help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).
Contact Info:
- Email: inkwell@inkwellpublishers.com
- Website: www.inkwellpublishers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkwell4writers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InkWell4Writers
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/InkWell_llc
