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Local Author Channels Childhood Experiences into New Children’s Book Series

Scovia Rushing was born in Sudan, raised in Kenya and Uganda, and eventually moved to the U.S. As a child, she thought her moving to the States meant living where the Power Rangers lived—and while living in Memphis, she found out she could use her incredible powers to make the world a better place.

“When my family told my older brother and I that we were going to move to Memphis, my ten year old mind thought Memphis, Egypt,” Rushing recalls. “Boy am I glad it was Memphis, TN!”

Scovia attended Snowden Middle School, Evangelical Christian School’s high school, and then went on to become a Tiger at the University of Memphis. Today, she is a 26-year-old, creative leader who is passionate about bringing joy and power to our city.

Scovia’s career in public relations centers around being an elite storyteller. She learned this skill from her grandparents who taught her that “storytelling is universal, purposeful, and predates writing.” Passed down from her grandparents and learned through career experience, she discerned that “when a story utilizes truthful, diverse characters it appeals to our deepest emotions as humans.” Scovia says that writing stories are what keep her “grounded and focused,” and in 2020, nothing is more important than living in that balance. 

Recently, Scovia channeled both her beautiful childhood experiences with her grandparents and her passion for storytelling into a new book series. The Scovia Book Series utilizes Biblical themes and focuses on her childhood experiences in Africa. The first volume, Scovia Learns She has Melanin, will release in November, and she hopes to teach children that no matter the color of their skin, it is a beautiful feature that they were born with. Children and adults alike will love this book not only for Scovia’s incredible storytelling skills but also for the beautiful illustrations of Cameron Wilson. 

Memphis is at the heart of what makes Scovia the creative she is today.

“I love how diverse Memphis is. I call it the most magical place to live. Memphis has shaped me as a creative because I witnessed a diverse array of individuals pursuing their passions when I was growing up.”

We are incredibly proud of this Memphian and of all that she has and will accomplish! Here are some ways that we can support her and her incredible work:

  • “Scovia Learns She Has Melanin” can be purchased here.
  • On Tuesday, October 27, from 5PM-6OM, meet Scovia and listen to her book reading. The event will take place at Country Gardens located at 7858 Smythe Farm Rd, Memphis, TN 38120. It is free of charge, and you can call 901-753-5887 to RSVP for the event.
  • Support Scovia’s work financially through her venmo account @ScoviaRushing, and keep up with her work on Instagram.

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