Debut author returns home for Black History Month

NEW ORLEANS — Debut children’s author and engineer Lillian Ebanks Joseph, a New Orleans native now living in Houston, will return home Feb. 19-21 to be featured at the Black History Month Literary Weekend, promoting her new children’s book, Lizzie Finds Her Spark.

Set in New Orleans, Lizzie Finds Her Spark is a story designed to encourage more girls of color to pursue careers in STEM. It introduces readers to Lizzie, a curious Afro-Latina girl who loves math and science and is determined to turn her interests into a meaningful future. Joseph says the book grew from both personal reflection and a clear mission.

“I have 30 years of experience in the STEM industry,” she shared. “And one night, the wheels were turning. I got up and just started typing all the ideas. I decided, ‘Hey, I’m going to write a children’s story loosely based on my life.’”

Beyond the book, Joseph is building a broader platform to expand access to STEM resources and mentorship through her nonprofit initiative, STEM Girls Rock, which cultivates curiosity, confidence, and representation for young learners—especially Black and brown girls—through hands-on learning, community programs, and accessible STEM experiences. Readers can get more information and a copy of Lizzie Finds Her Spark during BHMLW, which will include booksignings, a free writers’ workshop, a comedy night, and the signature Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch.

BHMLW is a weekend of music, comedy, and books, solely focused on fostering literacy while celebrating African-American authors and businesses. Since its inception in New Orleans in 2017, the event has promoted more than 100 authors, impacted thousands of students, and contributed more than $6,000 in scholarships, awards, and book donations. 

Meet the World Image Solutions is a boutique literary and publicity services company that specializes in assisting small businesses, non-profit organizations, authors, and artists. It was founded in New Orleans on Jan. 23, 2017, by author and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, and continues to be a beacon for literary and cultural enrichment.