Meet Adrienne Prather | Educator, Author, Motivational Speaker, Craftswoman and Spoken Word Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrienne Prather and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrienne, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Atlanta, Georgia but grew up in Jonesboro, Georgia. My upbringing taught me the importance of keeping God first in my life. What I considered as strict as a child, was my saving Grace. I am very thankful for my upbringing and for the unconditional love that I received from both of my parents. I had challenges that I navigated through but their love, advice and understanding really helped me a great deal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am excited that despite what people said I was not capable of achieving, that with God’s help, I was able to accomplish most of my goals that I set for myself. I am a graduate of both Atlanta Metropolitan College and Georgia State University. I also completed a Children’s Writing Program with Honors at Ashworth College.

I am a writer and I have written 3 Books, and 1 Spoken Word CD and over 100 poems. I am a Contributor Poetry Writer for Spoken Black Girl Magazine. I also had a poem published in Rolling Out Magazine. I was also featured in Clayton Neighbor Newspaper. The names of my books are, Reflections of Love Inspirational Poetry Book, Encouragement Cafe, Self Help and Grace Finds Peace, Children’s Book. I won first place in a poetry contest this year that was hosted by Yorkshire Publishing Company.

I started making earrings last year, leather and denim. Also, I customized denim heels, handbags and wallets. I wanted to expand my creative horizons and step out on faith. I am still learning, growing and discovering my purpose here on this earth. I thank the Lord for the doors of opportunity and the people I’ve been fortunate to meet.

This journey was not easy, I had challenges I had to overcome. My desire for writing began as a way to express myself freely as a child. Writing became my way to connect to the world when I didn’t have the exact words to say. I had to build confidence and believe in myself. Never did I think that expressing my desire to write a book, would lead to me actually pursuing that passion.

In my youth, I was that shy girl who took speech classes, battled with low self -esteem, often felt rejected and just felt somewhat disconnected with the world. However, it was a blessing to know that I was an instrument being used to encourage and help others recognize and fulfill their dreams as well.

Once I realized I had a voice that needed to be shared through writing and speaking, that was my motivation and the drive to my destiny. I would like for the world to know that I am compassionate about what people are going through. I believe that no matter what we face, that we have the power to overcome any situations or circumstances. I believe that with God all things are possible. I would like my products and the work that I produce to reflect my core beliefs and values.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are a lot of places to venture off to in the city, here are some of my picks. I would plan a trip to Centennial Park and take a picture of the sky view ferris wheel in Downtown, Atlanta, and while in the area plan to visit the CNN center for a Tour and the World of Coke. We would have to return another day to get fancy and eat at the Sun Dial Restaurant. Visiting the King Center would also be a part of the itinerary as well. I would plan a brunch at Two Eggs located in Mcdonough, Georgia this is a great spot to eat brunch and listen to music. Because I like to skate, I would add skating at Skate Zone in Morrow, Georgia to our agenda. To venture out and experience great tasting food we would head to Chattahoochee Food Works.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank God for who He is in my life, His unconditional love, the many blessings and ways that He made for me. I would like to recognize my mom, Betty Prather who passed away in 2021 of Cancer. The day I lost her, my life changed. She was so caring, loving and kind. She believed in the power of God and prayed without hesitation and was a true fighter and a prayer warrior. She was always there to lend a hand no matter what the situation. She was a great mother, and I am so truly grateful that she was chosen to be mine. Every book signing, poetry event, important milestones that I had, she was always there to support. I would like to recognize my dad Arthur Prather who has always been a great provider and who showed us what the love of a father is all about. I am grateful for my family and friends who have supported me as well, especially my two brothers, Terrence and Darlwyn Prather.

I would like to thank the following Bookstores who have supported me for many years by providing me an opportunity to have book signings and display my books in their stores. I want to send a huge shout out to Marcus Williams of Nubian Bookstore in Morrow, Georgia and Nia Damali of Medu Bookstore in Greenbriar Mall, Atlanta, Georgia and also Henry Carter who I met this year of Tree of Knowledge Bookstore located inside of Black Wallstreet in Lithonia, Georgia. Also, Josie Terry who has always encouraged and motivated me to express my gifts and talents.

Lastly, I would also like to thank Rowanna Abbensetts, the owner and CEO of Spoken Black girl Magazine for allowing me the opportunity to be a contributor writer in such an empowering magazine that is centered around the mental health of women of color. To the people I didn’t name personally but have supported me in anyway, I thank you so very much.

Instagram: Tmialuv

Facebook: Author Adrienne Prather