Where Melanated Minds Come
To Be UNLEASHED
This is MORE than a book club… this is your invitation to join a MOVEMENT
This is an intimately curated space where your brilliance, our hand-selected books, and our collective mission of empowerment ALL collide.
If you’ve been craving a community to discuss things that move your soul, stir you to action, and leave you inspired to advocate for change – WELCOME.
If you’re a woman or man driven by intellectual conversations and you’re ready to step into the fullness of life – no matter your circumstances – WELCOME.
If you’re a woman or man seeking the opportunity to share from a place of authenticity, acceptance, and authority – WELCOME.
These unique literary experiences are designed to unlock what’s been hiding inside you and position you to step up and reclaim your voice – unapologetically.
Our books are channels to fresh perspectives, invitations to embrace new insights; and our way to building powerful connections that move all of us to tap into what lives beneath the surface.
Whether you join us for one book club session or multiple – each literary journey will challenge you to see the world differently – always with a new lens that motivates you to evolve and discover who you truly are.
Unlocking Your SOUL With Every Page
We’ve created one highly individualized book club path that each takes you on distinctive journeys that speak to the many different challenges, shifts, and ideas that make up our melanated experience.
The VISION of the AWAKENED Woman & SUPERIOR Man
Building wealth, unlocking your inner wisdom, and owning who YOU are is what you’ll experience as part of this group. Our book titles are carefully selected to equally teach and inspire you to follow your dreams. We’ll challenge what’s possible, discuss what moves us, and always leave committed to living our best life – on our own terms.
We will explore some of the following authors and titles:
- The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Set Boundaries Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- You OWE You by ET
- The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary
- The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
- The MEMO by Miranda Harts
- Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche
- We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
- WILL by Will Smith
Your Transformative Literary Liaison
Schlonda Gates is synonymous with Black excellence and authentic transparency. Her background as an educator gives her the unique advantage and insight to curate spaces for minds and movements that are typically marginalized and forgotten in society. Her powerful view of the world and advocacy to elevate Black and Brown voices to share their moving narratives make Schlonda a conduit for change and CONNECTION. Her psychologically safe spaces and liberating literature experiences set melanated minds ablaze to dream bigger, heal deeper, and explore wider horizons to reach new depths of what’s truly possible.
Schlonda Gates speaks TRUTH to power.
She produces enlightened experiences that transform.
She is the catalyst where melanated hearts and minds come to evolve.
A Book Journey For Every Taste
Whether you want to join us for one book or become a regular part of the Book Tribe – we have you covered. Whether you are a reader or a non-reader–come for the community, the safe space, and the conversation.
We offer two highly interactive options to meet you where you are and give you a fully immersive reading experience unlike any other.
Offer
What’s Included?
A Group Book Journey
We offer new book cohorts every 2-3 months, giving everyone the chance to experience various topics and authors throughout the year.
When you register for a book club cohort, you’ll get access to:
- Biweekly virtual or in-person book meet-ups on Sundays led by Schlonda.
- Private book collective events in and around Louisville
- Customized learning lessons and journal prompts to transform your reading into actionable reflections
- A powerhouse virtual community that is here to empower and embrace your perspectives
A Private Book Journey
Whether you thrive in a more personalized setting or you’re navigating a transitional time when you need more support – we have a private book experience for you.
You’ll work 1-on-1 with Schlonda to curate a hand-selected reading list for you to choose from that will empower you and equip you with healing and reflection that’s matched to your journey.
faqs
Have questions? We have books (and answers)!
Q: I’ve never done a book club before. Will I enjoy this?
A: If being around like-minded people who are constantly seeking knowledge to live life to the fullest is something that gets you excited, then you’ll LOVE it here! Reading is not a requirement/prerequisite, the books we read are designed to help YOU develop and evolve to be the best version of yourself. We welcome non-readers to engage in the conversation and community. Audio books are also available. Pull up!
Q: How long is each book club session?
A: Our literary explorations are all about going deep into the books we read. We take our time working through them so we can have meaningful conversations that celebrate our melanated experience. Each book club lasts 2-3 months which gives you a perfect balance of depth and variety.
Q: How many people are in each book cohort?
A: Our experiences are designed to be intimate and truly immersive groups. As a result, registration for each book cohort is only open for 2 weeks before the group starts. But, to guarantee your spot in every book cohort, then join our monthly membership for just $75/month.
Q: What if I want a private book experience?
A: Not a problem! We offer a high touch, 1-on-1 book journey where you’ll work closely with Schlonda to shape your literary discovery and healing. The experience is crafted to fit your schedule with weekly meetings and assigned readings to help spark your transformation.
Q: How much is it to join?
A: To become part of our book family and join our monthly membership it is $75/month for Women and $35/month for Men. Men—now what is your excuse? I am trying here. This experience gives both Men and Women the full access to biweekly Sunday meetups, customized lessons, reflective exercises, an invitation to our virtual community, and exclusive Louisville events. Also, our monthly membership guarantees you a spot in every book cohort – so you’ll never miss when registration is open!
Q: Who is this book collective for?
A: Although we shape our book experiences to uplift Black and Brown perspectives and voices, our groups are open to accepting, world-minded, allies and advocates of all backgrounds.
Q: Do I have to live in Louisville to participate?
A: We’re all about meeting you where you are — whether that’s in Louisville or abroad. Many of our sessions will be in-person and we have crafted a unique virtual experience if you’re not in the Louisville area.
Q: If I don’t finish the book, can I get a refund?
A: Due to the tailored nature of our literary explorations, no refunds are given once you sign up. You’ll love every minute of what we’ve crafted for you that asking for a refund will be the last thing you’ll think about. Plus, even if you do fall behind with reading the book, our meetups are designed to bring you up to speed and spark insightful conversations.
Q: How much time should I dedicate to the book club?
A: We understand that you’re a busy person, that’s why our book club sessions will always honor your time. Our virtual sessions will be no longer than ninety minutes.
Q: Will I really be able to express my viewpoints?
A: Absolutely! As long as you can do it in a respectful manner, we welcome all perspectives, ideas, personal experiences, you name it. This is YOUR safe space to share your authenticity and authority — unapologetically!
If you have any additional questions, please contact me via email at theschlondabrand@gmail.com
Word on the Book Streets
This Session Book
A Group Book Journey Month-to-Month
A Private Book Journey – 1 on 1 with Schlonda
