By By Emma Lancaster West Guest columnist
Being that the month of February is historically designated as Black History month, the Black Heritage Committee submits each week of the month an article under the title "Lights of Legacy." It is the intention of the committee to share the accomplishments of those from the Brewton community who are making a positive impact on their communities and the world.
The first of these series for February is Mrs. A. Faye Boykin, a native of Brewton and a graduate of Southern Normal School, class of 1978, and a 1981 graduate of Tuskegee University with honors, earning a degree in social work. After graduating from Tuskegee, her education and talents thrust her into the national spotlight as a sought after writer and motivational speaker, author, radio commentator and publisher.
She is a positive and spiritually led woman of the 21st Century. It is the "spoken and written words" of Boykin's life that are woven into her talks and writings. "Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional," she said.
She relentlessly proves it is not where you live but what lives in you.
Boykin has authored four books including one best seller. Her most recent, "Gold on Your Fingertips! Stop Sittin' on you Assets." Other books include, "Been Through the Fire but Didn't Get Burned 100%," "No Testimony Without a Test" and "In Due Season They That Don't Wait Too Late." She writes from the heart using her own personal test and triumphs as backdrops, reminding readers that you can overcome. She shares with the masses, that out of pain, power is born. It's the "will" of the person that heals the person.
Boykin was boosted into national prominence by appearances on such television magazine shows such as "Insight with Clara Winfrey "(first cousin to Oprah Winfrey), "Positively Texas," "Coffee Break in Baltimore" with Frank Ski (now the number one D.J. on Hot 103 in Atlanta), "Good Day Alabama," in Montgomery, Ala. and "Good Morning Alabama" in Birmingham. She is also a regular commentator on WXVT radio station in Montgomery.
Boykin is the recipient of the 2003 Sojourner Truth Award by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Council, Who's Who in the World 2001, by Marquis publisher, two times recipient of Key to the city of Birmingham, 1999 proclamation, the city of Mesquite, Texas, 1983 outstanding young women of America and 1981 Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities.
Her social affiliation includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Montgomery/Tuskegee Alumni Club, Partners in Education and Toastmasters International Speaking Club.
The Brewton community salutes A. Faye Boykin, a native daughter, for her accomplishments. Your hard work has proven that you are indeed a trendsetter.