Meet Exhibiting Author Ronda Renee’

by Ronda Renee’

At the age of 24, I became a single mother. At the age of 27, I became a special foster parent for my oldest sister’s two sons when she became ill. So I was raising three boys on my own.

The challenges that my two nephews faced were beyond my capability and experience to handle, and they were eventually placed in foster care after my sister died. That was a heart wrenching decision that haunts me to this day! Eight years after the death of his mother, my oldest nephew was killed on the streets of Washington, D.C.; he was 19 years old. I believe my nephews were failed by so many people, including myself. If my oldest nephew had been afforded the opportunity to receive the help and guidance he needed, I feel in my heart he would still be alive today.

The first on the priority list of what my nephew needed was a good education. I have always understood and valued the importance of education and I tried to instill that same understanding in my son and nephews. If we empower our children with a love of education, knowledge and acceptance of self and a heart to love and serve others, I believe we can cultivate children that will not succumb to the mean streets. I was raised by my grandmother, and watched her advocate for children, especially me. She protected me from the negative influences of a mother who struggled with drug addiction. She was my saving grace and I am forever indebted to her for the sacrifices she made on my behalf. I honor her with my pen name, Ronda Renee’; the name she called me when she was chastising me! She is deceased now and that name brings healing to my heart.

I have always been a creative writer. My writing is fueled by my emotions and reflects my passions. I started writing “The Musical Adventures of Sam Saxophone” after the birth of my first grandchild. I wanted to create a fun learning experience that he and I could share. I am on a mission to empower, enlighten, engage and entertain children with the written word. I hope you will join me on my quest to educate!

Ronda Renee’ is a native Washingtonian and currently resides in Baltimore.