SJM Juneteenth Children's Story Hour

There will be a Children’s Story Hour with Local Authors at the SJM Juneteenth Celebration aT 2:15 am

The children will have an opportunity to meet the authors, purchase books, and have them signed by the authors.

Robert E. Constant

Robert E. Constant reading his book “Hey Tuskegee!!” at the 2022 SJM Juneteenth Celebration.

Robert E. Constant is a creative writer who is at the start of a burgeoning hobby as a children’s book author. Robert is a senior level fundraising administrator with over 20 years of experience in higher education and has worked with respected academic institutions like Southern Methodist University, the University of Virginia, Seton Hall University, and Rutgers University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Tuskegee University in 1998 and his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in 2001. Robert has always had a love for education and sports, so he is thrilled to have had the opportunity to write a children’s book embracing both.

Jennifer Nwokeji

Jennifer Nwokeji is an educator and author who is passionate about making positive impacts on the lives of young children, especially struggling children. As a second career educator, her life’s goal is to see that young children believe in themselves and reach their full potential. Among Jennifer Nwokeji's publications are Get to Know Special Me, The Very Stubborn Caterpillar, What Living Things Do, Zikora's Moroccan Rug, and Number Bonds 1 - 100.

Thaddeus Exposé

Thaddeus Exposé was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a professional jazz bassist, composer, recording artist and successful inventor of the “BowStopper.” He is the author of two books. One is a children's book called Can't Catch Me and a jazz book called The Ultimate Jazz Method-A Comprehensive Performance Based Curriculum for Individual or Group Instruction. Thaddeus earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from William Paterson University. He is the father of three children and five grand children.

Renaee Smith

Mrs. Smith was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She is a wife, mother of three boys who currently resides in New Jersey. She is the CEO of Independent Authors Book Experience a nonprofit organization that helps independent authors and the founder of the Annual Independent Authors Book Expo started in 2014. She is also the CEO of Independent Authors Publications a boutique publishing company designed to assist the writer "Bring Their Books to Life".

She has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Actuarial Science and Insurance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. She works as the Director of Development for a non-profit organization that provides homes for the homeless and near homeless.

​Mrs. Smith writes in 2 main genres; children's books and cookbooks. It was her love for cooking and baking that sparked her gift for writing. Her first book was her cookbook "Jamaica's Forgotten Treats" and then “Memba When”. Her cookbook “Memba When” has received international recognition. It was awarded the Best First Cookbook for Jamaica from Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2014.