{"id":16156,"date":"2025-05-29T16:54:37","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=16156"},"modified":"2025-05-29T16:54:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:54:37","slug":"a-book-signing-brings-people-together-from-all-walks-of-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/a-book-signing-brings-people-together-from-all-walks-of-life\/","title":{"rendered":"A Book Signing Brings People\u00a0 Together from All Walks of Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Fonda Royster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Fonda Royster<\/em>
\nSpecial to The Truth<\/em><\/p>\n

It feels incredible when people from all walks of life\u2014different walks of life – rich\/poor, black\/white, Christian\/Muslim, able-body\/disabled, homemaker\/politician\u2014can come together to confront a growing issue that touches every community: unaccompanied youth navigating the cruelty of the streets.<\/p>\n

I held a book signing on May 9 at The Truth Colours Gallery at 7 E. Bancroft \u2013 a free event during which refreshments were provided. My new work, We Do Exist<\/em>, is an attempt to expose the invisible world of youth homelessness.<\/p>\n

I was so deep in my zone, talking about something that fuels my soul\u2014youth who suffer from abuse, violence and exploitation. The room at The Truth Colours Gallery, felt electric.<\/p>\n

Thank you, City of Toledo! They tell me over 50 folk (standing room) showed up to hear me, and DA DOPEST… and I meant DA DOPEST emcee TaTiana Keisha Marie<\/strong><\/a> and panel Amerah Rihaneh Archer<\/strong><\/a>, Sheena Marie Barnes<\/strong><\/a>, Celia Williamson<\/strong><\/a> shared truths that need to be heard. There wasn’t a boring or timid moment. Each queen (excluding myself) dropped gems.<\/p>\n

My second mom, Georgia Daniel<\/strong><\/a>, was our honorary panelist\u2014 and it’s only right. She gave me a second chance of life. So, my book signing became her book signing<\/p>\n

Advocating Opportunity, One Me To Be, Toledo Public Schools<\/strong><\/a> Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County<\/strong><\/a> Cherry Street Mission<\/strong><\/a> and all the other influential community leaders and organizations that showed up in solidarity.<\/p>\n

Oh\u2014and let\u2019s not forget\u2026 Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz<\/strong><\/a> pulled up!<\/p>\n

Thank you for listening\u2014not just to me, but to the community\u2019s concerns. He said he heard listened and heard us. Let’s get this work in.<\/p>\n

Nikolacolours Art Colours<\/strong><\/a> –<\/strong> Nikola Welcome<\/strong><\/a>-Bovell,<\/strong> thank you for being a wonderful hostess.<\/p>\n

My Sweet Thang Kathy Balbaugh-Gonyea<\/strong><\/a> (and her hub) for the poster board did a great job with the poster boar promoting youth homelessness awareness.<\/p>\n

For those who came, thank you for understanding me and not judging me. EMPATHY MATTERS<\/p>\n

We are here. We do exist. We are exposing the invisible world of unaccompanied youth homelessness.<\/p>\n

For those of you who purchased and read my book – \u00a0THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK<\/p>\n