Howard University alumna Darby Baham promoted her new novel titled “A Risk Worth Taking” on Friday, Feb. 6, returning to The Mecca to hold a book signing and panel at the campus bookstore.
Baham, class of 2005, began her career as a journalist, having her own blog and eventually becoming a writer for The Washington Post. Now, she has finished six novels in four years, she was inspired by “Accidental Diva” by Tia Williams.
“The stories that I have wanted to tell are stories that center Black women and the things that we go through,” Baham said.
“A Risk Worth Taking” is the sixth book in “The Friendship Chronicles” series, which follows a group of friends each attempting to navigate romantic relationships. The latest story follows a woman named Giselle Lewis who decides to play it safe after many failed romances.
“I knew two books before this that Giselle’s story was going to be more about safety than following your heart,” Baham said.
Her editor urged Baham to make the series after book one, so readers could see what happens with the other women in the friend group. The series is grounded in friendship.
“Finding love is one of the hardest things you can do, and the support system is these women showing up for each other,” Baham said.
Alum Veronica Miller Jamison, also class of 2005, is an illustrator who led the panel for the book signing. The biggest takeaway she found in the book was “the importance of deep friendships.”
Jamison resonates most with Giselle, as both are illustrators.
“[Gisell’s] also an illustrator, and she is from Philly, and I currently live in Philadelphia,” Jamison said.
In the book, Giselle goes through many trials and tribulations in attempts to build a creative career. Jamison expressed relating to that as well.
“I’ve gone through that process multiple times. Especially when you’re in a creative field, the battle between what is practical and what is the best case scenario,” Jamison said.
Tamika Gittens, class of 2005, came to support her classmate, Darby Baham, at her book signing. Gittens’ favorite book in the series was “Her New York Minute,” which followed Olivia.
“I resonated with her more because I like to take risks. Sometimes, when we’re taking career risks, it can seem really scary,” Gittens said.
Many of Baham’s books address the theme of Black love. Gittens emphasized how important it is to tell the story of Black love because “if we don’t speak about our experiences, who will?”
“Our experiences, our love, the relationships that we experience, they shape who we are. They make us resilient and empathetic, whether it be negative or positive,” Gittens said.
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
