It was my HONOR to vibe with "The Vibe Show" 97.9 FM live on Instagram! Shoutout to the renowned Kevin Hampton for inviting me on air to connect with his listeners at this crucial point in history! Watch this exclusive clip from my interview as we discuss the importance of representation in books, encouraging our communities to use their voice to make positive change in light of the current pain and rage we're suffering, and the Fundamental Truths of Niyah Zuri! FULL INTERVIEW NOW STREAMING ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS - SUBSCRIBE TO ANCHOR.FM/THEVIBESHOW97.9 

I had the esteemed pleasure to be a guest expert on "Parenting Beyond the Headlines" podcast hosted by Dr. Amy Alamar and emmy-award winning journalist Sarah Cody. Listen to the full podcast episode below as we discuss the importance of traveling with your children and exposing them to world cultures!

LISTEN HERE: "Talking About the Importance of Exploring with Your Children" With Special Guest: Anna Nyakana, Author of Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh's Throne

I was honored to be a guest on the “Chillin with Julien" Show filmed at the legendary Smash Studios (NYC) and hosted by the talented Julien Guiteau, who aims to “interview inspiring individuals to inspire others.” 

Dig into my interview where we discuss my book "Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh's Throne" and the importance of diversity, how creativity affects one’s future course in life, generational wealth, the evolution of characters in my book, AND MORE including the long awaited title of my second book in the Niyah Zuri series COMING SOON 2020! My sincerest appreciation to Julien Guiteau for selecting me as an "inspiring individual" and for spotlighting me on his platforms to spread the Niyah Zuri message! Watch my interview or listen to the full audio podcast below!

Full Audio Podcast Interview- Click Here!

Talk Show/ Podcast - Chillin With Julien

Instagram - @chillinwithjulien

Twitter - @chillinwjulien

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"Meet Anna Nyakana of Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh’s Throne in Connecticut"

ATLANTA, Georgia - September 3, 2019 ---

EXCERPT:

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

When I first completed my manuscript, I gave myself one year to get it picked up by a major publisher. I received several rejection letters and eventually an interested publisher asked that I change the most fundamental element of my book; my main character. I was open to collaborating on all suggestions but could not allow Niyah Zuri to be erased; she is a fearless, headstrong, and intelligent black heroine that is destined to change the lives of all young readers. So, I overcame my own fear of failure, redefined my definition of success, and released my book independently. I have sold over 10,000 copies to date.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?

I spent a significant amount of time volunteering throughout my childhood, whether it was building schools overseas, raising funds for community organizations, or being a mentor for at-risk youth. When I was 15, I traveled to Kenya to carry out health clinics in the slums of Nairobi. I came in contact with hundreds of individuals, the majority of them being my own age or younger, who refused to allow their disease to rob them of happiness. Their joy of life was seen in their bodies as they dance-battled, heard in their voices as they laughed and sang along with the radio, and undeniable in their beaming smiles as they greeted me “Good Morning.” My new friends taught me to love and live fully each day, regardless of circumstance. It was a profound lesson that I still carry with me to this day and have instilled in my sons.

FULL ARTICLE - CLICK HERE TO READ!

I am honored to been interviewed by award-winning journalist, radio host, and publisher Karen Hunter on Sirius XM Radio’s “The Karen Hunter Show.” Named one of the “Heavy Hundred” (The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts In America) by industry bible Talkers Magazine, Karen has blazed a trail, bringing more action and less talk to the medium. She not only has some of the most provocative interviews with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the world, she is also a change agent—challenging her listeners to participate in the success they want to see and be. Thought-provoking and cutting-edge, KHS features candid conversations on the topics of the day and segments with guests across a variety of mediums to empower listeners.

A big thank you to Karen Hunter as well as her producers and staff for a thought-provoking segment! Watch the full interview below to hear our discussion of my book "Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh's Throne" and my mission to change children’s perception of reading while bringing diversity to the forefront!

Check out my interview on ABC’s “CT Style” with hosts Ryan Kristopher and Sarah Cody. Thank you for spotlighting my book “Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh’s Throne”  & the impact it’s making in the classrooms in CT. Looking forward to returning for a behind the scenes look at my Authors Visits!

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Watch my author interview on NBC’s CT Live! with hosts Taylor Kinzler and Jimmy Marlow as I share the Niyah Zuri message of diversity, heroines, science, & history! Thank you for adding me to the roster of the “best of” Connecticut and New England!

Thank you to the staff and crew of News 12 Connecticut’s “Our Lives” for a wonderful Author interview, especially Emmy-Award winning host Gwen Edwards! Watch the interview below as we discuss my book “Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh’s Throne” and my mission to amplify diversity in children’s books while inspiring kids to become confident readers!

Beat of CT: Diversity Through Kids Books 

I had a great discussion on HPATV’s Hartford Community Leaders show this week, highlighting my children’s book Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh’s Throne and the impact it’s making in the Greater Hartford community. Hartford Community Leaders began on May 1, 2014, as a community – based planning process bringing together residents, local organizations, police department and local politicians in a forum to come up with viable solutions to violence. Special thanks to hosts Donald Padgett and Lakia Shavon Lightner for spotlighting me in honor of Women’s History Month and recognizing my work with CT students. Watch my interview below!

Kicked off my morning with Hot 93.7‘s Morning Crew Today! Had an amazing time sharing the message of diversity found in Niyah Zuri & The Pharaoh’s Throne, my journey as an indie author, the feedback I’ve been receiving from students and schools in Connecticut, and even my ultimate dream-supporter (Oprah!) with their listeners. Big thanks to the Morning Crew for the interview and their support: DJ Buck, Nancy Barrow, Stevey Newnez, and Genesis Robles! Watch the interview below!