Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hatcher.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Honestly, the inspiration for the story came from a community service project that my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter, was conducting with the Boys & Girls Club during COVID-19. While walking past the library with one of my fraternity brothers, I spontaneously said, “I’m going to write a children’s book!” Over the next few weeks, I sat down and brought that vision to life by writing the story.
I wanted the book to portray healthy, positive Black father figures and Black and Brown children who develop a heart for community service at an early age. It was equally important to me that the book celebrate Black excellence throughout every aspect of its creation.
The author is a Black man (me), the publishing company, Black Gold Publishing, is owned by a Black woman, and the illustrations were created by a talented Black female artist, Danielle Page. Every part of this project was intentional. Although the storyline does not feature a Black female character in a leading role, Black women played an essential role in bringing the book to life.
That representation was especially meaningful to me because I was raised by two incredibly strong Black women: my mother, Catrina, and my grandmother, Lillie. Their love, strength, and influence helped shape the man I am today, and I wanted this project to reflect that appreciation in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, this book was more than just a story. It was an opportunity to celebrate Black fatherhood, encourage the next generation to embrace community service, and demonstrate the beauty and power of intentional Black collaboration.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Turning that initial idea into a finished book required a great deal of time, patience, dedication, and perseverance. Nearly four years passed between writing the story and finally seeing it published. Along the way, I faced several personal and professional challenges, including setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, family health concerns, financial difficulties, and a period of depression.
The creative process also came with its own challenges. I had to find the right publishing company, secure an illustrator who could bring my vision to life, and navigate the financial demands of producing a children’s book. Because of the cost, I paid for the illustrations a few pages at a time, which extended the timeline but allowed me to continue moving forward without compromising my vision.
Even after the book was released, I encountered additional challenges with the publishing company, particularly surrounding communication and follow-through. However, despite the obstacles, delays, and occasional frustrations, bringing this project to life has been one of my most meaningful and rewarding experience. Looking back, I am proud that I remained committed to the vision, even during the moments when completing the book felt uncertain
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a QMHP, I support individuals through their mental health and personal growth journeys with compassion, patience, and understanding. As a fraternity chapter vice president, I lead by example, encourage collaboration, and remain committed to serving my chapter and community. I am also a creative, style-conscious traveler who draws inspiration from different cultures and experiences. Through each of these roles, I bring authenticity, purpose, individuality, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. One thing that I am most proud of is being a first generation college student, homeowner, and independent professional. One thing that sets me apart from others is my own personal sense of style and the places I have traveled.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Some of my favorite books and podcasts are thrillers, true crime, or historical story telling.
Pricing:
- $19.06 on Amazon: The price is symbolic of the year of which my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha was founded, and the story is filled with references to the organization.
- $19.06 on Barnes and Noble
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afatherslegacykjv.wixsite.com/aflkjv?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAVEtGlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAmZkaWQWUQpDL_b60MFi0ToaHVVfR-iTEsPobnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpx_UgkK1V4y7ZfZymnUH-tWb9XsGAew73RuGpohhVOe0N-Nxg2Pc15UBe5_e_aem_kW4xYz9o33Ka4ztrlLtjrA
- Instagram: Afatherslegacy_Kjvolunteers
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953130321?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520_btn_assoc_p-instagram_o-1_srctok-866786058181fbc4_ht-t&ascsubtag=srctok-866786058181fbc4&btn_type=pt&btn_ref=srctok-866786058181fbc4&dplnkId=d630da53-71a0-42aa-a133-9a7e8d0764a8&nodl=1
