The Generator

Brenda Jackson stands as a pioneering force in the world of romance literature. Her literary journey is a testament to her exceptional accomplishments. Her professional writing career took flight in 1995 with the release of her debut book, "Tonight and Forever." Since then, Brenda has garnered numerous national and literary awards, cementing her status as a trailblazing author. With a vast bibliography of over 149 books and novellas, she has collectively sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, transcending linguistic boundaries with translations into 32 different languages. 

One of her most groundbreaking milestones was her historic ascent as the first African American author to grace both the New York Times Bestsellers List and the USA Today's Bestsellers List within the romance genre. Her book "A Silken Thread" earned her a 2012 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Fiction. Brenda became the first African American author to receive the prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America in 2012. In 2019, she received the New York Chapter of Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award; and she received the Best Romance of 2022 award for her book – The House on Blueberry Lane – from the African American Literary Awards. 

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Brenda's unwavering dedication to community service has been met with well-deserved acclaim. She was the proud recipient of the Jacksonville Trailblazer Award in 2013, an esteemed recognition presented by her city's mayor. The following year, in 2014, she was honored with the Sallye B. Mathis Community Service Award by the NAACP, as well as the Bethune Cookman University Award for Community Service. Brenda's remarkable contributions continue to extend into the realm of service, earning her esteemed recognition from both Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. These acknowledgments celebrate her outstanding commitment to making a positive impact and serving her community.

In 2015, her compassion and dedication were celebrated with the Humanitarian Award from Florida Memorial University. Additionally, Brenda's significant impact led to her being named one of Jacksonville's Top 30 Women of Influence by the Southeast Small Business Magazine in both 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Essence Magazine recognized her novel, "A Lover's Vow," as one of the "Best Books" of the year, solidifying her place in the hearts of readers and critics alike. 
Brenda's gift for creating lifelike, relatable families is at the core of her writing. In a recent interview with USA Today, she humbly shared, "I think it's my ability to make my families seem real, as if they are actually someone you know, or someone you would love to know." 
Brenda's journey has graced the pages of renowned magazines like Essence, Sister-2-Sister, Today's Black Woman, Ebony, Romantic Times, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Cosmopolitan. Amazon recognized her novel, "A Man's Promise," as one of the top twenty-five romance novels for 2015; while Goodreads celebrated "Delaney Desert Sheikh" as one of the top 100 romance novels of all time. 

Brenda's literary magic continues to shine on the silver screen, with several of her books brought to life in captivating cinematic adaptations. In a groundbreaking move, she made history in 2011 as the first Black Romance Author to independently finance, produce, and direct a feature film with "Truly Everlasting." This journey began earlier when her book "One Special Moment" was adapted into a television movie by BET in 2001. These notable adaptations, along with others like "A Brother's Honor" in 2019, showcase Brenda's enduring impact on both the literary and cinematic worlds. 

Brenda Jackson's success has fueled her philanthropic endeavors, with a particular focus on higher education. She passionately supports Florida Memorial University, where she established the Josephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation in honor of her grandmother. To date, Brenda has generously contributed over $230,000 to this foundation, ensuring that students aspiring to further their education have the means to do so. Through the National Continental Society, Brenda initiated the Brenda Jackson Leadership Award, a $1,000 annual award presented to a youth from the Jacksonville, Florida community who demonstrates strong leadership skills in their school, church, and community. She also provides a $1,000 annual Brenda Jackson Empowerment Scholarship to Pace Center for Girls, an organization that helps troubled girls to complete high school. Her support for the National Medical Association was recognized by the National Council on Concerns of Women Physicians in August 2015, marking her as a champion of healthcare and well being. 

A dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Brenda Jackson exemplifies the values of service, excellence, and community commitment. Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. hosts the Brenda Jackson Literary Scholarship Award, an annual $2,000 award presented to a college-bound high school senior. 

Her personal life is a heartwarming love story as well, having been married to her high school sweetheart, Gerald, for an inspiring 44 years. Together, they raised two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University, she dedicated 37 years to a successful management career at State Farm Insurance before retiring. 

Brenda Jackson's legacy is not just the words she pens but the lives she touches, the communities she uplifts, and the dreams she inspires. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and a boundless commitment to making the world a better place. 

For a complete list of Brenda's books and additional information on her remarkable journey, you can visit her website at www.brendajackson.com.