ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 NATIONAL COVERAGE: Accomplished author Diamond Blaque’s memoir is a massive must read
Andre Johnson 
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND
It’s safe to assume Blaque Diamond overwhelmingly outdid herself when she assembled her latest book.
That’s because her newest project, When She Was Lucid: A Daughter’s Reflection On The Life And Legacy Of Elmeria Forbes, has set off a fervent buzz across various message boards and social media platforms since its recent release.
“The vision came gradually as I cared for my mother through the changes brought on by aging and memory loss,” Diamond Blaque told Making Headline News as part of its 2026 Essence Music Festival national coverage for “the party with a purpose” event in New Orleans. “God impressed upon my heart that this journey wasn’t just for me. It was meant to encourage, educate, and prepare others who would one day walk a similar path. What I thought was simply caregiving became ministry.”
Indeed, it has for the beloved New York City native, whose latest book has emerged as remarkably incredible read in its own right.
SALUTING WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD
BUY BLAQUE DIAMOND’S BOOK: https://basicblaque.com/
A fascinating, tear-jerking read that vividly chronicles what this author’s deems, A Daughter’s Journey Through Love, Caregiving, and Legacy, Blaque Diamond’s When She Was Lucid: A Daughter’s Reflection On The Life And Legacy Of Elmeria Forbes is available at https://basicblaque.com/ and where books are sold.
Generally, When She Was Lucid is a deeply personal and heartfelt memoir that chronicles the life of Elmeria Forbes — a mother, grandmother, centenarian, and remarkable woman whose strength shaped generations, according to a detailed synopsis of Blaque Diamond’s book via https://basicblaque.com/.
“Written by award-winning author, Blaque Diamond, this intimate narrative explores the evolving relationship between a daughter and her mother as aging, illness, and time gradually reshape the familiar rhythms of family life,” said a spokesperson via the author’s website. “Through moments of joy, uncertainty, resilience, and profound love, the story captures what it means to care for someone who once cared for you.
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More than a book about dementia, caregiving, or growing older, When She Was Lucid is a testament to the enduring bond between mother and child. It is a story of sacrifice, devotion, family, and the quiet courage required to walk beside a loved one through life’s final chapters while honoring the fullness of who they have always been.”
As Blaque Diamond acknowledged, she felt greatly inspired to compose When She Was Lucid in large part as a strategic way to connect with families who have endured a similar encounter with loved ones.
“I wanted families to know they are not alone,” Blaque Diamond told MHN. “Too often, we only hear about caregiving after the journey has ended. I wanted to honor my mother while she is still living and give caregivers permission to acknowledge both the beauty and the challenges of loving someone through every stage of life.”
Interestingly enough, Blaque Diamond produced her latest book “over several months,” specifically while caring for my mother.
“Many chapters were written in the quiet hours of the night between caregiving responsibilities,” Blaque Diamond recalls. “Although the manuscript is complete, I believe stories like this are never truly finished because love continues to write new chapters every day.”
When She Was Lucid is Blaque Diamond’s 10th book to date. Additional written works are on the horizon, she said.
“Writing is one of the ways I fulfill my purpose,” Blaque Diamond said. “I have several upcoming projects, including books focused on healing, purpose, advocacy, trauma recovery, and family restoration. I also continue to develop companion workbooks and resources that empower individuals and families.”
BLAQUE EXCELLENCE
Continued Blaque Diamond:
“One of the greatest blessings in this journey is that my mother is still here to witness it. At 97 years old, Elmeria Forbes became an award-winning author herself. She has been featured in magazines, participated in book signings, and appeared on several podcast networks.
“Today, four generations of our family have become published authors, a legacy that reminds us it is never too late to discover purpose. I hope When She Was Lucid encourages people to cherish their loved ones today, because the greatest gift we can give one another is our presence.”
A GODLY MOTHER
A RELATED STORY
For more information about Author/Businesswoman Blaque Diamond, to inquire about her books, a book signing or public appearance, connect with her via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorblaque.diamond; Instagram: https://instagram.com/basic_blaque; YouTube: https://youtube.com/@blaquediamond2262; LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/blaque-diamond-43b47a3. Send email to: basicblaqueessentials@gmail.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA, NFL, and NCAA sports from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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