ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 NATIONAL COVERAGE: Tampa author Tawanna Chamberlain’s newly-released memoir creating a national buzz
Andre Johnson 
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14/NIV)
ISN’T SHE LOVELY?
Tawanna Chamberlain has an absorbing, captivating message for the African-American culture.
By all accounts, it is a remarkably incredible memo, one that has come wrapped up in a life-altering book for the ages.
This accomplished Tampa, Florida-based author is the mastermind behind High Yellow: A Deeply Personal Memoir About How Colorism Impacted My Life And Shaped My Perspective, her highly-anticipated a memoir and social commentary that vividly explores the complexities of colorism, identity, and self-worth within the black community, this esteemed writer told Making Headline News as part of its 2026 Essence Music Festival national coverage for “the party with a purpose” event in New Orleans.
Chamberlain’s memoir is available at https://www.theposhpublicist.com/, Amazon, and where books are sold.
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BUY CHAMBERLAIN’S MEMOIR: https://www.theposhpublicist.com/
“The book examines how skin tone bias shapes experiences and perceptions while encouraging readers to embrace self-love and healing,” Chamberlain, the owner and creative director of The Posh Publicity Firm of Orlando.
Generally, High Yellow: A Deeply Personal Memoir About How Colorism Impacted My Life And Shaped My Perspective is a raw, reflective, and deeply personal memoir in which Tawanna Chamberlain confronts the often-unspoken realities of colorism within the African-American community, according to an in-depth breakdown of this writer’s book via Amazon.com.
“Writing from the perspective of a light-skinned black woman raised by a dark-skinned black mother, Tawanna unpacks how skin tone shaped not only how the world saw them — but how they moved through it,” said an Amazon spokesperson for Chamberlain’s latest book. “The memoir explores the quiet, complicated truth that two people can share the same love, household, and history, yet live in vastly different social realities because of complexion.”
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Moreover, thanks in large part to intimate storytelling, Chamberlain vividly reveals the paradox of privilege and pain that came with being light-skinned, per Amazon.
“While outsiders often assumed ease, advantage, or favoritism, her lived experience was marked by ridicule, teasing, and alienation, especially during her formative years, said an Amazon spokesperson for Chamberlain’s High Yellow. “Being labeled ‘high yellow’ became both a spotlight and a burden, forcing her to confront identity, belonging, and worth at an early age. In contrast, her mother’s experiences as a dark-skinned black woman reflected a different set of biases, exclusions, and resilience, creating a powerful dual narrative that underscores how colorism fractures shared black experiences.”
In a nutshell, it’s safe to assume that High Yellow isn’t merely about colorism in any way, shape, or form, mind you.
“It is about healing,” said an Amazon spokesperson for Chamberlain’s memoir. “Tawanna chronicles her journey from internalized shame and confusion to radical self-acceptance and self-love. By leaning into her truth, honoring her story, and reclaiming her identity on her own terms, she transforms adversity into empowerment. This memoir challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, dismantle inherited biases, and engage in honest conversations about how colorism continues to shape identity, relationships, and self-worth.
“Bold, vulnerable, and necessary, High Yellow is both a personal reckoning and a cultural examination, one that invites readers to see colorism clearly, feel its impact deeply, and imagine a future rooted in empathy, understanding, and unapologetic self-love.”
REMARKABLY GORGEOUS
Referencing the familiar Biblical passage that is Romans 8:28, Chamberlain emphasized, among other things, she felt empowered to compose her memoir primarily to reflect on her rash of personal experiences with colorism, particularly during which she was left to witness the lasting effects it has on so many people.
“I realized that these conversations often happen behind closed doors, and I felt spiritually compelled to bring them into the open in a way that educates, heals, and empowers,” Chamberlain told MHN. “My guiding scripture was: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”
Chamberlain’s High Yellow is her fifth book to date and her second written work this year.
She made her authorship debut in 2023 with the ceremonious release of Live Out Loud & Take Up Space!
Consequently, she released her sophomore book, Live Out Loud & Take Up Space!: The Success & Power Edition, the following year, then witnessed the debut of Outsized Ambition: The Blueprint for Going Beyond! last year.
Earlier this year, Chamberlain released the book, Live Out Loud & Take Up Space!: The Self-Love Edition.
Additional books, she said, are on the horizon.
“I plan to continue writing books that address personal development, self-love, ambition, identity, and overcoming societal limitations,” Chamberlain said. “My goal is to create literature that not only informs readers but also inspires transformation and meaningful conversations.”
A KING’S CHILD
Continued Chamberlain:
“I believe God has called me to use my voice to uplift, educate, and empower others. Whether through public relations, speaking engagements, or writing, my life’s work has been centered on helping people find their voice and walk boldly in their purpose. High Yellow aligns with that calling because it challenges harmful narratives and encourages readers to embrace who they are with confidence and self-love.
“I am actively pursuing speaking engagements, book discussions, community forums, and media interviews centered on colorism, self-esteem, self-advocacy, and self-love. My hope is to facilitate courageous conversations that educate audiences and encourage healing across generations and communities.”
A RELATED STORY
For more information on Florida Author Tawanna Chamberlain, to inquire about her books or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 813-563-8793 or connect with her via Facebook: @theposhfirm; Instagram: @theposhpublicist. Also, send email to: Tawanna@theposhpublicityfirm.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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