The Central Harlem Senior Citizen Center officially launched its first book titled “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections,” featuring eight first-time published Black authors, all from Harlem.
What started as just a writing workshop at the center on 140th Street in Harlem did not include a goal of publishing for these seniors. “It was a course that just started with them writing down their stories, or, you know, whatever story they wanted to tell,” said Valerie Henderson, the book’s editor-in-chief, former journalist and teacher of the course.
“A group that once started as strangers but became friends,” said Henderson, reflecting on the growth this group showed before the idea of the book arose.
“It’s really funny and really awesome to see their growth, because eventually, they started sharing freely, and they cried, they laughed with each other. They helped each other. So, you saw all these very raw emotions depending on what they were talking about, because they have some really personal stories.”
Valerie Henderson, editor-in-chief, at the book signing(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) 
Cheryl Marius, executive director, giving a speech before the event started(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) 
NY State Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright, left, and Cheryl Marius, right, at the signing event(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) 
Adrianna Pattillo, one of the eight authors of the book “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections”(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) 
Janet Bryant, one of the eight authors of the book “Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections”(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye) 
CHSCC motto written on the back of a member’s shirt(photos by Nafissatou Yattassaye)
In addition to their friendship, Henderson speaks on how the seniors supported each other, especially during times they didn’t want to write anymore.
Often, when a senior in her class doubted themselves, she said that they would all come together. “We all sort of banded together, and we were like, ‘No, you’ve come way too far to quit now. We’re good, like just keep writing, take your time.’ ”
Little did they know, the idea of using the stories they shared out loud and wrote about would turn into a book, which came to Henderson by Cheryl Marius, the Executive Director of the senior citizen center.
“Throwback Tales, Short Stories, and Humorous Reflections” is a book that is crafted so each chapter reflects a story one of the seniors has faced in their life. The stories range from historical moment reflections to navigating trauma and mental health.
Janet Bryan, one of the eight authors and a member of the center, shared her experience writing this book. Bryan, herself a former journalist, knew ultimately that she wanted to write about her battles dealing with mental illness.
She focuses on the mental illness breakdown she faced in 2014, and reflects on the traumatic experience.
“The factors that contributed to that [mental breakdown], and what I did to gain a healthy mindset,” she remembered. “I talk about the experiences at work, the therapy I went through, and my relationships with people during that time that I was in that crisis.”
Bryan hopes readers will see themselves in her story and those of her fellow authors, recognize that they are not alone, and understand that “mental illness does not discriminate” and that help is available.
Adrianna Pattillo, another author at the center, found the course by accident. Pattillo joined the center to learn how to be a better caregiver for a parent. She shares how going to the center turned into an equally “transformative experience” for herself as an older adult.
As a fairly engaged member dancing in performances and participating in birthday celebrations, meeting both Cheryl and Valerie drew her into the writing workshop class. While navigating a hard time dealing with sick parents and caring for herself, her story in the novel reflects her challenges and struggles that led to her “own evolution,” Patillo shares.
For those who feel hopeless or lack the inspiration or encouragement to keep going, Patillo hopes her writing will “be that friend who’s having a conversation with them in that moment when they feel the most isolated,” offering comfort and companionship as they read her story.
The book is now available for purchase through several online booksellers.
