By Hazel Scott/ASU
Book lovers had a truly special moment with a television star and author at Alabama State University’s third annual Book Fair, held at the John Garrick Hardy Student Center.
BernNadette Stanis, known for her role as the beloved and feisty Thelma on the classic ‘70s hit show “Good Times” (1974-1979) and currently on BET’s “The Family Business,” graciously signed copies of two of her books: “Good Times: Ain’t We Lucky We Got ‘Em” and “The Last Night,” while posing for pictures with a long line of fans. Her other books include “Situations 101: Relationships,” “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly,” “For Men Only,” and “Situations 101: Finances.”
Stanis shared that she brought her book tour to Alabama State University because she was impressed with all the positive developments at the school. “Dr. (Quinton) Ross and several other people were so lovely in accepting me and wanting me to be a part of Alabama State. They mentioned that I was an inspiration to some of the young people here and that I could talk to them about how, regardless of where you come from, you can achieve your dreams. I'm proud to do that.
Stanis reflected on the 50th anniversary of “Good Times,” stating, most of the cast members had passed when she wrote “Good Times: Ain’t We Lucky We Got ‘Em.”
“J.J. and Michael are still alive. This book is my reflection on working with my incredible co-stars, the laughter we shared, and the iconic guest stars who graced our set. As Thelma Evans, I had the honor of representing a strong, beautiful, brown-skinned girl whose journey echoed the hopes and dreams of countless viewers,” she stated, noting that she was the first Black teenager on television. “My brother, who is a pastor, Gregory K. Stanislaus, said I was born to be Thelma.”
Stanis identified with the character of Thelma, having been born and raised in the projects, where she aspired to achieve her dreams with the support of her parents. “I didn’t know where I would land, but I was fortunate enough to land the role of Thelma. “Good Times” is history. Our show broke barriers and redefined what family, community, and success looked like for Black America. The show was initially going to premiere without a father, but Esther Rolle, whom I am indebted to and admire, insisted that if my show’s children couldn’t have a father, then they needed to find another actress. That’s when John Amos was hired; he was fabulous as a father. She also demanded that I receive more speaking parts on the show.”
Stanis recalled that Norman Lear’s “Good Times” was not just a television show; it reflected the times, portraying a powerful narrative shaped by the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s and ’70s, as well as the struggles of depression and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. “When ‘Good Times’ came along, it was like a breath of fresh air. With the guidance of Esther Rolle and John Amos, the show remained true to the experiences of Black people. That’s what ‘Good Times’ accomplished.”
Beyond the humor of “Good Times,” Stanis offered deeper insights about her poignant book, “The Night: A Caregiver’s Journey Through Transition and Beyond,” in which she candidly discusses her life as a caregiver to her beloved mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “This was the deepest book I have ever written about myself,” Stanis explained. “It stemmed from a hurt so deep that I couldn’t find a book to soothe my heart. I felt compelled to write this book for others, hoping they would listen and hear me, as I promised my mother that her story would be told.”
Stanis shared that it took 10 years for her mother’s death to deeply affect her. “It was devastating for us. God gave me the strength to endure it. She battled Alzheimer’s for eight years. One night, while we were watching ‘Good Times,’ she said, ‘That’s a sweet little girl,’ not realizing that it was me. She died remembering the ‘Good Times’ with BernNadette Stanis.”
As a result of her caregiving journey and to help eliminate the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease, Stanis founded the Remembering the Good Times Foundation in honor of her mother. She is also a celebrity spokesperson for the National Alzheimer’s Association and makes personal appearance visits to U.S. military troops, who, she says, are great supporters of her foundation.
Wherever Stanis travels, her mantra is, “Don’t let fear hinder you from your destiny.” Her next adventure is a play, titled “Willie and Ester,” set to premiere next year and featuring actor Haywood Nelson from another popular television show, “What’s Happening.”
OTHER FEATURED WRITERS
Alumna Wanda Vanessa Pettway (1981), who writes under the pen name Vanessa Brown, has attended every book fair since its inception in 2023.
One of her books, “The Dark Side of Me,” is a captivating novel about a young African American girl and her experiences while attending a fictitious Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Throughout her journey toward achieving a college degree, she faces various social and moral challenges. Unfortunately, she harbors a dark side that, when triggered, makes her evil, mean-spirited, vindictive, and cruel.
Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to forgive herself for her mistakes while developing a strong, passionate self-love that fuels her future success.
“This is a story everyone can relate to,” she said. “It’s about the HBCU experience and how she overcomes her mistakes. My second novel, ‘One Step Forward,’ picks up when she is 30 and moves to New York. My third book, ‘Defining Moments,’ in the series takes place when she is 60.”
Like the girl in the book, Brown drew her foundation from her own HBCU experience Alabama State University and became accomplished in her field. “The moment you walk on this campus, it pulls you in. Every time you come back, it’s like taking a trip down memory lane. It’s a wonderful experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Dr. Percy Vaughn (founding dean of the College of Business Administration) gave me the tools to succeed.”
Brown’s fourth book, titled “Secrets,” focuses on a couple meeting in an airport. It is set to be released for Christmas.
Caroline Baker (2010), a mental health practitioner and life coach, was eager to discuss her health books, which aim to help people stay mentally balanced, motivated, and inspired, and encourage them to “live their lives abundantly, just like everyone else.” Her booth was filled with organizers, reflection journals, and more. One must-read book she highlighted is “Mental Health Tips for Everyday Life Reflections.”
“It’s a deep dive into issues that trouble us, such as anxiety, uneasiness, grief and trauma—normal experiences for many. I want readers to understand that mental health affects us all, not just those with depression and anxiety. It’s something we all need to be mindful of and focus on.”
This is Baker’s second year at the book fair, and she is glad to return for Homecoming. “I love being around alumni and coming back to ASU. There's always something different every time I visit.”
Albert Porterfield, Jr. (1989) has captivated his audience once again during his second appearance at the book fair. Known for his previous works, including “A View by a Dude in Pew,” “Billy Joe: Where is Your Family,” “A Great Sucker,” and “The Unexpected Happened,” Porterfield has broadened his literary horizon with his latest book, “In the Midst of It All.” Through his eloquent storytelling, he encourages readers to recognize and appreciate how God is training and preparing them for life's journey. Porterfield’s new book, which took him five years to complete, explores his introspective journey, highlighting the omnipresence of God in his life.
“My book reflects on the moments when I recognized God’s enduring presence. I hope my reflections offer readers a sense of hope and purpose, encouraging them to trust in the divine plan and feel inspired to grow personally and spiritually,” he stated.
Porterfield concluded by emphasizing the importance of documenting one’s life experiences: “It’s the most therapeutic thing I've ever done.”