Hammond natives featured in 'The Talk' anthology

As she penned her first expression, Johns felt that “The Talk” should include the male voice and perspective. She convinced the publisher to open the call to men and invited her brother, Darryl Varnado, to contribute an essay to the anthology. The Garden of Neuro Institute’s founder, Susan Brearley, subsequently opened the call for submissions to all people of color.

Two of Johns’ expressions appear in “The Talk” anthology: a poem, “My Talk with Jerron – 1997,” and an essay, “Another Talk – Helping Others.”

Varnado’s essay is entitled, “The Talk: A Grandfather’s Perspective.”

Both siblings are retired human resources leaders: Zaneta Johns was the human resources officer at the University of Colorado; Darryl Varnado was the executive vice president and chief people officer at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

“The Talk” anthology is now available at https://www.lulu.com/shop/lyris-wallace-and-darryl -varnado-and-richa-sharma -and-lavan-robinson/the-talk/ paperback/product-4kdy4q.html ?q=the+talk&page=1&pageSize=4

Zaneta Varnado Johns is the author of two poetry collections, “Poetic Forecast” (2020) and “After the Rainbow: Golden Poems” (2022). She is a coauthor in the Women Speakers Association’s No. 1 international bestselling “Voices of the 21st Century” collaborative books (2021, 2022 and 2023). Her expressions appear in over 50 anthologies and literary publications. Additionally, Johns will soon release her “What Matters Journal: Your Weekly Guide.” For more information see https://www.zanexpressions.com/pe.