On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia—purpose—a principle that calls for personal and collective goals aligned with the greater good of our community.
Regina Brooks, founder of Serendipity Literary Agency, embodies the essence of Nia. Her life is a testament to discovering and embracing purpose, blending creativity and intellect to uplift others.
Brooks grew up balancing her passion for the arts and sciences. While her dreams of Broadway sparkled in her youth, her practical side led her to aerospace engineering, making her the first Black woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field at Ohio State University. A career at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration soon followed, promising a future among the stars. Yet, a serendipitous decision to explore publishing transformed her trajectory.
Brooks found her true calling at Howard University’s Book Publishing Program. The idea of shaping stories, cultivating voices and fostering learning resonated deeply with her. This shift was more than a career change--it was a pursuit of purpose.
“As much as I loved aerospace, I wanted to use my whole self. And publishing allowed that,” she said.
With the founding of Serendipity Literary Agency in 2000, Brooks committed herself to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her agency, now the largest Black-owned of its kind in the U.S., bridges diverse talent with market needs. Whether guiding an aspiring author to explore niche topics or matching stories with audiences hungry for representation, Brooks exemplifies Nia. Her work not only builds platforms for writers but enriches the cultural fabric of our society.
Brooks’ achievements are vast, but her passion remains rooted in learning and service.
“I love this job, because I’m super curious and I love learning,” said Brooks. “And that's the beautiful thing about agenting is you're always working with best-in-class or experts in any given area, because those are the people who want to write books.”
BK Reader reported on Brooks in June this year. Here is a link to that report.
Beginning on December 26, and for the seven days of Kwanzaa, BK Reader will feature a different local resident or organization that exemplifies one of the seven principles!
