Students at Holly Springs Elementary got a firsthand look at the power of storytelling this week when award-winning author Derrick Barnes visited the campus as part of the school’s Black History Month programming.
The visit took place at Holly Springs Elementary, where students gathered in the media center for an interactive presentation led by Barnes, whose books highlight African American history, culture and achievement. The event was organized by school leaders to celebrate Black History Month and to expose students to voices that reflect diverse experiences and contributions.
Barnes, known for writing children’s and young adult titles that center on Black excellence and identity, spoke with students about his journey to becoming an author and the importance of seeing themselves in the stories they read. He encouraged students to embrace reading not only as an academic skill but as a way to understand their own potential.
Throughout the presentation, Barnes shared personal anecdotes about growing up, finding his voice as a writer and the perseverance required to publish his first book. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about the writing process, how ideas turn into books and what inspires his characters. Several students said afterward that hearing directly from an author made reading feel more real and attainable.
School officials said the visit was designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. By bringing a nationally recognized author into the building, educators aimed to reinforce lessons about Black history while also promoting literacy and creativity.
Teachers noted that events like this can have a lasting impact. Exposure to accomplished professionals from diverse backgrounds, they said, helps broaden students’ understanding of what is possible for their own futures. For many students, meeting Barnes was the first time they had interacted with a published author.
Parents and staff members described the event as a meaningful addition to the school’s Black History Month observance, emphasizing that representation in literature can influence a child’s confidence and academic engagement.
As students returned to their classrooms, several clutched signed books and spoke excitedly about writing their own stories one day — a small but tangible sign, educators said, of how a single visit can inspire a school community.
