Author Olayinka Aikens was born and raised in Oakland, California where she got her start penning stories at the tender age of eight. She holds a degree in Psychology from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Professional Writing degree from Chatham University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She calls Dallas and Oakland home. She is the founder of Ushujaa Publishing. Ushujaa means courage in Swahili.