Menu
Julia M. Hartfield is a retired educator with the LaVernia Independent School District in LaVernia, Texas and a retired businesswoman of a successful child development center, in LaVernia, that she co-owned with her late husband, David Hartfield, Jr., for 18 years.
After graduating from Austin County High School in Sealy, Texas, Julia attended Prairie View A&M University where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. She began her teaching career with the Las Vegas Public School District and continued her teaching career with the Austin Independent School District and the San Antonio Independent School District. After marrying David, they moved to LaVernia, Texas where she made history by becoming the first Black teacher in the LaVernia Independent School District.
Mrs. Hartfield is committed to humanitarian service by working to improve the lives of others. She is an active member at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas. Julia served as the Director of Bethel’s Outreach Ministry for 10 years. The Outreach Ministry serves the local community with food, clothing, and financial assistance.
Julia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Gold Life Member of the NAACP.
She currently resides in San Antonio where she enjoys walking and serving others in the community. At the young age of 88 she published her first book.
Dr. Sandra Mayo, retired professor (emerita) from Texas State University in San Marcos, served as the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Theatre and Dance (2013-2017) and Director of the Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies (2001-2013). At St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, she served as Director of Theatre and Fine Arts and Dean of Arts and Sciences. Her career includes over forty years of administration and teaching at colleges and universities around the country.
Books for Literary Summit
Preserving the History of Black Theatre in Texas:
Title of Books with Synopsis
Raye’s life journey has been one of helping others. She and spends her energy and experiences on initiatives that positively impact the lives of others. She spent more than three decades serving in public education and concluded her career as an elementary school principal. She has also served as a national consultant, conducting workshop and speaking engagements with a company recognized as a noted authority on generational poverty.
On the evening of July 17, 1944, at approximately ten o’clock pm, the San Francisco Bay Area was awakened to the explosion of ammunition and bombs that resulted in the largest domestic
loss of life in World War II. O.Raye Adkins was born four months after a disastrous Port Chicago Naval explosion that instantly took the life of her father and more than 320 military and civilians. One hundred and seventy-five African-Americans soldiers died in the explosion. The event had a major impact on the childhood and life of Raye. On a poignant personal journey, Raye strives to confirm that despite difficult and challenging experiences, miracles are birthed from that which seems impossible.
Raye tapped into her personal and professional experiences to write books and articles to positively impact the lives of others. Letters to My Father: The Gifts was the author’s first book. The book is one of letters written to her father. She shares thoughts, dreams and insights about her life and the discoveries she uncovered surrounding the death of her father in the explosion.
Her second book, a selection for children and the young at heart, delves into the challenges a young girl faces in dealing with the loss of her father When The Deer Rings Your Doorbell is the Raye’s first children’s book. The release was publicized as “a book for the child in all of us”. Penned as a delightful read for both children and adults.
Born in Palestine, Texas, the hometown her parents, Raye is a resident of San Antonio , TX. Raye has traveled to South Africa and Haiti. She continues to “Give God the Glory” for all things Her life conviction is based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and states, “Comfort is what we receive when God gives us the victory. Then, we must give that same comfort and help meet the needs of others. You may contact her at ORayeBooks.com or rayeadkins@icloud.com