Background & Upbringing
Born and raised in a historic African American neighborhood in Charleston, Ebony grew up immersed in the city’s Gullah Geechee heritage. Her grandparents often shared stories passed down through generations, while her parents—both schoolteachers—encouraged her curiosity about local history and tradition.
Education
After excelling at a public magnet school focusing on the arts, Ebony studied English Literature at Spelman College in Atlanta. She went on to earn an MFA in Creative Writing at Columbia University, where she refined her voice writing about Southern heritage.
Professional Background
Ebony began as a columnist for a Charleston newspaper, spotlighting the unique blend of African, Caribbean, and Southern influences in local customs. She then pivoted to historical fiction, using her novels to illuminate lesser-known stories of the Lowcountry’s past. Now, she’s recognized for weaving cultural identity, family legacies, and themes of resilience into all her works.
Places Lived
Primarily Charleston, plus formative years in Atlanta (college) and New York City (graduate school). She continues to travel widely throughout the Southeast for research and speaking engagements.
Influences
Ebony draws inspiration from Zora Neale Hurston for capturing cultural rhythms, the poetry of Langston Hughes, and the folklore traditions she learned at home. She also cites the city’s spirituals, gospel choirs, and the lush marshlands of the Carolina coast as creative muses, weaving these elements into her vision of romance and history.
