Author Biography
Rashid Darden is a novelist. He was born in the late 1970s in Washington, DC, where he has spent his entire life, save for brief stints in Moscow, Russia and Leicester, United Kingdom. Rashid's first novel, Lazarus, was published in 2005 in a limited printing and gained critical acclaim from the LGBT and African American communities. The story of Adrian Collins, a gay college sophomore who pledges a predominately black fraternity, resonated deeply with the black fraternal community, earning Rashid fans that span the generations. Financial challenges caused the sequel to Lazarus, called Covenant, to be significantly delayed in print form, though it was released in e-book format directly from Old Gold Soul Press. The continuing story of Adrian Collins at Potomac University, Covenant expands on characters introduced in Lazarus and integrates them into a larger story of love, patience, and loyalty. On target for a Fall 2011 re-release of Lazarus and October release of Covenant, Rashid Darden has completed the third and final installment in the Potomac University series. Epiphany will tie up all loose ends, introduce amazing new characters, and will allow readers to see Adrian's definitive leaps into manhood. Aside from writing novels, Rashid is a gifted nonprofit professional and a retired educator. These experiences (along with his writings) have made him a sought-after guest speaker and workshop facilitator. Rashid is a Brother of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and recently ran for a position on its National Board of Directors. Having pledged APO in Spring 1999 while an undergraduate at Georgetown University, he credits the fraternity with providing him a background as an active member of the nonprofit profession. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Initiated through the Mu Lambda Chapter (Washington, DC Alumni) in 2003, Rashid was the Founding Chairman of the National Arts and Humanities Advisory Council, the first of its kind among Black Greek-Letter fraternities. When he is not writing, Rashid enjoys photography, Tarot reading, and volunteering. Though he enjoys the quietude of home best of all, he can also be found enjoying probate shows, Thai food, live music, and any bookstore.
