Just as access to education stands as one of society’s greatest challenges, one woman has spent her lifetime empowering others through literacy, compassion, and advocacy. The instructor, businesswoman, and mother of eleven is a name synonymous with resilience and purpose. Her latest in a series of children’s books, So Many More Books, is colored with luminescent hues of literary travel and is the next chapter in a continuing life story that inspires generations.
A Legacy Rooted in Education
Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba is a third-generation educator. Her mother was a teacher, and her great-aunt and great-grandfather were school principals. It was a home of learning, of service, and of community values that would steer Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba’s voyage in life.
But her entry into special education was not solely academic – it was deeply personal.
“When my eighth child showed signs of having a disability, I began studying special education to learn how I could advocate for my son,” she shares. What started as a mission of love for her child turned into a lifelong calling. That call led her to complete a Ph.D. in Special Education from Walden University in 2019.
Her dissertation, Teachers’ Perception of Common Core State Standards on Students with Learning Disabilities, truly epitomizes her vision of assuring quality education to every child, irrespective of ability.
Storytelling that Springs from Life
The books Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba publishes are not mere fantasies. Instead, they reflect true incidents with her children and grandchildren. So Many Books, for instance, came into being when a pivotal moment was shared with her eldest son, who loved being read to and once requested another book. It was as if a spark had been ignited – and a writer was born.
In the sequel to her first book, So Many More Books takes readers behind the scenes of an ever-more-colorful and whimsical adventure with a boy and his cherished book collection. It is more than just a playful picture book. It is an ode to imagination and a celebration of reading.
“I hope to instill a love of books and the joy of reading in all children through this story,” she says. “My books encourage literacy by using rhymes and illustrations to expand imagination and support lifelong learning.”
The illustrative soul of the books is her talented daughter and professional illustrator, Aminah ShaBazz, a graduate of the Art Institute of Los Angeles. Together, mother and daughter form a creative team that brings color and life to stories that both delight and educate young minds.
The Educator. The Advocate. The Innovator.
Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba’s career in education has taken her from the kindergarten classroom to the university lecture hall. Fully committed to the community, she is now a full-time professor of child development and early childhood education at Barstow Community College in California, helping to shape the next generation of teachers.
She also serves as a Senior Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College, where she has been teaching since 2017. She authored the doctoral-level curriculum for the Leadership in Early Childhood Education course and will begin teaching this class in the upcoming fall term.
Her community efforts include founding a mobile tutoring company that served over 300 students in a single year and, at its peak, employed over 45 tutors. Though the company eventually closed during the pandemic due to shifting demands, her passion for giving back remained unwavering.
In 2024, Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba launched a new venture focused on supporting birthing mothers through doula care. Within a few months, she assisted twelve mothers and supported five births in April alone.
Empowering Women. Elevating Communities
Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba’s reach goes far beyond academia. She is particularly proud of her involvement in organizing debutante cotillions – traditionally seen as elite social events – for girls from underserved communities.
“They were provided with all the training and development typically given to girls in elite cotillions,” she explains. “We’ve helped numerous young women financially to attend college -many of whom are now nurses, attorneys, psychologists, and social workers.”
She also plays a significant role in awarding scholarships annually to pave the way for young women pursuing higher education.
To clarify, the funding does not come from her personally; she serves as the Scholarship Chair for three organizations: Soroptimist International, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and NCNW (National Council of Negro Women). These organizations fund and manage the scholarships.
Hurdles to Overcome
Juggling the roles of mother, academic, author, and entrepreneur is no small feat. Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba credits self-care and prayer as her anchors.
“Self-care and prayer keep me balanced,” she says simply. This grounding has helped her overcome challenges, career transitions, and personal obstacles with grace.
She encourages future educators and writers to remain steadfast. “Be persistent. Don’t give up, and never listen to anyone who says your dreams are unattainable.”
In guiding a generation, Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba expresses her wish to have her work carried forward by young readers:
“The dream would be that my book would be one of the classic reads that all children know for years to come.“
The dream is already taking shape. National venues like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books featured So Many More Books in 2023, where it was praised for its engaging visuals and empowering message.
“The illustration was playful, colorful, and kept the children engaged. The story is great; it also engages the children. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to encourage their children to have lots of books. Great book!”
— Ready4ReadingBookReview
Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and service – qualities that embody the American spirit. Whether in the classroom, the delivery room, or on the printed page, her mission remains steadfast: to educate, uplift, and inspire.
Connect with Dr. ShaBazz-Ugwumba
Official Website: www.drsarahshabazz.com
Publishing Site: shabazzenterprisepublishing.com
Watch: Annual Conference Trade Show
So Many More Books available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Stay Tuned: Upcoming events and announcements at shabazzenterprisepublishing.com
