Brittney Grimes

I am a writer, poet, motivational speaker, editor, print model, violinist and published author. I graduated from Hofstra University (NY) with my BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. I published my first book when I was eight years old. I made my first television appearance on the world famous Apollo Theater, winning first place for the amateur category. I have spoken on CNN Person of the Day, Good Morning America, UPN, NBC and Nickelodeon. In 2002, I spoke at the McDonald's Gospelfest, an annual gospel music and talent festival. I recited a poem I wrote and won first place in the first ever Gospel Poetry Category contest. Along with being a speaker, I also enjoy writing poetry and books. As a writer, I've received the National Organization for Women (NOW) "Young Achiever's Award", the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) Award in Excellence, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Award for Achievement, the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award given by Zeta Phi Beta, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. I was recipient of Nassau County, NY Good Deeds Award. In 2005, my name was placed on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama, in honor of Rosa Parks' National Campaign for Tolerance. I have received letters from President Obama, former President Bush, former President Clinton, the late Coretta Scott King, former Senator Fuschillo, and Congressman Charles Rangel, encouraging me to keep writing. In 2007, I won Seventeen Magazine and Avon Make Your Mark Contest, where they chose one young lady from the country changing the world through her work. In 2013 and 2015, I was a top nominee for Nassau County (NY) Poet Laureate. I was featured in Long Island Woman in October 2013. I have modeled for various beauty campaigns, editorial, trade shows, commercial print, newspapers (such as NY Times Magazine), runway shows, lookbooks and magazines. As a published author, my work has been featured in Scholastic, Ebony Magazine, Newsday, Long Island Herald and other publications. I've completed an editorial internship with Conde Nast (Glamour Magazine) . Currently, I've finished writing my next book, due out soon. Currently, I am a contributor and freelance writer. Check out my blog at Beautispiration.com/