Deneen R. McReynolds was metaphorically raised in the New York City Theater. She and her sisters would occasionally accompany their father to the Metropolitan Opera House where he and her grandfather worked as stagehands. Her close relationship with her grandfather introduced her to Vaudeville, Jazz and the Minstrel Theater at an early age. The pride he exhibited in his work, along with the racially charged genre of minstrelsy and its adaptation of "Blackface" in Lew Leslie's Blackbirds intrigued and puzzled her at the same time. This set her on a journey of discovery into the unveiling of her grandfather's career as a trailblazer in the entrainment industry. He was primarily responsible for the creation of the "Negro Stagehands Union" within the "Stagehands Union," and he faced innumerable challenges until all Negro stagehands formerly restricted to working Uptown and in Harlem prevailed. Deneen's grandfather was one of our heroes omitted from written accounts about African-American people who were "the first" to do something extraordinary -- until now! This is about his vision, his courage, and his victory! "Harlem 29 is a family memoir plus a historical narrative of Black heritage and arts culture during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Deneen McReynolds' self-discovery leads us through the personal journey of her grandfather, Marchand H. McReynolds, while he educates us on those Black performers onstage and stagehands in the wings of theater. Her storytelling is a powerful exploration about their fight to gain equality, justice and respect for all." Carolyn M. Brown, award-winning journalist, author and playwright.
About the Author: Deneen R. McReynolds is a Housing and Community Development professional with twenty years experience in Proposal Writing, Program Management and Administration. She's successfully written grants for the City of Orange, NJ, and coordinated the Revitalization and Stabilization of Orange's East Ward Neighborhood. Additionally, she wrote multiple press releases and speeches for the Mayor of Orange, and served as the Public Information officer in the late 90's. She was part of TONYA, Inc. proposal team that acquired federal, state & municipal contracts from HUD's Community Planning & Development Office. She is currently a Field Representative for the NJ Department of Community Affairs, administering programs to provide rental subsidies to low-income families and veterans. Deneen was born in Orange, NJ, attended Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA and attended the National Massage Therapy Institute in Falls Church, VA. She is a Certified Reiki Master and Massage Therapist. She currently resides in Somerset County, NJ. This is her first published nonfiction novel.