About Us
Dr. Tijuan “TJ” Debnam is a chaplain, educator, and author whose storytelling is deeply rooted in both fire and faith. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, his words echo the revolutionary spirit of Medgar Evers, the intellectual depth of Malcolm X, and the ancestral wisdom of legendary scholars like Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan and John Henrik Clarke. Inspired by visionaries such as Ryan Coogler, Dr. Debnam writes not only to entertain but to enlighten—infusing every page with Black legacy, truth, and resilience.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and has spent his life in service—through ministry, hospice care, prison and community outreach, and youth development. His leadership with the Children’s Defense Fund’s Nashville Freedom Schools is just one reflection of his unwavering commitment to empowerment and education.
As a pastor and spiritual guide, Dr. Debnam has walked alongside countless families through grief, healing, and renewal. Yet among all his roles, fatherhood is his most sacred. His son, Tyriq L. Debnam, is both the heartbeat of his life and the legacy behind his work.
Author’s Inspiration & Balance
Dr. Tijuan “TJ” Debnam writes from a place of ancestral responsibility and spiritual purpose. Influenced by the legacies of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan, his work is rooted in healing, truth-telling, and celebrating Black excellence. His greatest inspiration is his son, Tyriq L. Debnam, who represents the future his words are meant to uplift.
Balancing writing with ministry, fatherhood, and community service, Dr. Debnam sees storytelling as an extension of his life’s mission. His creative process is shaped by real experiences sermons, family moments, and community reflections making every page a reflection of both purpose and passion.