The Power of Community Leadership: Nola D Oracle Speaks at First Morning Star Ministries

The Power of Leadership in Our Communities

What makes a great community? Strong schools? Thriving businesses? 

While these elements are important, there’s one thing that ties it all together: leadership. 

Community leaders drive progress, advocate for those in need, and create the foundation for lasting change. And that’s exactly what Nola D Oracle shared during her recent speaking engagement at First Morning Star Ministries in Gainesville, Florida. 

Nola, the visionary author behind Amara’s Adventures, took the stage to discuss why community leadership matters and how historical figures have paved the way for change. Through powerful storytelling, she connected the past to the present, inspiring attendees to embrace leadership in their own communities.

But who are these leaders? Let’s take a journey through history and explore two remarkable individuals from Amara’s Adventures who left an undeniable mark on their communities: Abraham Lincoln Lewis (A.L. Lewis) and Eartha Mary Magdalene White.

A.L. Lewis: The Visionary Who Built a Legacy

Abraham Lincoln Lewis, better known as A.L. Lewis, was a businessman, philanthropist, and Florida’s first Black millionaire. He co-founded the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, which provided essential financial services to African Americans during segregation. But his contributions didn’t stop there.

Lewis had a vision: a place where Black families could gather, enjoy leisure time, and build generational wealth. That vision became American Beach, a stunning coastal haven in Florida that provided a safe space for Black vacationers when segregation barred them from many public beaches.

In Amara’s Adventures, Amara learns about A.L. Lewis’ impact while visiting Jacksonville’s African American museums. His legacy teaches young readers about the power of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.

Eartha White: The Woman Who Never Stopped Giving

If A.L. Lewis was the visionary businessman, Eartha White was the heart and soul of community service. Born in 1876, she dedicated her life to social work, creating the Clara White Mission—an organization that provided food, shelter, and job training for Jacksonville’s homeless population.

White’s commitment to uplifting her community didn’t stop at charity work. She also fought for civil rights, advocated for the elderly, and worked to improve healthcare access for African Americans. Her relentless spirit and compassion are exactly why she’s featured in Amara’s Adventures. Through her story, young readers learn about the importance of giving back and using their voice for positive change.

Leadership Lessons from Amara’s Adventures

During her speech at First Morning Star Ministries, Nola D Oracle emphasized that leadership isn’t just about power or status—it’s about service. She encouraged the audience to reflect on how they can contribute to their communities, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creating new opportunities for those in need.

Just like A.L. Lewis and Eartha White, today’s leaders have the ability to shape the future. And just like Amara in Amara’s Adventures, young minds can be inspired to step up, take action, and make a difference.

Classroom & Homeschool Activities for Educators

Teachers and homeschoolers can use Amara’s Adventures to inspire discussions on leadership, history, and civic engagement. Here are some engaging activities that bring these themes to life:

✔ Historical Role Play: Assign students different community leaders from the book and have them present speeches as if they were that person. This helps students develop public speaking skills while deepening their historical understanding.

✔ Create a Community Impact Project: Encourage students to identify a local issue and develop a small project to address it. Whether it’s a food drive, a letter-writing campaign, or a fundraising initiative, this hands-on activity empowers young leaders.

✔ Letter to a Leader: Students write letters to a modern-day community leader, expressing appreciation for their work and asking questions about leadership.

Discussion Prompts: Use guided questions to facilitate classroom conversations:

• Why is leadership important in a community?

• How did A.L. Lewis and Eartha White create change in their communities?

• What leadership qualities does Amara demonstrate in her adventures?

• How can we apply the lessons from Amara’s Adventures to our own lives?

These activities encourage critical thinking, creativity, and real-world connections between history and modern leadership.

Be Part of the Legacy

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can take action today:

✔ Read & Learn – Dive into Amara’s Adventures and explore the stories of A.L. Lewis, Eartha White, and other unsung heroes who shaped history. 

✔ Get Involved – Volunteer, mentor, or support community initiatives that align with your passions. 

✔ Pass It On – Share the stories of great leaders with children, students, or community groups to keep their legacies alive.

Community leadership starts with us. Whether you’re leading by example, mentoring the next generation, or supporting initiatives that uplift others, every effort matters. As Nola D Oracle reminded us at First Morning Star Ministries, history is made by those who step forward.

Are you ready to lead?

Want to learn more about Amara’s journey? Grab a copy of Amara’s Adventures and join the movement to inspire young minds through history and storytelling.