Standing from left to right: LaShawn Davis-Johnson, Auriel Bouie, Dr. Ronicka Briscoe, Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Dr. Chinese Reese-Queen, Dr. Shelia Higgs Burkhalter. Seated from left to right: Danneka Mitchell, Nia Mitchell-Williams, Monica Pierre, October Ambrose, Shirah Ray Herbert
Nationwide — Ten accomplished Black women authors are celebrating that their new book, In Relentless Pursuit: The Evolution of Me, has reached #1 on Amazon in 15 different categories. Their book is the second installment in the Relentless Pursuit anthology series led by nationally recognized New Orleans scholar, educator, and bestselling author Dr. Ronicka Briscoe.
It is an inspiring collection of personal stories chronicling each author’s journey of becoming. Through reflections on faith, leadership, identity, relationships, career, resilience, and personal growth, the anthology offers readers an honest and empowering look at what it means to evolve through life’s challenges while pursuing purpose.
The virtual e-book launch marked the project’s most significant milestone as readers across the country rallied behind the authors’ shared goal of achieving Amazon Best Seller status. Launch-day support played a critical role in Amazon rankings, making this coordinated release a defining moment for the anthology and its contributors.
The celebration will continue on Saturday, September 5, 2026, when Dr. Briscoe and the contributing authors take the stage for the 2nd Annual Relentless Pursuit Book Launch & One-Day Summit from 10am to 5pm at JE Banquets at the Algiers Auditorium, 2485 Guadalcanal St., New Orleans, Louisiana.
Designed to move attendees from inspiration to action, the summit will feature author conversations, personal testimonies, and transformational experiences centered on resilience, purpose, leadership, and personal growth. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the authors, hear the stories behind the pages, and celebrate the official hardcover release of In Relentless Pursuit: The Evolution of Me.
The Relentless Pursuit anthology series continues to amplify the voices of women whose stories encourage others to embrace growth, overcome adversity, and pursue purpose with intention.
To be among the first to receive a copy of the book that is personally autographed by contributing author Shirah Ray Herbert, visit the following link:
https://davidleesbtq.com/products/amazon-best-seller-in-relentless-pursuit-the-evolution-of-me-hardcover-preorder
Meet the Contributing Authors
The contributing authors are LaShawn Davis-Johnson, Auriel Bouie, Dr. Ronicka Briscoe, Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, Dr. Chinese Reese-Queen, Dr. Shelia Higgs Burkhalter. Seated from left to right: Danneka Mitchell, Nia Mitchell-Williams, Monica Pierre, October Ambrose, and Shirah Ray Herbert.
Ranging in age from their 30s to their 60s, The Evolution of Me contributing authors bring professional backgrounds spanning higher education, consulting, executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication. Their chapters represent a breadth of lived experience united by a single, powerful thread: the courage to keep evolving.
About the Book
In Relentless Pursuit: The Evolution of Me is the second installment in the Relentless Pursuit anthology series, led by Dr. Briscoe and published by Hunter Street Press. The first in the anthology, In Relentless Pursuit of Me: Upending the Unicorn Effect, reached No. 1 in 11 Amazon e-Book categories within hours of its July 2025 e-book launch — including No. 1 in New Releases in Business & Investing, Business Management & Leadership, and Best Sellers in Black & African American Biographies & Memoirs, among others.
The “Unicorn Effect,” a term coined by Dr. Briscoe, describes the unrealistic expectation that Black women must consistently overperform — professionally and personally — despite systemic barriers and limited resources. Often perceived as both superhuman and self-sacrificing, they are expected to lead, uplift others, and succeed without acknowledgment or support. The first volume named and examined that phenomenon.
About Winning on the Road, LLC
Winning on the Road, LLC is a professional learning and leadership development company based in New Orleans. Founded by Dr. Ronicka Briscoe, the company delivers high-impact coaching, facilitation, and training for professionals and organizations seeking to elevate performance and lead with purpose.
For press inquiries, contact:
Monica Pierre
Pierre Principle Communications
monica@pierreprinciple.com
504-231-9837