Louisiana Educator and Author Unveils Historic Work Preserving America's First African American Poetry Anthology

"Nouveaux Renaissance: Keeping Les Cenelles Alive" Brings 1845 New Orleans Literary Treasure to Modern Readers

ZACHARY, LA, January 2, 2026 - Kim Jones, longest-standing principal of Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy Elementary School and founder of BeWal Consulting, announces the upcoming release of "Nouveaux Renaissance: Keeping Les Cenelles Alive," a groundbreaking work that preserves and celebrates the story of Les Cenelles, the first published anthology of African American poetry in the United States.

Published in 1845 New Orleans, Les Cenelles represents a pivotal moment in American literary history, a collection of poetry by free men of color during a time when such artistic expression was revolutionary. Jones's passion for this literary treasure began over three decades ago as a Xavier University student in 1989, when she discovered the anthology through archivist Lester Sullivan from the Amistad Research Center. For more than thirty years, she has shared this remarkable story in classrooms across Louisiana and now brings it to a wider audience through her meticulously researched publication.

"Les Cenelles is more than just a collection of poetry; it's a testament to the intellectual and artistic contributions of African Americans during one of the most challenging periods in our nation's history," Jones explains. "These poets created beauty and expressed their humanity through verse when the world around them sought to deny both. Their voices deserve to be heard by every generation."

The book launch celebration will begin with a virtual unveiling event on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM, allowing readers nationwide to participate in this historic literary moment. Pre-orders for "Nouveaux Renaissance: Keeping Les Cenelles Alive" open the same day, with the official book launch scheduled for February 28, 2026.

Readers will have the opportunity to meet Jones and obtain signed copies at an in-person book signing on March 1, 2026, at the Zachary Library 1900 Church Street, bringing this celebration of Louisiana's rich African American literary heritage home to her local community.

Jones brings over thirty years of educational experience to this project, having served as a classroom teacher, mentor, instructional coach, curriculum director, and assistant principal before becoming the longest-standing principal at Louisiana's first virtual school.

"Nouveaux Renaissance: Keeping Les Cenelles Alive" features comprehensive historical context, careful preservation of the original poets' work, and educational resources designed to help modern readers connect with this essential piece of American literary history. The book is accompanied by supporting materials, including educational resources for classroom use.
For more information about "Nouveaux Renaissance: Keeping Les Cenelles Alive," pre-order details, or to schedule interviews with Kim Jones, please contact BeWal Consulting:

BeWal Consulting
5635 Main Street Ste A #230
Zachary, Louisiana 70791
888-496-3155
info@bewalconsulting.com
bewalconsulting.com

About BeWal Consulting:

Vision Statement
To transform educational excellence by delivering innovative solutions that strengthen schools, elevate leaders, and empower educators to share their stories.

Mission Statement
BeWal Consulting partners with schools, districts, and educational professionals to deliver customized consulting, virtual training, and publishing support that drives measurable results and builds capacity for sustained improvement.

This release was published on openPR.