As we stand on the cusp of 2024, the KeiterBennett family is overjoyed to announce a milestone that's close to our hearts – a decade of weaving tales, shaping narratives, and sharing the magic of stories with the world. The journey has been one filled with ups, downs, laughter, and a touch of that KeiterBennett whimsy, and as we reflect on the past, we can't help but pay homage to the extraordinary legacy that laid the foundation for it all.
The life of an independent publishing company is akin to riding a rollercoaster in a storm – thrilling, unpredictable, and occasionally nerve-wracking. Over the past ten years, we've weathered the challenges of figuring things out, experienced the sting of failures, and reveled in the triumphs of publishing books that resonate with the core of who we are. Through it all, our passion for storytelling and commitment to independence have been the guiding lights.
In 2023, we fondly remembered Furdia B Hurst, the grandmother of our founder and CEO, Erwin T. Hurst, Sr. As we celebrated what would have been her 100th birthday in December, we couldn't help but marvel at the indomitable spirit of this remarkable woman. Born in 1923, Grandma Hurst migrated from the southern warmth to the northern hustle, raising her two grandchildren with wisdom forged in the crucible of life's challenges.
A black woman from the south, Grandma Hurst imparted invaluable lessons to her grandchildren. Her teachings, steeped in resilience, strength, and an unwavering sense of identity, continue to echo through the halls of KBP. She instilled in us the importance of community, the power of storytelling, and the resilience to weather any storm.
As we celebrate a decade of KBP, we recognize that our success is a testament to the legacy of Grandma Hurst. Her lessons on love, tenacity, and the importance of passing down wisdom through generations are the bedrock upon which our company stands.
Legacy isn't just about looking back; it's about carrying forward the torch lit by those who came before us. It's about honoring the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors, acknowledging that we stand on their shoulders. Each day, we strive to build upon the foundation laid by Grandma Hurst, recognizing that the stories we tell and the narratives we shape contribute to a legacy that extends beyond ourselves.
As we step into the next decade, Keiterbennett Publishers remains committed to crafting stories that honor our past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Here's to another ten years of creativity, independence, and the enduring legacy of storytelling. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
