About the author
On February 17, 1963, at 3 a.m., Luella Hill, a Southern girl, entered
this world in Madison County, Mississippi. Her proud father is
Henry Hill, Jr. and her mother is Rosie Smith. She was delivered by
a mid-wife.
When she was about one and a half years old, her mother left and
never came back. Her father tried to raise her on his own. After he
fought in World War I, his mind was never the same. Unfortunately,
She never knew her biological mother. She was raised by her second
to the oldest sister, Rosie Lee Hill, who lived in California. Prior to
her being reunited with her biological family, she was placed in a
foster home because of her father’s health and the fact that he was
not married. Social Services removed her from her father’s home.
Luella experienced child abuse from the age of 3 years old through
7 years old. She was beaten badly by her foster mother who suffered
from alcoholism. She was beaten with a bull-whip, which blistered
her skin to the point where she could not wear clothes and suffered
loss of her hair.
Luella’s father gave up everything he had in Mississippi and moved
to California to live with his two daughters Rosie Lee Allina and
Ethel Mae Love. When he reunited with them, he told them about
Luella and that he wanted her to be reunited with her family. Henry
delegated Rosie Lee to get custody of Luella. Her sister had a long
custody battle, but she finally won custody of her sister. Rosie Lee
and Annie Hawkins, Luella’s grandmother, went to Mississippi to
get her. They traveled to California by the Greyhound Bus. Luella’s
grandmother almost had a fight with the bus driver, because she
thought he was driving in the wrong direction. Her grandmother
had become one of her favorite family members, because she was
a down to earth lady. Rosie Lee and Ethel Mae, Luella’s sisters are
now deceased but they play a vital part in her life today.
Luella always enjoyed writing but she never knew she had a talent
for it. In the 1990’s, Luella met Professor Dr. James H. Todd, II,
whom she shared some of her writings with and at that moment, he
told her she was a gifted poet. He encouraged her to stop throwing
away her work, because he felt she was a profound poet.
In 1994, Luella decided to publish her first book titled, “The
Reflection of My Mind”, which was well received. The City of
Oakland’s Mayor, Elihue Harris, had written Luella to congratulate
her on her accomplishment and expressed how he loved her work.
The City of Oakland ordered copies of her published work for every
library branch in the city.
Luella was contacted by the education system expressing that
college professors were requesting her book as required reading for
their students. San Francisco State University, Laney College and
Vista Community College were the first schools to use her work.
When Luella made an appearance at Laney College in Oakland,
California, Channel 20 news came out to do a cover story on her.
This event was full of emotions by students eager to share with
Luella how much her work had impacted their lives. Luella’s work
had become an excellent tool for teachers to connect with their
students and to increase their reading.
In 1998, Luella’s third Book Release, “Solid As A Rock I Stand”,
became one of her most popular collections of poetry. This book
was released in retail stores and sold out immediately. The release
had become another award winning publication.
Luella made an appearance at Walden House where they embraced
her and her work with open arms.
She has been in Upscale Magazine, The Sun Reporter newspaper,
The Oakland Post newspaper and many more magazines and
newspapers. She also appeared on several radio and talk shows.
Luella’s poetry has been published in several anthologies. Her
“WE” poem won an award in the National Library of Poetry
Contest. “The Reflection of My Mind” won the best book of
the year award from North American Book Dealer Exchange in
Cottage Grove, Oregon. She was also awarded the Black Book
of the Year Award by the United States and United Brother and
United Sister System in Hampton, Virginia.
When Luella joined the International Black Writers and Artist Inc.,
the founder, Edna Crutchfield (RIP), presented Luella with a special
award for her accomplishments.
In 2011, Luella was appointed Vice President of the International
Black Writers & Artist, Inc. by Richard Moore, also known as
Paradise. She has also worked with many scholarship programs for
students furthering their education.
Besides being a poet, Luella has worked with Alzheimer and
Dementia patients for the past 15 years at California Pacific Medical
Center in San Francisco, California, as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
She really enjoys working and being around elderly people.