August 8, 2023: 'In my life, I have found myself as a colored, a negro, a Black, an African American, and a person of color. This is my reflection as a colored girl.' This phrase opens each essay heard on WGCU FM from Martha R. Bireda, Ph.D. Dr. Bireda is a writer, lecturer, and living history performer with over 30 years of experience as a lecturer, consultant and trainer for issues related to race, class, and gender, working with educators, law enforcement, and business, and civic leaders. Bireda also is the Director of the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County, located in Punta Gorda, Florida. The audio series, "Reflections of a Colored Girl, " will be featured weekly on WGCU FM for the next five months. This is the first.'" In January 2024, "Reflections of a Colored Girl" the Documentary will be airing on WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida.

"Reflections of a Colored Girl" by Dr. Martha R. Bireda is not just a memoir, it's a journey through the heart of America's history, seen through the eyes of a woman who lived it. This compelling narrative combines personal anecdotes, historical context, and profound insights into a life defined by resilience, determination, and grace.
Book HighlightsA Story That Resonates: From her birth in a segregated hospital room in Arcadia, Florida, to the present day, Dr. Bireda's story is one of overcoming barriers and personal challenges with unwavering strength.
More Than a Memoir: This book transcends traditional autobiography, offering a rich exploration of the societal changes over the past century, as experienced by a colored girl who refused to be defined by her circumstances.
Inspiring Multimedia Presence: Accompanied by a series of NPR radio essays and a PBS documentary, this memoir offers a multi-dimensional experience of Dr. Bireda's life and work.
A Legacy of Empowerment: Dr. Bireda's story is a testament to the power of hope, education, and community support in shaping a life of purpose and impact.




Celebrating a Vibrant Tapestry of Life
Dr. Bireda's memoir illuminates her life's path from the challenging backdrop of her 75th birthday amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian. These events frame a narrative that is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about celebrating the vibrancy of life. The memoir resonates with the depth and wisdom echoed in her NPR and PBS features, providing a multifaceted perspective on her journey.


An Ode to the Unsung Heroes
"Reflections of a Colored Girl" is not just Dr. Bireda's story, it is an homage to the countless colored girls and boys who, like her, crafted their destinies in the face of relentless adversities. It's a story of how familial values, community support, and inner strength can forge an indomitable spirit. Inspired by the philosophies of Zora Neale Hurston and the resilience of her community, this book challenges stereotypes and lifts the "veil" to reveal the true narrative of an era.


"This is my life story from birth to now 78 years old... These essays are dedicated to everyone who loved, shaped, and created the conditions for my self-empowerment as a 'colored girl' during my formative years." - Dr. Martha Russell Bireda