⭑ karla Sutton-McKinney ⭑
Summer of 2020
Color or fade — You Decide.
Truth. Memory. Change.
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About the Book
Summer of 2020 presents a Poetic voice unearthed by the backdrop of the mindbending events in 2020. Devastating the sensibility of reasonable men and women. Black and White...all colors in between. Events that have stirred us from speechless to responsive. Responding in ways with the expectation to change a nation by rending the heart with truth. There are many who share this land. Yet two, on who, the events of 2020 were planned. Enter at the beginning. Recall the days. Conclude for yourself, color or fade.
From streets to headlines, the summer of 2020 left a mark we can’t erase.
Step into the summer that changed a nation, where every moment carries the weight of truth and the echo of voices rising.
Watch the Summer Unfold
Before you read, watch. The Summer of 2020 comes alive through powerful images, stirring words, and the voices that defined a season. Step back into the summer that changed everything. Through striking images, raw emotion, and a voice that refuses to be silenced, this trailer captures the heart of a nation in turmoil and transformation. In just moments, you’ll relive the urgency of the streets, the weight of the silence, and the sparks of hope that lit the way forward. Before you turn the first page, witness the story in motion.
Karla Sutton McKinney, author of Summer of 2020, was recently interviewed by Benjie Cole, host of the acclaimed People of Distinction radio show. In the conversation, Michael shared the inspiration behind his book, reflecting on the powerful events that shaped a nation and how those moments continue to influence our lives today.
INterview with Benjie Cole
The Author
Karla Sutton McKinney
Karla Sutton-McKinney is a mentor, teacher, poet, writer and now author of her first poetry book Summer of 2020. Karla has been writing poetry since 1999. Her first piece was dedicated to her late cousin Rashed Omarr Davison titled Just As I Am.
Karla Sutton-McKinney is a mentor, teacher, poet, writer and now author of her first poetry book Summer of 2020. Karla has been writing poetry since 1999. Her first piece was dedicated to her late cousin Rashed Omarr Davison titled Just As I Am.
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Karla resides in Cordova, Tennessee twenty minutes outside of downtown Memphis. A native of St. Louis, MO, she was married to Mark A. McKinney 31 ½ years when she became a widow in December of 2024. She has three sons, all who are married with growing families. There are five grandchildren, four girls and one grandson. After moving to Memphis and deciding to take a break from teaching she returned to school to become better equipped in advocating for educational equity by obtaining her Master’s in Education Policy and Leadership.
Outside of working remotely, part time for a family business, Gateway Roofing LLC, in St. Louis, MO, Karla spends her time volunteering with The Love Project (community street outreach), MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition of Action and Hope), and spreading the word for educational organizations/campaigns such as Public School Strong (PSS), Momentum Memphis (Stand for Children) and Save Our Students (SOS). She is a member of Advent Presbyterian of Cordova where she is active on the Prayer Team, as an Elder and with Advent Mobile Food Pantry.
She also enjoys the outdoors, reading, cooking and spending time with family. She invites you to share in her experience with God through this first book of poetry Summer of 2020 based on turbulent events…while gathering a glimpse into her next work Back-to-the-Beginning Volume 1 – The Things He Said.
Grab your tea or coffee, settle into your quiet space, prepare your heart and mind to embrace the work ordained for us before we were ever known. Enjoy.
YOur voice matters
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The journey of this book doesn’t end on the last page — it continues in the voices and perspectives of its readers. Share your reflections, questions, or memories here.