Author, publisher, and retired educator, Regina Long Southall is a freelance writer and poet.
Writing expertise dates back as far as high school. This skill was further mastered after becoming a teacher.
Having served as grade chairman for many years, writing abilities were extensive. Regina always had a
passion for writing poetry about everyday life experiences.
Regina has written more than 100 poems, including The Neighbors We Should Be, Another Day, The Effects
of Hurricane Katrina On Our Nation, God Is Getting Our Attention, Anchorman Peter Jennings, My Three Best Friends, Thank You Rev. Dr. Kenneth Eugene Lillard, My First Teacher, My Favorite Pharmacist 2010,
Farewell Kappa Sweetheart Melvin Twitty, and The Presidential Election of History.
In the early 90's Regina was selected to be the writer of the 2nd grade curriculum for World Class Social
Studies for the Portsmouth City Public Schools, Portsmouth, Virginia. In 1993 she became the citywide writer for the 2nd grade Family Life Education Curriculum.
As an author, Regina has also written a professional book entitled 'Teaching In Elementary Schools: The Real
Deal,' which was published February 7, 2009. Her poems and educational resource allow the reader to
become involved in situations that have been encountered at some point in life.
Regina was featured in the January 1977 magazine, Early Years For Teachers Through grade Three. This
experience explained her expertise in reinforcing math skills for second grade students who were having
problems. Her local newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot, featured her in two of its city circulars in 2007 entitled The Currents and The Clipper. These articles made reference to what led her to become an author which caused her to publish 'Poetry from the Heart' in 2006. The newspaper coverage in February and march 2007 then led to her being featured in the 2007 May/June issue of Tidewater Teacher, A Magazine For Teachers Across Hampton Roads. The article, entitled 'Moving On,' made reference to Regina being the retiring elementary teacher who was now moving on to further pursue her writing passion. Regina is now the author of three books. Her third book, 'Coffee Table Poetry: Experiencing the Power of Poetic Literature,' was published February 29,2012.
Regina received the Apple for the Teacher Award in 1996 sponsored by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
In 2000 a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of dedicated services rendered in the field of education was presented to her by Delicados, Inc. Portsmouth Chapter at their 8th Black Educators' Awards Dinner.
Elizabeth City State University School of Education and Psychology held its International American Education Assembly Program on Thursday, November 18, 2010. The national theme was "Great Public Schools: A basic Right and Our Responsibility" and "To Boldly Go: Charting Our Common Future Through International Education." The guest speaker was Dr. Henry Johnson, B & 0 Consulting Team Senior Advisor, Former US Assistant Secretary of Education. Because of the efforts of her sorority sister, Saundra Copeland, head of the ECSU Department of Education, Regina was one of six authors recognized. She was the only author recognized that was not a ECSU faculty member. The other five honorees were ECSU professors. Regina represented the Portsmouth City Public Schools Retired Teacher/Published Author.
On June 24, 2012, Regina was one of fourteen recognized by the AREA II NAACP ACT-SO Coalition at their 'Tribute To Excellence Awards Celebration.' This honor recognized role models from the Hampton roads area that have made outstanding achievements in humanities, the sciences, music, business, entrepreneurship, medicine/health, leadership, dance drama, poetry, education, community leaders and activist, and the performing and visual arts. Regina was honored in the categories of poetry/education.
Regina was recently honored as a Black Author of the Month by UBAWA for the month of December 2012.
UBAWA Publications was founded in 2011 by Danielle Leach who features an online network of authors
across the country. UBAWA stands for Urban Books, Authors, and Writers of America.
Regina was also recently the winner of WE Read Literary Services "What Christmas Means To Me" 2012
Contest. She will receive one custom designed book cover.
On January 16, 2013 (Wednesday), Regina was interviewed by Rev. Dr. Verlean Hailey on her radio
broadcast show, Life&Me Plus Plan BE out of Corona, California. Regina was able to share how she was
inspired to become an author and also recited several of her poems. There is a video posted on her facebook page that Dr. Hailey has placed in her radio broadcasting archives.
On Friday, February 1, 2013, Regina finally met NSU Alumni Curtis Bunn, Essence No.1 best-selling author, at his book signing event. It was sponsored by the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Hampton Roads Black Media professionals at the Chesapeake Marriott Hotel, 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia. Curtis Bunn featured his latest novel, 'Homecoming Weekend.' Regina was invited to attend to get her copy of 'Homecoming Weekend' autographed. She was elated because her name is mentioned on page 259 of this book. It reads as follows: "We have some really talented authors form Norfolk State: Nathan McCall, China Ball, Regina Southall--those are three more I can think of off the top of my head." Tranise said. "I'm so glad to get to meet you."
Regina is a 1966 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Portsmouth, Virginia, a 1970 graduate of Norfolk State College (now University), and a 1995 graduate of Regent University Graduate School of Education. She retired as a public school educator in 2004, rendering 32.8 years of dedicated service.
Regina is a Silver Star and Life Member of the Gamma Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She first joined her sorority as an undergraduate (Delta Epsilon Chapter) in 1968 at Norfolk State College (now University).
Regina now resides in Chesapeake, Virginia with her husband, Alton. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Jason and one adult daughter, Andrea.
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