About the Author

Gayle "Dee" Bowman has always had a knack for writing and telling stories. A staunch grammarian, she credits her late parents, Dr. and Mrs. Ollie M. Bowman, Jr. for her love of writing and appreciation for Black history.  Her first book, “Mommy, Tell Me About African-American Inventors” helps children discover common inventions by African-Americans – many of which even surprise their parents and teachers! It was re-published in 2022 with fresh, new, exciting picture and pages for young readers to color.

The Covid-19 pandemic, while devastating, provided Dee with the quiet time needed to write her second book, “Beyond the Mask.” Written under her pseudonym, Mizza P. Nelson, this gripping, realistic, and eye-opening work of art addresses the difficult topics of mental and physical abuse, rape, suicide, and abortion. Many of the scenes take place at an HBCU where friendships are questioned and trust is betrayed. 

A former resident of Virginia, Dee is a graduate of Hampton University and completed graduate work at Wayne State University and University of Detroit College of Law. She enjoys photography, international travel, and advocating for animal rights. The proud mother of the subjects of her first book, Dee happily delights over her grandchildren.