Well, I’m finally a published author!
“Finally” because my journey to publication has been a labor of love for two decades—a project that has started, slowed, stalled, and started again. Nevertheless, I persisted.
I’m proud to say that THE WEATHER OFFICER is now available, but I’m even more proud to say that I fulfilled my father’s wish. He asked me to write his book in 1999 just months before he died. With only an envelope containing his hand-written notes and my memories of his storytelling, I had to find a way forward. As you can imagine, it’s taken years and a lot of determination to excavate the facts, get to the truth, and piece it all together.
The Weather Officer is the story of my dad’s (Alonzo Smith Jr.’s) remarkable life and career as one of America’s premier Black weather forecasters. Set against the backdrop of segregation, he grew up poor in Harlem and Washington, DC, yet held on tight to what probably seemed like an impossible dream. He wanted to be a scientist. Driven by his childhood fascination with clouds, he ultimately became a pioneering aviation meteorologist.

In the process of writing, I discovered that Dad’s life is a slice of hidden history and an inspiring American story, one that brings a whole new perspective to what it means to hope and persevere against all odds.
My desire is that the reader will be reminded of the things that matter the most, such as family, freedom, and fulfilling your purpose in life.
To be honest, I’m a little conflicted by the timing of my book’s release.
It’s the best of times because not only is it Black History Month, but Americans in general are leaning in to history now more than ever, searching for understanding that will put the present into context.
There’s also an increased interest in weather and climate. On that note, only 2 percent of meteorologists are Black, yet our communities are the most impacted by extreme weather events. It would be such a joy if a young person of color was inspired by my father’s story and decided to become an atmospheric scientist so they could support their community.
It’s the worst of times because . . . you know why. History, science, education, books, and damn near everything else under the sun, including knowledge itself, is being attacked. But who knows? Maybe my book is needed for such a time as this . . .
In spite of it all, I keep telling myself the one thing my husband insists I don’t forget: I wrote this book to keep a promise to my dad. And I’ll continue to write because storytelling matters.
So, thanks to all of you—those who’ve subscribed to Bios & Backstories and those who’ve been waiting to find my book on virtual and real bookshelves. I’m grateful for your support, and I’ll keep showing up in your inbox for as long as you’ll have me. 🤍
You can purchase THE WEATHER OFFICER here. Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, The Things Our Father’s Saw, The Man Who Caught The Storm, and (for the Gen X folks) the classic movie, An Officer and a Gentleman.
Proud of you love you 🥰
Congratulations! Your book *is* needed for such a time as this. Thank you for writing it. As an aspiring author who is working on my first book (a project that has had its moments of momentum and stalled seasons), this inspires me to stay the course and finish. I love learning about hidden figures in our history, and I’m adding your book to my list of things to read. Wishing you so much success!