DISCPlus: Rhoda Banks: Turning Pain into Power With Her New Book DAUGHTER of an ASSASSIN

Born and raised in the Carr Square Village neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, Rhoda Banks’ life was shaped by trauma, perseverance, and ultimately triumph. Her upcoming book, DAUGHTER of an ASSASSIN TURNING PAIN Into POWER: a JOURNEY of FAITH and PERSEVERANCE, details her harrowing experiences and how she transformed her struggles into a legacy of strength and inspiration.

A Childhood Marked by Trauma

Rhoda’s childhood was anything but easy. From an early age, she faced immense hardship, experiencing various traumatic events that left lasting scars. The stress of her environment was so overwhelming that she frequently broke out in hives. She witnessed a murder, survived a terrifying shooting incident at the Fox Theatre, nearly drowned in New York at the age of 13, and endured domestic violence in her home. One of the most chilling experiences she recalls is when a grown man made inappropriate advances toward her—an ordeal that ended only when her mother confronted him with an ice pick. Her father was murdered when she was just five years old, adding to the weight of her early years.

Despite these adversities, Rhoda and her sister found refuge in education. Their mother, who wasn’t inclined to attend church, discovered that her daughters were attending a Lutheran one and learned that Central City Lutheran School offered scholarships for underprivileged children. With support from an aunt on her father’s side, who ensured they received military benefits, Rhoda and her sister were able to attend the school. Determined to pursue her education further, Rhoda later attended Lutheran North High School, taking three Bi-State buses to get there. She briefly studied at Harris-Stowe College before stepping into the workforce.

Building a Life of Stability and Success

Rhoda’s journey led her to marriage, where she and her husband, James, have built a strong and loving partnership for over 30 years. After working various jobs, she found a position at Barnes Hospital, where she steadily climbed through different departments. A pivotal moment in her life came when a co-worker encouraged her to return to school. This colleague even purchased Rhoda’s books, igniting a spark that led her to Lindenwood University. She later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, marking a significant turning point in her life.

The Birth of DAUGHTER of an ASSASSIN

Rhoda’s decision to write her book was driven by two key motivations. Firstly, she wanted to document her story to leave a legacy for her two sons, ensuring they understood her journey. Secondly, she was fascinated by the sheer volume of trauma she had endured and how she managed to carve out a path to success despite the odds. She hopes her story will inspire others facing similar struggles, proving that one’s past does not dictate their future.

While the book’s title references her father, it is not about him. Instead, it sheds light on her truth, her experiences, and the impact of inherited trauma. The acronym “D.O.A.” (Dead on Arrival) symbolizes the expectation that she wouldn’t amount to anything—a notion she has defied at every turn. The book’s launch date, May 15th, aligns with National Family Day, reinforcing its message about the generational impact of trauma and the power of breaking cycles.

Upcoming Events and Speaking Engagements

Rhoda’s book launch will be followed by a signing event on May 17th at the High Low Listening Room in St. Louis. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $30, which includes a copy of the book. The event will feature light appetizers, a panel discussion, a reading from Rhoda, and a Q&A session.

Beyond the launch, Rhoda is set to appear on the Leadership Breakfast podcast on March 18th and will deliver a book lecture at Forest Park, St. Louis Community College, on April 17th.

A Legacy of Strength and Empowerment

When asked about her greatest challenge, Rhoda reflects on overcoming the negative narratives she internalized as a child. Her mother’s hurtful words shaped her self-image, but she has worked tirelessly to redefine her worth. Her greatest accomplishment, she states, is her marriage—a relationship that has stood as a model of love and stability for their family and community.

To those who have faced similar trauma, Rhoda’s advice is simple yet profound: “Don’t give up on yourself. Believe you can overcome anything. Be intentional about your decisions and don’t feel guilty for choosing a better path.”

As she looks toward the future, Rhoda hopes that her legacy will be one of impact and empowerment. “I want everyone to know I was here. I was someone who wanted people to reach their full potential. I didn’t just talk about it—I invested in people, helped them succeed, and fulfilled my purpose of helping others.”

Through her book and her work, Rhoda Banks is turning pain into power, proving that resilience, faith, and perseverance can forge an unbreakable spirit.

#Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #NewBookRelease