Sep 24

Sep 24 Books: They Came ’Cross Salt Water

D.A. Phillips

Arts & Culture

**Gooden signs autographs on her new book, “They Came Cross Salt Water” at her book launch held at The Country Club at Woodmore. PHOTO: COURTNEY FINKLEA GREEN**

Karen Gooden’s New Book Celebrates Legacy And Leadership In Prince George’s County

Story and Photography By Courtney Finklea Green // Lead And Supporting Photos By Alicia Adams

Author with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (the Iota Gamma Omega Chapter) left to right 5th from the right is Dr. Kristi Matthews, President (IGO) standing next to author Karen Gooden

LEAD PHOTO: Rosalind Daniel-Walker, President of the Mount Rose (MD) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, gets her book signed by author Karen Lesla Williams Gooden, Esq. at the launch of her book, They Came ’Cross Salt Water.

On the evening of September 18th, I stepped into The Country Club at Woodmore and immediately felt the pulse of something extraordinary. The Mount Rose (MD) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, was hosting the unveiling of They Came ’Cross Salt Water: Faith of Our Mothers and Fathers — A History of an African American Family by attorney and author Karen Lesla Williams Gooden, Esq. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was more than a book launch. It was a celebration of legacy, leadership and love.

The room buzzed with that special Prince George’s County energy, equal parts pride, laughter and the quiet knowledge that history was in the making. The crowd was a true cross-section of community leaders, family, neighbors, sorors, line sisters and brothers, young and not-so-young, all gathered with intention. You could feel that people were not just showing up out of obligation. They were genuinely excited to witness this moment. Every embrace felt like a benediction and every conversation circled back to the importance of legacy.

The program was rich with recognition. Hon. Gloria Lawlah, Karen’s mentor, spoke with grace and authority. Congressman Glenn Ivey presented a proclamation, followed by tributes and remarks from County Council members Wanika Fisher, Ingrid Watson, Jolene Ivey and Wala Blegay. Delegate Kym Taylor was also in attendance, along with organizational leaders Rosalind Daniel-Walker, president of the Mount Rose Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Kristi Matthews, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s Iota Gamma Omega Chapter. Their presence reminded us all that this was not just a family story. It was a community celebration.

**Author Karen Williams Gooden, Esquire and Councilmember At-Large Jolene Ivey**

Karen’s book is a gift. They Came ’Cross Salt Water traces her family’s journey across generations, anchored by faith and resilience. It is deeply personal yet speaks to a broader truth.

Our stories matter and the sacrifices and triumphs of our ancestors shape who we are and who we can become. The book preserves this legacy and inspires readers to honor their own roots, to reflect on their own families and to celebrate the faith, strength and determination that has carried previous generations through challenges.

**Members of the Mount Rose (MD) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.**

As the evening unfolded, it felt less like a formal program and more like a family reunion, full of warmth, laughter and pride.

I left feeling proud not just of Karen but of our county, our community and the way we come together to celebrate history, leadership and love. That is the kind of legacy that does not simply sit on a shelf. It lives in us, guiding us, inspiring us and reminding us of the power of faith, family and community.