I am a committed child advocate and passionate litigation attorney and practice law at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. On regular basis I serve as a motivational speaker throughout the country and share my inspirational story of an Alabama woman who overcame nightmarish events and tremendous adversity during her childhood to become a successful attorney, motivational speaker and member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees.

In my memoir ‘More Than A Bird’ I recount my childhood. I was born in the violent Butler Terrace housing project in Huntsville, Alabama, but raised in my grandmother’s home in Clanton, Alabama, following my mother’s suicide. My book begins with the death of my mother and the incarceration of my father. From there, it details my emotional journey living in poverty and being sexually abused by my uncle, and profiles the men and women who I believe God placed in my life to mentor me and help me meet my full potential. More Than A Bird follows me through my high school graduation and ultimately my enrollment in college.

When I was eight-years-old, my pastor inspired me with a simple message: If God takes care of the birds, He will take care of me because I am more than a bird. His sermon gave me hope and guided me through some of the darkest days of my life. I want my story to let children in similar situations to mine to know that they can reach their dreams, and to encourage more adults to become advocates for them like so many did for me.

A portion of the proceeds from More Than A Bird will support efforts to advocate for the expansion of Alabama’s high-quality, voluntary pre-k program, and to enhance the quality of life for children and families across the nation through various other programs.

Liz Huntley
Author, Speaker