Authors
Musicians
Authors
Stephanie Allen-Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois and a master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She is an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Brain and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. She resides in Plano, Texas with her husband, Jim Adams; she is the author of A Magnificent Exchange.
Dr. Monica Frazier Anderson
National bestselling author Dr. Monica “Moe” Anderson is also a
motivational speaker, publisher, and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her
latest release, I Stand Accused, is her second novel. Her debut
novel, When A Sistah's Fed Up, was a national bestseller
in 2006. She has also authored two non-fiction books: Black
English Vernacular and Mom, Are We There Yet? Her
short stories and poetry are included in several anthologies.
Her Bachelor of Arts degree bears the gold seal of Baylor University, and her doctorate is from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
In 1996, this Texas native became the first African-American columnist for the Arlington Star-Telegram. She was a weekly columnist for a major daily newspaper, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for seven years, writing over four-hundred columns while practicing dentistry full-time. Her editorials have appeared in newspapers across the country, including: the Seattle Times, the San Jose Mercury News, and the Courier-Journal of Louisville, KY. In 1999, the staff of the Fort Worth Weekly named her “Best Columnist” in Tarrant County.
Dr. Moe also served as host of Perpetual Moe-tion, a weekly cable television talk show. She is a graduate of Leadership Arlington and a former member of the Junior Leagues of Minneapolis and Arlington, Texas.
As a third generation legacy of the international organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. this Texas native donates her time and resources to countless nonprofit endeavors in her community.
Dr. Moe has been the recipient of numerous awards, including: Outstanding Young Women of America, the "Distinguished Black Alumni Award" from the Baylor Black Alumni Association, the "Outstanding Young Alumni" Award from the Alumni Association of Baylor University, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Fort Worth Independent School District, and the Millennium Award for Medicine from Altrusa International, Inc.
Dr. Moe lives in Arlington, Texas. She has two extraordinarily handsome sons and a pathetic pet plant named Ivy. In her spare time, she enjoys sleeping.
Erin, a.k.a. The Nappturous Diva, has a passion to help others live naturally, which extends into her first publication: Nappturosity: How to Create Fabulous Natural Hair & Locs. After just a few moments with Erin, her sense of being in the moment and helping you feel empowered, inspired and educated will leave you feeling like you can truly “live the life YOU love!”
Colin Bootman born in Trinidad where
he spent the first seven years of his life. During this time, he
was inspired by the island’s rich and diverse culture. Soon after
moving to the United States, Mr. Bootman embraced art as a measure
of escape from the pressures of adjusting to a new environment at
an early age. Mr. Bootman cites finding his first comic book as
the life-changing experience that marked the beginning of his career
as an artist.Mr. Bootman began formal training at LaGuardia High School of the Arts, which served to deepen his appreciation for other disciplines, and solidified his own passion for the visual arts. In college, Mr. Bootman studied photography, writing, and illustration, honing his skills under the tutelage of professional artists. Mr. Bootman was encouraged to pursue children’s book art, as it allowed him the freedom to express himself through various media. Ultimately, the instructors at the School of Visual Arts prepared Mr. Bootman for the challenges of working as a professional illustrator.
Mr. Bootman’s first book, Young Frederick Douglass, was published in 1994 and received starred reviews. He has since illustrated many children’s books, textbooks, periodicals, and book covers. Mr. Bootman has worked with several publishers including Random House (Follow the Leader), Harper Collins (In My Momma’s Kitchen), Scholastic (Oh, No, Toto!), and Holiday House (Papa’s Mark). Mr. Bootman is the recipient of the Coretta Scott King honor 2004, the Schneider Family Book Award 2006, the Ashley Bryan Lifetime Achievement Honor 2006, and several others. His books have won such awards as The Teachers’ Choice Award, The Comstock Award, The Storytelling World Award, The Golden kite Honor, and many others. Mr. Bootman’s first written and Illustrated book (Fish For The Grand Lady), debuted in the fall of 2006. In addition to illustrating Mr. Bootman enjoys teaching and presenting to
students through out the country.
Mr. Bootman credits the lively rhythms and vibrant palette of Trinidad with leaving an indelible mark on his creative expression. He continues to grow as an artist as he welcomes the challenges that each new project invites. As Mr. Bootman’s work serves to inspire both early readers and future artists alike, he hopes to encourage young minds to embrace and follow their passions.
Celya Bowers
I was born and raised in Marlin, Texas. It's a small town of about
8,000 more or less. There is something to be said about being raised
in a small town. I don't know exactly what it is, but it was something
growing up in a small town. Everyone knew your family, so if you
did something wrong, the news got home before you did. On the other
hand, it's nice everyone knows I write books. I am the youngest of six children and wasn't able to go many places in my youth, so books became my best friends. So while all my friends enjoyed parties and going to the movies, I got to enjoy books and became an armchair traveler. I still love to read, although I don't have a lot of time, nowadays. Thank goodness for audio books.
I love creating quirky characters and unique situations, I guess cause I'm a little off center. So I like my characters to reflect that. I always see things as the glass is half full. Yes I'm one those happy happy people without the aid of medicine or liquor. I embrace life and who knows where I'll end up. I just excited for the journey. I view mistakes as life lessons and try not to have too many of those.
I am a member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, Dallas Area Romance Authors, and North Texas Romance Writers of America. I am currently a member of The Sizzling Sisterhood Critique Group.
Sonya
J. Bowser was born March 12, 1978, in Santa Fe, New Mexico
to Lillian Gatson and Benny Elvin Bowser. Her parents separated
when she was 1 years old and her father held legal custody of her.
She grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and Austin, Texas.As a child, Bowser had a love for reading literature and writing
poetry and music. At 3 she discovered an equal joy in singing and
began competing in local talent showcases often placing in the top
3 of her competitors.
After graduating from high school Bowser moved to Atlanta, GA
to pursue a degree in Mass communications at Morris Brown College.
She did her first speaking at Operation Olive Branch at Morehouse
college and she later became a student guide on campus and was also
deemed the queen of her dorms "Miss SAQ". During this time she continued
to stay active in her community and was involved in the community
service projects at her college with the inner city youth. She later
assumed the title of Fan Club President for her friend and adopted
sister thru family ties, Hydeia Broadbent and The Hydeia Broadbent
Foundation (which promotes Aids awareness and education to the community).
One year later she took on her first job as a writer and editor
for Blackgirl Magazine, which was founded by 12 year-old
Kenya Jordana James. She had the privilege to interview Laila Ali,
Kyla Pratt and also set up the interview with Queen Latifah. She
was also responsible for book reviews and the Child star articles.
After 5 years in Georgia, Bowser decided to pack up and return
to Dallas, TX, to be closer to home. Always busy working to keep
her artistic soul alive, Bowser was inspired to publish her first
book, Learning to Love Me: Self-Esteem for Children in
August 2006, which was later revised and resubmitted for a release
date of August 2007. This book attests to Bowser’s own personal
battles with low self-esteem as a child and the problems that plagued
her then and even the problems that plague her today as an adult
with low self-esteem and lack of self-love in some areas. She wrote
this book to inspire children and young adults to love themselves
for who they are; not for who everyone else thinks they should be
or even want them to be. Bowser believes that everyone has a choice
and everyone has a voice.
Her Motto: The hardest part about being you IS being you!!
Bibliography
-----, ed. Blackgirl magazine. Atlanta, GA 2004
-----,ed .Dragon Ninja Clan review. Dallas, TX 2006
James Branch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas and a Master of Education degree from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, with a specialization in reading. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education degree at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. While at Jarvis Christian College, James Branch served as a federally funded assistant under the tutelage of Reverend Claude Maples. During this religious tenure, James Branch had the opportunity to be a part of ceremonial preparations in the church as well as other church business-related ventures. He visited numerous churches in the East Texas community while attending Jarvis. This educator has worked with disadvantaged youth and adults from "at risk" environments all of his professional career. He has managed several businesses involving the daycare industry, as well as educational and tutoring facilities. Mr. Branch has taught reading at all levels, from reading readiness through the junior college levels. He continues to work primarily with low-income and disadvantaged youth who are at risk of dropping out of school.
Branch has co-authored and administered several federally funded government and county programs for in-school youth. Among those were MOMS (Managing Obstacles Of Motherhood Successfully), and the Achievers Academy, a program for 14-15-year-old students. James Branch has also made contributions as a ghostwriter for a violence-prevention program entitled Intercepting Tendencies Of Violent Behavior. He has co-authored an educational curriculum aimed at preventing unwanted classroom behavior, The Man In the Mirror. Branch has served in numerous grass-roots organizations and clubs. James Branch is a former president of UMOJA (unity), a grass roots organization that received the title Club of the year from the Fort Worth Star Telegram, in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1998. He has been a guest speaker and has conducted numerous workshops. Currently, James Branch is a full-time instructor at Tarrant County College. He also works as a part-time tutor for the Fort Worth Independent School District. James Branch attends Pilgrim Valley Missionary Baptist Church. During the initial stages of research for this book, Branch frequented over fifty African American churches.
Thomas
Brooks earned his B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University
of Pittsburgh and his MBA from the University of Maryland. The award-winning
author has published several articles, and has been featured frequently
on the radio and on television. In 1998, Brooks won a national award
from the Career Communications Group in the category of Technical
Sales and Marketing for his work in corporate America.
Brooks was formerly a Director of Marketing at Lucent Technologies. Since 2002 the entrepreneur has served as the Founder and Managing Director of Alpha Multimedia, Inc., a marketing, public relations and publishing firm. His bestselling book, A Wealth of Family: An Adopted Son's International Quest for Heritage, Reunion, and Enrichment, was named a “Best Books” Award Winner by USA Book News.
Brooks is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and also the National Black MBA Association. He enjoys public speaking, snow skiing, and running. He lives with his wife and children near Houston, Texas, U.
Anita
Bunkley an NAACP Image Award nominee and a member of the
Texas Institute Of Letters, author, Anita Bunkley was voted one
of the 50 favorite African American authors of the twentieth century
by the on-line African American Literature Book Club. Latest Releases:
You Only Get Better--Celebrating Life Every Step of the Way.
(Kimani Press, March 2007) An anthology of short stories co-authored
with Connie Briscoe And Lolita Files--Three Fascinating Women
Discover That Life, Love, And Everything Else Only Gets Better With
Age! Silent Wager (Dafina May 2006) Sexy--Risky--Compelling
to the end -- Silent Wager captures the passion, danger
and emotional tutmoil of the aftermath of perilous days in Houston
in the summer of 2001.
Published by major houses such as Penguin USA, Harper Collins and Kensington, many of her eight novels and two anthologies, have appeared in Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club, Black Expressions Book Club, and on Black Board: African American Best-seller list in both hardcover and paperback. She is a former teacher of English, French, and Spanish, and since becoming a full-time author, has spent many hours in classrooms as part of Houston's Writers in the Schools Programs.
Anita speaks regularly at national conferences and writers workshops, and has mentored numerous budding authors to eventual publication. A long-time presenter with African American Women on Tour, she enjoys helping women find fulfillment in the workplace, the community and in their personal pursuits. She has traveled to Cairo, Egypt to speak to the Egyptian Women's Writers Association at Ains Sham University and to Guanzou, China to interview romance writer, Eboni Snoe. Anita is an inductee in Who's Who in Black Houston, a member of the River Oaks Business Womens Exchange Club, Circle-Let's Inc, and Between the Lines Book Club. A native of Columbus, Ohio, she holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio. Anita lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Crawford, She is represented by Denise Marcil Literary Agency, Inc. New York, NY.
Barbara Cambridge Experts agree, from birth to 6 are the most impressionable years for children. What is imprinted on the psyche of a child during this period will forever undergird the personality, behavior, and potential of the child. Beloved provides parents and other caregivers of children, personal affirming messages, which positively acknowledge, validate and celebrate the uniqueness of each child. Designed to be read to the child, the book’s colorful illustrations reinforce and enhance the affirming messages. The author, Barbara Samuels Cambridge, Ph.D., LCSW, ACSW, therapist/social worker for more than 30 years, has observed firsthand the effects of early negative messages.
Her passion is the development and enhancement of self-esteem in children. Dr. Cambridge knows that words and images have power to imprint behavior. The words and images found in Beloved are appropriate for children of all ages. Beloved is an excellent gift for expecting parents. Those who care for preschool children will find the words and images in Beloved reflect the value and potential of each child. Reading the words of BELOVED aloud to a child will enhance bonding in a positive manner.
Barbra
Porter Coleman is an Okie from Muskogee, Oklahoma who now
resides in Dallas Texas. Between her and her husband, Alton they
have five children and four grandchildren. Barbra holds a Bachelor
Degree in Psychology/Management from Dallas Baptist University.
She also have many college hours in the criminal justice field.
When Barbra was in the third grade she would stay after school, sit on the steps of Dunbar Elementary in Muskogee, and read sixth-grade books to sixth-graders. Barbra always had a story to tell and a life-long desire to write. It wasn't until her last child left for college that she seriously followed her dreams. Initially, she planned to write about her mother's tragic car/train death and how being resilient helped her through her Senior year in high school. However, the more she wrote, the more murder mysteries called her name.
Barbra works for a major airline in reservations where she has been an acting supervisor, training coordinator, and instructor. She is currently on the phones assisting passengers with reservations. Barbra has always had a desire to write. Three years ago after meeting her favorite Author -Frances Ray she put the pen to the paper and hasn't put it down yet. She is a member of the Writer's Block Inc. in Dallas, TX. where she gets her motivation and drive. This group assist writers in becoming successful authors. Barbra has been on Black Images Best Seller's list (twice), and has been featured in Dallas Weekly, Cedar Hill Today, and Muskogee Phoenix's newspaper.
In her leisure time, Barbra likes to travel. Her favorite places are Paris, France; Florence, Pisa, and Rome, Italy; Dominican Republic, St. Thomas in the Virgin Island, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her favorite TV Shows are ER, and 24. Her favorite Movies are Training Days, Jackie Brown and The Other Sister. Barbra has a strong Faith in God. Her favorite saying is: 'With most things you have to See to Believe. But with GOD you have to BELIEVE to SEE. (Unknown Author)
Bridgette Collins
is a certified personal trainer and fitness coach, consultant, and
owner of MAC Fitness. She is the author of the novel Imagine
Living Healthier: Mind, Body, and Soul. Ms. Collins holds
a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has combined
nearly twenty years of human resources and program development work
experience with her training and passion to deliver health and fitness
solutions. For additional information about Bridgette and her book,
visit her website at www.bridgettecollins.com.
Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress is a published author, a trademarked columnist (The Voice of Inspiration), speaker, founder of The Grand Prairie African American AUTHOR SHOWCASE and member of The Anointed Authors on Tour group. A self-proclaimed Literary Servant, her works include: The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks, The McMillon Family Cookbook: Something to Shout About!, and Manna for Mamma: Wisdom for Women in the Wilderness. Dr. Congress has served as spiritual/scriptural advisor to many published and aspiring authors.
Manna for Mamma: Wisdom for Women in the Wilderness links the similarities between the Israelites’ journey from captivity in Egypt toward freedom in the Promised Land of Canaan, and the ten (10) most common experiences women face today during their personal pilgrimage: Beauty & Aging, Dating & Marriage, Education, Employment & Finances, Illness & Death, the Missing Man, Parenting, Position, Religion and Self-Esteem.
This book responds to the wilderness conditions in a woman's life by revealing that Jesus is her manna, available to both sustain and deliver her. Manna for Mamma will inspire women to move in the direction of His promises for her life, already fulfilled and awaiting her arrival.
Amy
M. Cooper inspires girls to love themselves in her debut
book Everything About Me Is Beautiful. The main character
in this story, Ebony, expresses her confidence and love of self
by acknowledging and affirming the uniqueness of her physical features.
When faced with being teased at school, Ebony is able to overcome
by reflecting on the positive things she knows about herself. This
book also encourages sisterhood as it displays healthy relationships
between Ebony and her friends. Everything About Me Is Beautiful
will empower girls ages 4-8 to be proud of who they have been created
to be.
Cooper’s journey towards personal freedom and a healthy self esteem has inspired her to write books that educate, empower and encourage our children to grow into healthy individuals. “It wasn't until I became an adult that I learned that what others called my flaws were actually my beauty marks. Growing up, my hair was a major issue. I got my first perm at age three, and even with a perm I got teased for my nappy edges. My lips were too big, my nose too wide. Today, I have the perfect hair, the perfect nose and the perfect smile. Everything about me is beautiful!” says Cooper. She hopes that each time girls read about Ebony’s dark skin, “extra” curly hair and wide grin they are able to see themselves and learn to feel good about who they are.
Cooper also feels that she has a responsibility to give back to the African-American community. “There are so many negative influences being presented to our girls. The image of the African-American female has been dishonored. I won’t complain anymore. Instead I’ll write books that restore our image and build our confidence,” she adds.
Cooper is a physical therapist who lives in Decatur, Georgia. She continues to learn from the children and youth she encounters as a youth mentor at her church. She’s also been known to “clown” around at special events for children.
Robert E. Criner An exciting communicator, Robert E. Criner has been empowering audiences since 1990. What Robert shares with people is not just theory—it is his own personal experience of growing through and overcoming obstacles and challenges. His life has changed and progressed through the same positive motivational techniques, strategies and principles he shares with people from all walks of life.
Robert Criner obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979 at Angelo State University in San Angelo , Texas. His leadership ability and marketing skills have been sharpened through association with 3M National Advertising as well as retail sales and sales promotions. Before reaching the age of 30, Robert successfully operated his own outdoor advertising firm, selling the company in 1991 to pursue a full-time career in Motivational Speaking and Personal Development Training.
As a professional speaker/trainer/consultant, Robert’s clients consist of the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division, the United States Postal Service, Rutgers State University, a host of corporations, retail companies, community service organizations and educational services.
Robert’s mission is to help people discover the greatness within themselves and to become the best they can be.
Thesina Daniel
began writing poems at the age of twelve and as she grew older began to write nonfiction books that help motivate and inspire. Her greatest accomplishment as a writer is to get letters from her readers on how her books have made a difference in their lives. Daniel has been a Christian all her life and she puts God in the middle of all her books and still the books are a page turner. She has authored five books, and her newest book Revelation Has Begun was written after it was revealed to Daniel in a dream on January 6, 2006 that the prophesies of the Book of Revelation had begun to be fulfilled. After having this dream, God revealed to her the meaning of the prophesies from the Original King James Version verse by verse. Her book, God’s Chosen Fast, reveals a different type of fasting that helps one understand living a true Christian life.
Three of Daniel books, How To Succeed Through Your Teenage Years-And Avoid Yielding To Drugs, Teenage Pregnancy, Suicide and Serving Time In Jail, The Family The Home And The Community Preparing the Next Generation to Succeed and Reaching Adulthood Prepared were written for all parents, children, teens and college students. The easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide in these books will help all to succeed. One of Daniel’s books, How To Succeed through Your Teenage Years, is currently being used at several public schools in Florida as a “must-read” for the students. Daniel has made several appearances as a speaker at many public schools. She has coached Soccer and Track & Field for many years and is currently helping to train her son for the 2008 Olympic Games in Track & Field.
Daniel strongly believes the children are our future generation of performing citizens, and we need to do all we can to help them stay focused to succeed. Being a parent in today’s generation is not always easy trying to balance daily responsibilities, a job and finding time to raise children who will succeed. Too many of our teens are in jail, detention/juvenile centers, are teenage parents, committing suicide, strung-out on drugs or die from drug overdoses. Children can’t raise themselves, and the book, The Family The Home And The Community was written as a self-taught guide for parents showing them how to balance their family, job, and household responsibilities. Reaching Adulthood Prepared, is a self-taught guide written for children from elementary to college graduation, showing what they need to do from an early age or at any age to reach adulthood prepared even if there are no parents in the home. The successful strategy Daniel has written in her books has helped many children, teens and parents and has helped her raise two children who are in college. Her son is majoring in Aeronautical Engineering with goals in obtaining a PhD and her daughter is majoring in Biochemistry with goals in becoming a Dermatologist.
Please visit www.thesinadaniel.com for more information and readers comments.
Deitra
Dean of Georgia is leading a dual life. By day, she is a
nurse at local long-term care and rehabilitation facility specializing
in geriatric care and rehabilitation services for the community’s
residents. Her job places her in a pivotal role. She assists with
the department’s day to day operations, production of the resident’s
plan of care, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team members
to insure the continuity of care for their clients. Coupled with the routine work schedule her dedication to, Shoo-In
Publishing, an upcoming full-service self publishing company, where
she owns and operates to promotes her literary work; assists and
aids others in fulfilling their life’s destiny through consultation;
editing, ghostwriting; and conducting writing seminars. Dean has
authored two books, Where is Mordecai? Finding your royal
place in destiny through your spiritual leader (released July 2006)
and The Prodigal Dad . . . Dads Home Now That I’m Grown
(released April 2007).
Deitra’s task does not end there. Shoo-In Publishing is hosting Marietta, GA’s first Self-Publisher’s Book Fair. The fair will cater self-published authors and artist from all over. The fair will take place March 28-30, 2008, at Jim R Miller Park, in Marietta, GA. Dean feels that the work of self-published authors has been over looked far too long; therefore, she had made it a commitment to assist in the promotion of self-published authors like her self.
A long time Georgia resident, Deitra lives in Austell, GA with
her two daughters Christian, and Stephanie. She enjoys spending
time with her family, mingling with friends and reading materials
from various authors.
Dean holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and is in pursuit of dual degree in Psychology and Sociology.
Cheryl Lacey-Donovan — is an author, educator,
and inspirational speaker. Her first book Women What the Hell are You Thinking: An Inspirational Guide to
Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God was released on May 1, 2007 to rave reviews.
Women What the Hell are you Thinking remained in Amazon’s top 10 hot new releases during the
entire first two months of its release. Cheryl is also the host of Worth More Than Rubies an internet radio talk
show that airs on redchurchradio.com. She has been a mentor for
Christian Women Today for one year and is the founder of A Virtuous Woman-31. Cheryl has been happily married
for 14 years to her husband Keith and she has two adult sons and a stepdaughter. She is a member of the
Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Cheryl plans to release two more books before
years end. Where’s My Mama: The State of American Motherhood in America and Some Day My Prince
Will Come, but Am I Cinderella? Look for her new releases in the fall and winter of 2007.
Tananarive
Due — pronounced tah-nah-nah-REEVE doo — has written
seven books ranging from supernatural thrillers to science fiction
to a civil rights memoir, making the American Book Award-winning
author among the nation’s most versatile voices.The Living Blood (2001), which received a 2002 American Book Award, “should set the standard for supernatural thrillers of the new millennium, ”said Publishers Weekly, which named both The Living Blood and My Soul to Keep (1997) among the best novels of the year. The Good House (2003) was nominated as Best Novel by the International Horror Guild. The Black Rose (2000), based on the life of pioneer Madam C.J. Walker, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. My Soul to Keep will soon be a major motion picture at Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Due and her husband, novelist and screenwriter Steven Barnes, have also sold a screenplay based on her novel The Good House to Fox Searchlight. Due’s newest novel, Joplin’s Ghost (September 2005), blends the supernatural, history, and the present-day music scene as a rising R&B singer’s life is changed forever by encounters with the ghost of Ragtime King Scott Joplin.
Sonia Hayes, a native of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, began her career in 1985, which evolved into professional
modeling, acting and freelance writing. She completed her primary
and secondary education within the Milwaukee public school system.
Her post secondary education was acquired through the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which culminated in a B.A. in Mass Communications
with minors in French and Political Science. She also possesses
an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from National University.
She has spent the past few years freelance copy-editing, publishing articles and preparing women and young adult fiction manuscripts. She believes that if parents, writers and teachers can persuade the youth to read, there is no doubt our future and their tomorrow will be brighter. She contributes to this endeavor through her writing. She is the author of the teen novel, Ms. Thang. In 2006, she was nominated for the American Library Association Coretta Scott King New Talent Award and the Alex Award. Urban Goddess, the sequel to Ms. Thang will be released May 2007.
Ms. Hayes spends her time speaking to the youth about life issues and promoting literacy. She is a volunteer for the teen pregnancy prevention campaign and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Leo Barron Hicks was born and
raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, a city not without its
challenges. He has been married for over thirty years, and has two
children and two grandchildren. Mr. Hicks earned his bachelor’s and
master’s degrees at the University of Illinois at Springfield,
Illinois (formerly Sangamon State University) and a law degree from
the Southern Illinois University School of Law at Carbondale,
Illinois. He has fifteen years experience as a practicing attorney.
“I was motivated to write The New Cotton by the need to provoke heartfelt discussion about the state of justice in America and to create dialog about where we have come from, where we are, and where we are going. And finally, I want to send a wake-up call to other young black males. To show them the real purpose of the criminal justice system and to convince them that we can and must do better.”
Deborah Hill
The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Soul. Description:
This book is for those who are seriously searching for meaning
and spirituality in their lives (Especially those who have found
worldly success without peace). It would be most relevant to
teen to fifty-something men and women who are dealing with lingering
childhood or familial issues which inhibit spiritual growth,
such as sexual or physical abuse. My secondary audience would
be those searching for an entertaining, spiritually based and
challenging read. It touches on many different subjects that
pull together many different spiritual perspectives. It also
lends a spiritual perspective to everyday decisions for success.
Why I wrote this book: The process of writing The Proper Care & Feeding of Your Soul was supernatural. Before knowing Christ, I was so unfulfilled although I had everything a woman could want. It began with a burning desire to just write. I wasn’t trying to write a book, just trying to make sense of my existence. I began by trying to record and purge my early life. I was angry and felt superior to those who violated my innocence as a child. I was jaded in my faith in people and their intentions. It just began as a cathartic tool to move forward and find peace. My writing evolved into a temptation of sorts. I began to see the world as conquerable through anger and wanted to plot out revenge through thought and execution. In revisiting the writing, the worst of me became apparent, how I had manipulated all my life. It was a record of survival through ‘martyrdom’ and self righteousness. Ultimately, I was saved by truly seeing myself in the writing and finding redemption through faith. I found faith in the fact that even if I harbored all the negative feelings and attitudes experienced; love was abundant in my life. So this book is a record of living and dealing with anger and finally finding redemption. It is also the culmination of great general philosophies about what the Holy Spirit revealed to me during my spiritual baptism.
Deborah Lintz-Hill grew up in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of North Texas earning a BA in Sociology. She currently resides in Plano, TX with her husband and three lovely daughters.
Vanessa Hollis
recently relocated from Austin, TX to Atlanta, GA. Vanessa is
in the process of completing her Bachelor of Science Degree
in Business Management from Kaplan University. A self-published
author and founder of Teardrops Publishing, she had her debut
novel Love in my Teardrops released in June 2005, with her second
book When my Tears Cry soon to follow in late June 2006. Vanessa’s
in the process of working on her third book Tears of Katrina,
scheduled to be released sometime in late 2007.
Vanessa Hollis’s first book signing exposure was with the Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair & Arts Festival which highlighted nationally acclaimed authors, such as poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, Walter Mosley, and bestselling author and playwright Eric Jerome Dickey and many more.
Love in my Teardrops has consistently been in the #2 position on the top ten lists of Mitchie’s Art Gallery in Austin, TX since it was shelved http://www.mitchie.com/2005books/toptenmitchiesbooklist.htm and later became #1 the week of October 20, 2005. Due to the wonderful response received, there were encore signings, the second one being at the request of the owners. On November 8, 2005, she became the featured author on Cushcity.com and has been featured on the internet through many websites, including Hollis’s own (www.vanessahollis.com). She’s on the shelves of other book stores, such as Under One Roof in Killeen, TX, African American Images in Chicago, IL and in many locations throughout Atlanta, GA. Books have also been made available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Baker & Taylor and major distributing companies such as Lushena Book Distribution & Seaburn Distribution, http://www.blackbookplus.com/love_in_my_teardrops_vanessa_hollis_0976760207.asp.
K.
L. Jones was born in Winnsboro, LA, on August 10, 1972, to
the parents of L.K & Pashion Jones Sr., a mother who did not
complete high school and a father who did not make it beyond the
second grade with his education. K. L. Jones had always been told
what to do, but never how to do, like many of us today. Instead of
living a productive life, K. L. Jones, lived a destructive life. On
many of occasions, in his life times he became homeless, and lived
out of his car as he went from state to state looking for someone,
or somewhere, to be accepted. Steadily running from the calling the
Lord placed on his life. The Womanizer, whose only passion was to
manipulate women and wanted death to claim him, K. L., wrestled with
the urge of contemplating suicide daily. It was not until the Spirit
of the Lord spoke to him, and the seeds that the Lord had planted
started to take root, and grow. K. L. Jones is one of Dallas, Texas,
well known authors representing one of the new voices in Christian
Literature, Theology and Spirituality. Mr. Jones recently released
his sophomore book entitled, Proof of Wisdom. The man who once came
from no educational back ground, and no direction in life was given
the assignment by God of creating, and teaching a new learning code,
known as the Usurpo Metaphysics Code. K. L. Jones continues to
exercise one of many of his gifts for the perfecting of the body of
Christ, and unbelievers by challenging those to obtain Proof of
Wisdom, through Faith, Logic, Judgment, and Obedience to God.
K. L. Jones displays a committed passion to continue to pursue divine purpose, and destiny through his literary and writer's non-profit organization, Beyond the Limits, which is designed to give the opportunity to those desiring a career in writing and publishing the opportunity to learn, explore, and succeed in their dreams. K.L Jones has faced many of life’s setbacks, and disappointments but yet he continues to be a faithful man of God, by continuously giving back to his community, and by having a heart for the people. The man that was once stood homeless, and lived in various shelters is now able to extend a helping hand, by taking in other homeless individuals inside of his home, and the once well-known womanizer is now able to give words of encouragement, and wisdom that invokes change, influence, and power to diversified men, and women of all ages, creeds and nationalities. K. L. Jones, can be heard on various local radio stations, and can be seen on his monthly broadcasted television talk show Proof of Wisdom reaching a four million viewing audience in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolis, and surrounding areas, and giving readers, and viewers an opportunity to call in and provide feedback directly to him by asking inquisitive questions, as well as receiving thought -provoking, but yet insightful wisdom commentaries that is sure to affect, and bless there lives. K. L. Jones's applicable and simplistic writing style introduces philosophy, theology, and spirituality to those who may not have had the interest to read it. Mr. K.L. Jones currently resides in the great City of Dallas, Texas with his supporting wife, Alexcia Jones, and their five wonderful children, and family Mr. Jones continues to live by his life long motto….. “To know where one can go, he only needs to remember where he has been”
Rashun Jones
RN, MHR is a psychiatric and mental health nurse, who currently
works as a registered nurse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She
has an arsenal of tools for dealing with difficult people and
communicating more effectively using verbal, nonverbal and good
listening skills. Her work has included working with groups
in anger management, conflict resolution and managing violence
in the workplace. She provided training to employees of the
Veterans Health Administration for six years in Prevention and
Management of Violent Behavior. Rashun graduated from the University
of Central Oklahoma with a BSN and Oklahoma University with
a Masters in Human Relations. Rashun has served as an adjunct
faculty member for Langston University and Rose State College
in Oklahoma. She is a member of Blacks in Government, National
Association of Women Writers, Publishers Marketing Association,
Capital Chamber of Commerce and Toastmasters.
Rashun is the founder of the Nushape News, an online
report committed to helping people achieve a happier and healthier
life. She is the author of Healthy Attitudes Smart Choices:
Living the Life You Choose, Power of Life: Use It or
Lose It You Decide and Blueprints: A Way of Life
and soon to be released Girl You Can Have a Breakdown or
Breakthrough. She is also a contributing writer for the
AA Culture Zone, Blackliving.com
and Self Growth.com.
Rhonda Jackson
Joseph was born in Richmond, Texas in 1971. Her earliest
foray into writing was during junior high school when she produced
numerous romance short stories in which she and her best girlfriends
were the heroines. The stories were circulated and garnered
quite a following. Thus, she found that romance writing came
rather natural to her. Her focus shifted toward horror writing
when the elevated hormone levels in her body during pregnancy
brought on terrifying nightmares during the scant hours she
could find sleep. The dreams demanded to be placed on paper,
and she hoped they would then be exorcised. To no avail, as
they never completely disappeared. In fact, they multiplied.
Rhonda currently lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and four children. Her first novel, a contemporary romance entitled Call It What You Want, was released by Tea and a Tome Publishing in March 2007. She is currently working on several other novels and a screenplay.
Matthew Lynch has experience as a professional educator,
grant reviewer, grant writer, and author. He is currently employed
as an Exceptional Education Teacher at Sykes Elementary School
and is the CEO of Lynch Consulting Group, LLC. Lynch Consulting
Group, LLC, is a comprehensive consulting firm that provides
innovative educational & business consulting solutions to K-12
& Higher Education institutions, nonprofit organizations, various
levels of government, as well as members of the business sector.
He is also a Doctoral Candidate at Jackson State University majoring in Early Childhood Education, with a cognate in Educational Administration. He is also the author of Closing the Racial Academic Achievement Gap, and a children’s book, entitled Matthew and the Money Tree. Mr. Lynch is a contributing columnist for over 16 publications. He is also the founder of Project E.P.I.P.H.A.N.Y, a research based mentoring program. Born and raised in Mississippi, he currently resides in Jackson, Mississippi.
Dr. Mamie L. McKnight Dr. Mamie L. McKnight has three underlying themes in her professional and volunteer career: 1) commitment to family and community development; 2) dedication to historic preservation; and 3) a desire to educate Dallas youth. Dr. McKnight is regarded as a true historian of Black Dallas.
She is founder of Black Dallas Remembered, Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of Dallas heritage, especially the legacy and importance of the African-American community. Its goal is to uncover black participation in the history of Dallas through four areas: structural preservation, research, publication and free educational activities targeting youth.
Perhaps one of Dr. McKnight’s most challenging endeavors revolved around the Texas Department of Transportation and City of Dallas’ planned expansion of Central Expressway. Freedman’s Cemetery, a cemetery for more than 8,000 of Dallas’ earliest black residents (many former slaves), would have been unearthed and destroyed by the expansion. Under Dr. McKnight’s direction, Black Dallas Remembered, Inc. initiated an investigation of the breadth of this historic gravesite. Dr. McKnight played a key role in the coordination, archiving and relocation of graves to help preserve an important part of Dallas’ heritage.
Dr. McKnight is President of GEM-MAC Consulting, a family-owned firm specializing in education, community development, African-American heritage and preservation.
Her organizational activity includes serving on the boards of Friends of Fair Park, the Texas CAN Academy, National Women’s Museum Local Advisory Committee, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Historical Commission Review Board. She also served as chairman of the Dallas Landmark Commission. In 1999 Governor George Bush appointed Dr. McKnight to serve a six-year term on the Texas Historical Commission.
Dr. Mamie L. McKnight has written numerous articles and authored or edited three books on local African American heritage. She is a member of the Texas Historical Commission, the Museum of Dallas History Advisory Board, and was Founding Director of Black Dallas Remembered. She is the Director of the Juanita Craft Civil Rights House. Dr. McKnight currently serves the University of Texas at Dallas as Coordinator of Special Programs for the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering.
Andrea
C. Mitchell a first time children's book author, is a
graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton with a BA
in Communications. She is in the process of completing a series
of children's books in honor of the funny things that kids do
and the parents who raise them. She resides in Arlington, TX
with her husband of 12 years, a son and daughter. 
Victoria
Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author,
even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination.
A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to
attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication
Disorders. After graduating in 1977, Victoria attended New York
University, where she received her Masters of Business Administration
in 1979.
Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.
Victoria originally self-published Temptation in 1997. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”
In 2000 Warner Books published Temptation. “It was a long road before my agent was able to find a publisher. However, it has truly been a blessing.”
Joy, Victoria’s second novel, was released in October 2001. “This is a story about having to make tough decisions when you’re pulled between what you may want and what God definitely wants. Joy reveals how one word from God can change your whole life.”
Touchstone books, a division of Simon & Schuster, in June 2004, published Victoria’s third novel Truth Be Told. “This one is about a woman who just won the position of councilwoman on a Christian platform. But then a dark secret from her husband’s past is revealed and threatens to rip her family apart.”
Victoria’s recent novels Grown Folks Business (Touchstone Books/June 2005) and A Sin and a Shame (Touchstone Books/June 2006) were both Essence Magazine bestsellers. In July 2007 Touchstone Books a division of Simon & Schuster will publish THE EX FILES: A Novel.
Victoria lives in Inglewood, California and attends Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church. She is also a member of the Long Beach Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Please visit www.victoriachristophermurray.com for more information.
marion napoleon Napoleon is the first-time author of
Lady Silverstone’s Darkest Hour, a book that provides
an exciting and exhilarating journey into the heart and mind
of a woman. The book deals with every issue a woman can imagine.
It was the book for the month for two consecutive months on
KR&B 105.7 in Dallas, TX. Mrs. Napoleon currently travels the
world promoting her newest book, and is highly requested as
a Motivational speaker and Vocalist.
Marion has been an independent entrepreneur for the last 13 years. She owned and operated Research Team USA, Inc. a research, recruiting and consulting company located in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area. She continues to enjoy success in the Real Estate industry capturing the top sales award for both the year 2004 and 2005. Find out more about Lady Silverstone’s Darkest Hour at www.ladysilverstone.com
Nicole Pierce's The Sacred Sermon focuses on the relationship between a career woman in search for love and the pastor she ultimately falls deeply in love with. The Sacred Sermon has sold over 15,000 copies, won countless literary awards and was featured in The New York Times and Essence Magazine’s Best Sellers List. The newly released (July 2007) Blackmail…White Lies is the long-awaited sequel of The Sacred Sermon. This page-turner starts where the first novel ends and features a mind blowing plot, riveting intrigue, sex, mystery, and of course, blackmail…white lies. What has Natalie, Janet, and Kevin been up to? The answer will blow your mind! Nicolle Pierce was born in Dallas, Texas and attended Tuskegee University, where she earned her degree in Marketing. Nicolle Pierce resides in Houston, TX where she is completing her third novel. Visit www.thesacredsermon.com and www.nicollepierce.com .
D.T. Pollardwas
born in Henderson, Texas, and currently lives in the Dallas/Fort
Worth area. He is married and has one son. Drawn to writing
at an early age he wrote short stories and attempted his first
novel while attending West Rusk High School in New London, Texas.
Going as far as to purchase a portable electric typewriter he
wrote stories but didn't understand the world of publishing
and never sought that avenue. He earned an academic scholarship
to the School of Business and Industry at Florida A & M University
in Tallahassee, Florida.
He stopped writing during his second year in college. Concentrating on his academic pursuits he was at the top of his class in Marketing and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was recognized with the Most Outstanding Performance In Marketing award for his graduating class of 1981. In addition to his academic pursuits he was president of The Orator's Club which was a public speaking organization and won the competition during his freshman year. After working in sales for some of the giants of the technology world for over twenty-five years his desire to write returned after losing several siblings from various causes. His first novel The Trophy Wife Network was published in April 2006 followed by Rooftop Diva-A Novel of Triumph After Katrina in September 2006.
Pamela
Pujo is a native of Louisiana, and currently resides in the
Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. She is currently pursuing her
Master of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Methodist University.
She earned a B.A. degree from the University of Louisiana at
Lafayette. Her wish is to inspire others to actively pursue their
dreams.She is currently working on her debut novel, Forbidden Fruit, which is scheduled for release in 2008. The novel tells a story depicting how the strong bonds of friendship between two friends deepens as each embarks upon a journey discovering how the imperfections of their past have shaped their present relationship. The two friends find revelation and security as their religious faith grows to new heights. Both girls are driven in their professions and relationships in an attempt to shed the reality of their humble beginnings, and strive to live the life of their dreams. Through many twists and turns, both girls are able to move forward in life one day at a time. Forbidden Fruit is a good novel that will touch people’s hearts and shed light into dark corners that each of us attempts to hide.
Karen
ReG’ena, known as ‘Jaaz Jones’ to her friends,
contemporaries and business associates, is President and CEO of
Seeds of Success, a Lifestyle Enrichment Institute and most
recently Harvest Time Publishing. She is also a seminar
developer and trainer with twenty years experience in meeting
planning, Public Relations, and personal-development training,
as well as, being an award-winning public speaker. Ms. Jones has
implemented corporate training for Continental Airlines. She has
developed and facilitated seminars and meetings for Department
of Commerce, The City of Austin, Caribbean Basin Initiative,
Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages, Literacy Volunteers of America
and the Board of Tourism for Barbados, just to name a few. Her
training philosophy is “Learn outside your box, Live inside your
possibilities.”
Karen ReG’ena, ‘Jaaz’, is a two-term past President of Barton Springs Toastmaster’s. Karen ReG’ena founded Seeds of Success, while in Houston in November of 2000. At the highest moment in her career she experienced a major life-changing event. While her training company began to take off. Karen ReG’ena’s mom suffered a stroke as the result of a brain aneurism and passed away on April 13, 2001. After her mother’s death she continued to travel and train, hiding behind the loss. Four years later she stopped dead in her tracks, trained and ran in her first marathon and composed the book, In My Mother’s Voice. In her own words, the author states, “This book is dedicated to my mother, who resides in heaven and in my heart. Her sayings were universal and she lived what she taught. I had to share ‘her’ with the world! This book also speaks to the strength, courage, compassion, commitment and unconditional love God placed in a woman known to her friends as Marie Celeste and to me, as ‘Ma’.” The author also dedicates this book to mothers and children who may be lost in the dark corridors of depression, uncontrollable situations or past experiences that they allow to define them in the present. “It is my hope this book can serve as a light, a candle, in the midst of their darkness and reveal their inner strength and show them they are not alone in their struggles.”
Sydelle Richard
was born, Sydelle Nicole McDonald in 1971 in Hereford, Texas.
She was raised in the small rural town of Dimmitt; located in
the Panhandle of West Texas. The youngest of four children and
the only girl, Sydelle shares a special bond with the two older
boys. Born of a mother who succumbed to a life of drug and alcohol
abuse, Sydelle and her brothers were left to be raised by their
grandparents. In addition to her brothers, Sydelle shared special
bonds with a number of cousins and friends.
Sydelle attended schools in the Dimmitt ISD where she graduated with honors in 1989. She was very active in various extra-curricular activities including, basketball, track, cross-country, FFA (Future Farmers of America), FHA (Future Homemakers of America) and student council. During her senior year in high school, Sydelle served as Student Body President. She was team captain of the basketball team, receiving All-State honors. She focused and excelled in activities outside the home in order to keep her mind off the multitude of problems she faced at home.
In the Fall of 1989, Sydelle entered West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University. As a freshman, she worked on and off campus to earn extra money. She had received numerous academic scholarships and focused primarily on her studies. Following her high school coach's suggestions, she decided to try out for the women's basketball team. After weeks of strenuous practice, she was offers a walk-on position on the team, which eventually led to a scholarship. Due to a number of tumultuous issues, Sydelle transferred to Midwestern State University in the Fall of 1991. She received a full basketball scholarship. There she earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Daphine
Robinson I am a writer at heart. I've been writing since
I was a child. I was an only child until age 10, so I had to
find ways to entertain myself. A pen and a piece of paper always
provided me with a way of escape from boredom. I also enjoy
writing poetry, reading, and cooking (when I have time.) The
introvert in me enjoys finding a quiet spot, pulling out my
journal, and writing until my heart is content. My extroverted
side enjoys meeting new people, talking to complete strangers
in the grocery store line, dancing, and engaging in group discussions.
I promised God and myself that when I got published, I'd share
what I learned along the way. I want to encourage others to
achieve their dreams, whether its to be a published author,
or otherwise.
In 2007, I'll kick off the motivational workshop, Dream Catchers. DC is a small group discussion designed to encourage people to achieve their goals and dreams. Brotherly Love & Betrayal was my baby for many years and was finally "born" in 2006. I had a lot of fun writing it, and grew right along with the characters as I wrote it. I wanted to explore something that wasn't the usual. From what I hear, BL&B is a real page-turner! Momisms: Mama Never Told Me There Would Be Days Like This! was born as a result of me keeping a journal of all of the crazy things that have happened in the Robinson household after having two small children, more specifically, adding a boy to the household! Between working full time, being a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and God only knows the other titles I hold, I'll be writing Caring What People Think in 2007. Stay tuned right here for the synopsis.
Daphine acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Winthrop University and a Master of Business Administration degree at Charleston Southern University. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Shewanda Riley is a Dallas-based author and media professional. A veteran media professional, she has worked as a News Director, producer and on-air talent for radio stations in Dallas, Texas (KOAI, KRBV, KHVN, KWRD, KNON), San Antonio, Texas (KCHL, KCJZ) and for Armed Forces Network (Fuerth, Germany) since beginning her career in radio over 16 years ago. She has also been a correspondent for Sheridan Broadcasting Network. She is currently an Instructor of English at Tarrant County College in Hurst, Texas. Her debut book, Love Hangover – Moving From Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends, a book on relationships for singles, was released by Suncreek Books in February 2003.
Love Hangover provides a road map for recovery for those who seek genuine and long-lasting emotional healing after a romantic relationship has ended. Scientists define a hangover as the body's reaction to an excess of toxins in the system. It takes time for the body to cleanse itself. In a similar way, once a relationship ends, it takes time for "toxins" such as the burden of shame, the irrationality of anger, and the sting of rejection to leave the emotional system.
William Rollings is a proud husband and father. In 2002, he and his lovely wife Grenna were married in Durban, South Africa. They have one beautiful daughter, Alexis, and now reside in Dallas, Texas. William is a native of Perry, Florida.
William’s mission is to encourage and equip people to reach their God given potential. He has several years of experience as a workshop presenter at various conferences for adult Christians. His teaching has touched upon such key topics as Biblical manhood, dating relationships, sexual purity, spiritual growth, and maintaining balance between church, work and home. His teaching approach is to present God’s word in a manner that is simple, practical and easy to understand. He is a member of the Concord Missionary Baptist Church where he has served in several ministry areas including Growth Group Leader, Male Discipleship Group Leader, Concord Center for Biblical Studies Instructor, Scholarship Ministry, Young Adult Men’s Ministry, Deacon and now Elder. His passion for reaching and teaching others is extended to the college classroom where he currently serves as an adjunct professor at Cedar Valley Community College in Lancaster, Texas. William earned a B.S. Degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M
University and a MBA degree from the University of Texas in Austin. William’s professional career includes 3 years as a computer programmer and over 8 years of corporate marketing experience in product management. He was responsible for developing strategic partnerships, launching new products, managing enhancements to existing products, and executing marketing communication efforts. Currently, he sells government owned real estate with the General Services Administration in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Alexus
Rhone is a YA author devoted to candidly exploring teen/young
adult issues through fiction. Graciously labeled “the black
Judy Blume,” her universal stories and raw voice engages even
the most reluctant of readers. Her debut novel, Premature
Pleasures (2001), hit Children’s/Young Adult bestseller
lists around the southwest region and her sophomore release,
Secret Shame (2003), debuted #2 on The Dallas Morning
News Bestsellers List and #3 in Essence Magazine
(September 2003). Alexus recently celebrated the release her
third YA novel, Backseats and Bleachers: A High School Love
Story and is sketching her fourth and final project in
the Trek Baden-series, Cover the Coo, where her main
character Trek is a freshman in college, facing an unplanned
pregnancy and confusion about which one of her beau’s is the
baby’s father.
Alexus has worked with various youth organizations as a speaker/facilitator, including The Tavis Smiley Youth Foundation where she facilitated youth activist workshops at the National Youth-2-Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. To the numerous awards and honors bestowed on Alexus, The Phoenix Business Journal awarded her the coveted 40 Under 40 Award in recognition of her business acumen and leadership in the community. In addition, Alexus has taught language arts and Black American culture classes as a Spanish Fellow with Instituto Londres outside Mexico City.
During the school year, she serves as a writer-in-residence at several high schools in Phoenix and travels the country actively promoting and lecturing on teen/YA issues. As the “raw, relevant, responsible voice in teen lit,” Alexus uses her stories to build a platform promoting literacy among kids who hate to read, raising teen sexuality and teen dating violence awareness and other issues pertaining to the teen relationship scene. A member of the Society for Children Book Writers and Illustrators, Alexus holds a Bachelor of Journalism/Public Relations degree from the University of Texas at Austin and resides in Phoenix, AZ.
Minister
Roger Russell Raised in Pine Bluff, AR, Min. Roger Russell,
is the last of four sons born to Mr. W.L. Russell and the late
Mrs. Jeweline Russell. He graduated from Dollarway High School
in 1989. Min. Russell received a Bachelor of Science degree
in English Education, magna cum laude, from the University of
Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1994. Also, he earned a Master of
Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2001. Min.
Russell was named “Man of the Year” in 2002 at the Pilgrim Rest
Baptist Church were he serves as associate minister; Dr. C.W.
Wallace is pastor. As a minister of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist
Church, he writes for the church publications, The Pilgrim
Rest Express and Dimensions Magazine. On Sunday
mornings he welcomes the visitors to the church by quoting poetry
he composes regularly.
It was following his graduation from Dallas Seminary that Minister Russell wrote and published his first book, Faith Beyond the Comfort Zone in 2005. It is a synopsis of his life in Christ over the years involving testimonies of divine provision, triumph over tragedy, and spiritual growth. On February 17, 2006, Min. Roger Russell, conference speaker-author-teacher, was named “Writer of the Year” by the American Christian Writers at their Dallas Conference. Following the publication of his book, Minister Russell founded Servant’s Heart Ministries. Through this full-time ministry, Minister Russell seeks to edify the body of Christ in discipleship and intercessory prayer through public speaking, teaching workshops, Christian literature and intercessory prayer meetings throughout the community
Brian
W. Smith is a native of New Orleans, LA. He currently
lives in McKinney, TX (a suburb of Dallas). Brian turned to
writing as a form of therapy--a method of coping with a personal
situation he was dealing with. What started out as a hobby evolved
into a labor of love. While completing a graduate degree Brian
wrote, The S.W.A.P Game. Rather than deal with the
bureaucracy that seemed to be prevalent throughout the publishing
industry, Brian created Hollygrove Publishing and self-published
his first book. To contact Mr. Smith email him at
bsmith@hollygrovepublishing.com
or visit www.hollygrovepublishing.com.
Lois
Snell
Raised in the scenic town of Valliant, Oklahoma, Ms. Snell’s greatest desire was to become a writer. She attended Rose State College in Oklahoma City, citing journalism as her major. A phenomenon occurred shortly thereafter; neither thought nor memories of her passion for writing came to mind. Blessed with two wonderful daughters, Twyla and Amber, her focus was on family. Twenty years would pass before Ms. Snell and her pen would become inseparable again.
Once memory surfaced, she began to write at all times. Slowly, she evolved into writing only those God inspired works for which she was born—poetry, plays, manuscripts and songs. Ms. Snell wrote and produced the spiritual comedy, Heaven Home, which received rave reviews. A compilation of poetry written throughout the years became her first devotional book, Renaissance of the Soul. In addition, she designs and produces a beautiful, heart-warming line of Christian greeting cards, Snell Visions Greetings. Aside from writing, Ms. Snell is a powerful motivational speaker.
T.
R. Star Creative writer, T.R. Star has enjoyed sharing
poetic words with listening audiences for tens years. She became
a self-published poetry author in April 1999. (Inside My
Spirit, Outside My Soul by T’wanna B.)
With a love for the arts, she enjoys participating in an assortment of stage productions—both on stage and behind the scenes. She has spent much of her time performing for various audiences and exposing young people to theater arts and creative expression. In addition to being a writer, a poet, an actress, she is also an entrepreneur with aspirations of opening her own business.
Ms. Star has recently completed her second book entitled, Spokenwords Written, A Poetic Journey Through Life, Love, and Lessons and its currently available for purchase. She believes that her overall success comes from spiritual encouragement and guidance along with a tremendous faith in God.
LaKisha Avery-Stewart Mrs. LaKisha Avery-Stewart, born in Dallas, TX, has been writing since she was in middle school. Her writing started with poetry, then plays, and her latest a novel. Mrs. Avery-Stewart always had a passion for writing and acting. Here first debut was her sophomore year at Skyline High. She participated in her drama class play. The minute she saw the audience reaction confirmed the feelings she had about acting and at that moment she knew it was something she had to pursue. She started on that path by attending KD Studio’s where she earned her Associates Degree in Performing Arts. She not only perfected her acting and writing skills, but also received experience in the directing field.
Some of her writing and directing projects includes “Teen Survival 2003 and 2004 a youth play”; “Christmas our Way 2002 and 2003”; It’s not mine 2003”; “When Sunday Comes 2003”,”Get Your Life Back 2005”, “From Passion to Purpose 2005” and her latest piece "The Dead Walking", She has finished her first novel "Bound By Choices. Her acting resume includes “Fences”, “Here We Are”, “Running Gaim”, “Every Secret Thing”, Who Do I Trust”, and “Teen Survival”. She was also an extra on the hit television sitcom “Texas Walker Ranger”.
In her free time LaKisha spends it with the beautiful family the Lord has blessed her with. She has two sons, a step-daughter and a wonderful husband.
Being in the Christian setting not only gave LaKisha the faith to continue on this journey, but the courage as well. With that in mind, she knows in her heart that with God, nothing is impossible, and He is the one that is directing her path.
If you thought the production “The Dead Walking” and the book “Bound by Choices” were good just wait there’s more to come so keep your eyes open and your ears clean because Mrs. Stewart is on fire pursuing her dreams.
Michelle
Stimpson Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and
an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from
Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a master’s in Curriculum
and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in
2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle,
and high school as well as training adults.
In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her highly acclaimed Christian debut novel, Boaz Brown (published by TimeWarner/AOL) hit the stands in 2004; her second novel, Divas of Damascus Road, released in July of 2006, was an Essence® Bestseller.
She is in the final steps of completing her third novel, The Good Stuff, (to be released by Harrison House Publishers in 2008), and recently sold her first young adult novel to Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.
Michelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Ft. Worth Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of Jarvis Christian College. Her home church is Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (Pastor Dr. Tony Evans), where she serves in women’s ministry. She lives near Dallas with her husband, their two children, and one crazy dog.
Lalita
Tademy is one of America’s most exciting new novelists.
Her first book, Cane River, is a provocative and painstaking
reconstruction of the history of one American family. It explores
racism and slavery, and the saga of real, flesh-and-blood women
making hard choices in the face of unimaginable loss, securing
their identity and independence in order to face any obstacle,
and inspiring all the generations to come. It has become an
instant best-seller, and achieved a remarkable record of both
critical and popular acclaim.
Lalita Tademy’s own journey is a remarkable one. Before writing Cane River she was one of the country’s most promising young executives, rising quickly through the ranks to become a Vice-President at Sun Microsystems. Featured in Fortune’s People on the Rise list, as well as Black Enterprise and Ebony, in 1998 she was named an African-American Innovator in the New Millenium at the Silicon Valley Tech Museum of Innovation. But her own interest in her family’s roots, and the ongoing issues of racism and women’s empowerment, plus her love of writing, led her to focus all of her energies on her writing career. America may have lost a great business-person, but it gained an important new literary voice.
Lalita Tademy has a BA and an MBA from the University of California in Los Angeles. She lives and writes in Menlo, California.
Dr.
Joyce Willard Teal Joyce Willard Teal is a graduate of
Prairie View A&M University. She is an award-winning retired
teacher. She has taught school in Dallas for six years, but
her career path has taken her through New Jersey, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Georgia and Virginia where she taught community
college and reading/language arts to boys and girls in the public
schools. She began writing professionally in 1993 and has had
several award-winning poems published. Her first book, It’s
O.K. To Be Different, was written for boy and girls between
the ages of nine and fifteen, but has universal appeal and is
being read by children as well as adults. It is now in its fourth
printing, the most recent of which is a new millennium edition
with expanded glossary and artwork. Activities for children
are included in this edition.
The Point System, a book targeted for children in the middle grades and their parents, was released by Ozark Press in November, 1998. It was illustrated by children in the author’s reading classes at Florence Middle School in Dallas, TX. The front cover of the book also features students in her reading classes. Sister, Its Not Okay is Dr. Teal’s first adult, non-fiction title. Like her other two books, it was inspired, she says, by her interactions with children and their parents as she has traveled and taught throughout this country.
The Yield, another adult, nonfiction, was released in December, 1999. It is about black couples, their failed or failing relationships, and the impact this has on the children who result from these relationships. “This book too,” she says, was inspired by my interactions with children and their parents during the more than twenty years that I have been in the classroom.”
MotorVation, a book of original poems and other writings, was written in response to hundreds of requests for the poems the author has shared as she has spoken to audiences throughout the country. It was released in November, 2002. Don’t Sweat It, Kid, released in 2003, is Volume 1 of a planned trilogy. The three volumes contain 100 topics relevant to the lives of adolescents. Volume 1 contains topics 1-33; Volume 2 contains topics 34-65; Volume 3 contains topics 66-100. The trilogy was written for young people between the ages of eleven and eighteen, (middle grade through high school). It focuses on topics relevant to their lives and discusses positive ways to help them cope with situations they face day to day.
Dr. Teal received a doctorate in counseling from Chelsea University and is the 1998 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is sponsored by Shell Oil Company for the National Council of Negro Women. This is a prestigious award that only a few in the profession are privileged to receive. Dr. Teal is married to Prince O. Teal, a retired Federal Dept. of Education employee who is now CEO of his own educational consulting firm, Teal’s Consultant Services. The couple has two adult children. Rodney who is an attorney and Geisel who is a Division Manager for Family and Community Partnerships, one of the three divisions of Headstart. In addition to teaching, Dr. Teal is an inspirational speaker, guest lecturer, poet and storyteller. She also does a workshop for adults based on her book Sister, It’s Not Okay, and a workshop for youth based on the books Don’t Sweat It, Kid and MotorVation.
Darryl G. Thornton is co-director of “The Huddle” Men’s ministry at the Concord Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas where he serves on the Council of Elders.
Living a quality lifestyle, Thornton’s personal mission is to be the best Christian, husband, father, and role model he can be. He has chosen to make a difference through his organizational affiliations and his dedicated involvement in the Dallas community.
Darryl and his wife Yvonne live in Dallas, Texas and have three sons, Fred, Josh and Micah.
His latest accomplishment is his recently published work, Enough is Enough: A Wake up Call to Men.
At a time on our country when our moral compass no longer points true north, values are non-existent and there is no absolute right or wrong godly men are the only answer to today’s problems.
Our society needs a generation of men who will stand up and say “Enough is Enough”. As men, we don’t have time for excuses, we don’t have time to not have time, our children are growing up in a world that’s eating them alive.
It’s time for the Men of God to stand up for our, children, churches, community and our world.
“Enough is Enough” is a wake-up call for men to take action.
Kendal S. Turner is a poet and
author of three books. She married gospel recording artist Rozie
Turner in 2005, and moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where they
make their home. Kendal wrote her first book titled Broken:
Yet Sustained by God as an expression of life, her testimony,
and her love for God. Her second poetry book titled Anatomy
of the Soul reveals in more depth the struggles of her
past, the redemptive power of Christ and the peace, prosperity
and pleasures of Kingdom living. Kendal’s bold writing can open
the eyes of the world. The reality of her poetry impacts the
lives of all who read or hear. She is determined to help bring
souls to Christ by speaking the word of God in her uniquely
eloquent, raw, and straightforward poetic style. Kendal has
just completed her autobiography titled Thick Skin.
This is a very detailed account of her real life drama and the
overseeing challenges of coming to grips with her past. These
books are a “life jacket” for both broken men and women.
Tiffany L Warren is a technology manager who now lives in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex with her husband and four children. What A Sista Should Do is her first novel.
It is the story of single, saved and successful Charmayne Ellis. Sounds like she's got it going on, right? Well...like the rest of us Charmayne has a few...issues. She struggles daily with an addiction to food, an overbearing mother and sister and an overpowering sense of loneliness. When Travis Moon comes along, he sweeps her off her feet and promises to be the answer to all of her life's woes. But after a horrifying betrayal from the man she loves, Charmayne must turn to God to put the pieces of her life back together and figure out HIS purpose for her life.
Caroline Boston Weatherford was
born and raised in Baltimore earned her Master of Arts in publications
design from the University of Baltimore and a Master of Fine
Arts from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She has
authored more than two dozen children's books. Her two latest
books are Dear Mr. Rosenwald and a Caldecott Honor
Book, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom.
Her first children’s book, Juneteenth Jamboree, debuted in 1995. Since then she have received many literary honors. The Sound that Jazz Makes (2000) won the Carter G. Woodson Award from National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins (2005) and Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People (2002) both won the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award. Freedom on the Menu was a finalist for the North Carolina Children's Book Award. Remember the Bridge was short-listed among the NCSS Notables, International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices and Voices of Youth Advocates Poetry Picks.
She has five preschool titles, the latest of which is Jazz Baby.
Carole she is the mother of two a son and a daughter and she lives in High Point, N.C. with her husband, Ronald.
Juan
Williams is one of America’s leading political writers
and thinkers. He is the senior correspondent for NPR, a political
analyst for Fox Television, and a regular panelist for FoxNews
Sunday. In addition to prize-winning columns and editorial writing
for The Washington Post, he has also authored six books.
With the release of his sixth book, Enough–The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America–and What We Can Do About It, Williams has created a national furor and ignited debate everywhere with his point blank analysis of black leadership in this country. He combines a bold, perceptive, solution-based look at African American life, culture, and politics with an impassioned clarion call to do the right thing now and not lose sight of the true values of the Civil Rights Movement.
His previous book, “My Soul Looks Back in Wonder”, presents stirring, eyewitness accounts of history-making movements for Black, Hispanic, and Women’s rights, as well as other successes at creating a better America. Previous books include the nonfiction bestseller, Eyes on the Prize, and the critically acclaimed biography, Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary, which The New York Times selected as a notable book of the year. Time magazine described American Revolutionary as a “magisterial” work of American history, and the book was reissued in 2004 with a new epilogue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s historic Board vs. Brown decision. His other books include I’ll Find a Way or Make One, A History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and This Far By Faith, a history of the Black religious experience in America– which was accompanied by a six part PBS series. As one of the nation’s most influential journalists, Williams is in constant contact with American political leaders from the President to members of Congress and the Supreme Court. His understanding of American history and his inside access to Washington politics gives him a unique and informed voice as an analyst of current events. In 2000, NPR selected Williams to host their afternoon talk show, Talk of The Nation, and in two years he brought the show’s ratings to record heights. His daring perspectives on American politics, race, and culture are based on his historical understanding, political expertise, and knowledge of diversity.
Prior to writing bestsellers, Williams was a political columnist and national correspondent for The Washington Post. In a 21-year career at The Post he served as an editorial writer, op-ed columnist, and White House correspondent. He won several journalism awards for his writing and investigative reporting. He also won an Emmy Award for TV documentary writing. He was given widespread, critical acclaim for a series of documentaries including Politics–The New Black Power. His documentary on A. Phillip Randolph was featured on PBS.
Because of Williams’ expertise, the President’s commission chose him as the keynote speaker at the start of the Smithsonian Museum’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Brown decision. Williams was also selected as the first speaker in 2003 for CSPAN’s nationally televised series, Students and Leaders. Williams is renowned as an expert moderator. His evenhanded view of American politics, diversity in the workplace, and changing American demographics have made him an ideal host for debates and seminars.
Michael
Williams Michael Williams was born in Salina, Kansas.
He has been with the Johns-Manville company for 22 years. He
is the author of To God Be the Glory for the Things
He Has Done and Will Do!
Musicians
David Carr Saxophonist, David Carr, Jr., has pursued his passion as an artist since the age of 12. His inspiration came inherently from his father, also a saxophonist. Through his influence, along with his undying patience and hard work, David's desire to pursue his goals with perseverance and dedication was born. All these attributes have played an integral part in his success today.
Moussa Diabate Djeli Moussa Diabate has been one of the finest dancers with the National Ballets of Guinea (Africa) and was artistic director for National Ballet Silimbo of Senegal for many years. He is a master dancer, drummer and musician and has toured Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S.A. He also performed on Broadway (New York City), at Yale Repertory Theater and at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Moussa has trained and toured with the National Ballet Djoliba and the National Theatre of Dakar's Ballet Silimbo. A former lead dancer for the Troupe Federale de Conakry III National Ballet of Guinea, Moussa has been a dancer all his life.
Audrey McClure Audrey McClure has always had a passion for her cultural heritage. In exploring her own heritage, she found her artistic expression through storytelling, to convey the richness of her African-American roots. Ms. McClure has for the last dozen years extended her talent for acting and storytelling to children and adults in the DFW area, working with such organizations as the Dallas Children's Theater, Soul Rep Theater Company, the Bath House Cultural Center, SGI-USA, The McKinney Avenue Contemporary Theater (The MAC), Dallas County Juvenile Department, and the Dallas Children's Museum. Her acting credits include roles in SLIM, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Freedmans, Difficulty of Crossing a Field, Victory Over Violence, Trojan Women, The Pain Game, and Mufara's Beautiful Daughters. she appeared in Chuck Norris' "Walker, Texas Ranger" in 1998.Audrey has enthralled audiences of all ages with her storytelling, in schools, libraries, museums and community centers. She has been a featured artist at Young Audiences for almost a decade. She has worked at SMU with Dr. Njoki McElroy on a variety of projects, such as co-directing the festival "Back Home with the Folks", presented at the African American Museum at Fair Park. Storytelling has allowed Audrey McClure the means to keep her heritage alive and contribute positive messages to society, particularly to the youth. She finds it very satisfying to pass on her stories, "as a gift from the past to the future."
Aroid Neal
"The Art of a People", Students gain a sense of self, and become part of a rich ancestral tradition through the art of pottery. Plates, vases, and bottles are used to create beautiful artworks adorned with cultural symbols, patterns and images that depict African and Mexican heritage.
Tonye Scott sings and performs with spirit, heart, soul and passion. Tonye Scott was born in San Francisco, California and grew up in Berkeley, California; however, her roots are firmly planted in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonye's mother, who performed gospel and opera, inspired her. At the age of seven, Tonye made her first solo appearance, coached and accompanied by her mother on piano. In Junior High school, Tonye formed a female vocal group called “The Chimes”. Later on in High School, she performed as a solo act touring the local circuit. Upon graduating from high school, she received a scholarship for her acting and musical talents and was given the opportunity to be one of the first to participate in the Young Musicians Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Tonye was a featured artist at the 1993 Festival at the Lake in Oakland, California. Tonye Scott and her Quintet also performed at the AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival in August 1999 to a standing ovation audience. In addition, Tonye and her Quintet performed for the San Jose Jazz Society Winter Jazz Series. Tonye relocated to Dallas, Texas in 2002. Since moving to Dallas, Tonye has performed for the St. Paul Gospel Jazz Series and performed in a women’s biblical play, featuring one of her original songs. She also performed for the Sammons Center for the Arts Jazz Series in April 2006 in a tribute to Shirley Horn again receiving a standing ovation. In July 2006, Tonye performed in San Cristobal de las Casas – Chiapas, Mexico for the Jazz las Casas Annual Jazz Festival. Most recently, Tonye worked with students at the Texas Empowerment Academy in Austin, Texas in a teaching and performance collaboration and had a major role in the stage play “My Love’s Under New Management” where she again had the opportunity to sing one of her original songs specifically written for the play. Tonye has been blessed with the opportunity to work with many great musicians, performing as a duo act, as well as with a big band. It does not matter if the audience is one or one thousand...Tonye Scott gives her ALL. When Tonye Scott performs, you don't just SEE and HEAR her...you FEEL her.
Contact Information: tonyscott@tonyescottmusic.com Web Site: http://www.tonyescottmusic.com
Percussion Things Len Barnett, Director of Percussion Things hails from Memphis Tennessee, where he was immersed since early childhood in the American musical traditions of Jazz, Blues, and R&B. Mr. Barnett has shared the stage with many well-known performers, including Cab Calloway, Kirk Whalum, gospel artist Kirk Franklin, Joe McBride, Joe Vincelli, and a host of others. He is also an accomplished pianist. Percussion Things is a collaborative effort under the direction of Len Barnett, drawing on the rich pool of professional percussionists in and around the Dallas area Group size varies from 2 to 12 (most often 3 to 5) and utilizes various seasoned and capable percussionists on a loosely rotating basis.
Bryan Thompson Music has always been a large part of Bryan Thompson's life. At the age of 9 Bryan was inspired the tunes of John Coltrane to pick up a saxophone and begin his musical career. Learning these fundamentals of the saxophone did not compare to the ideas that Bryan had about music. Bored with his elementary school band, Bryan put the saxophone behind him. It was not until his freshman year of high school that Bryan regained his interest in the saxophone. Under the direction of Mr. Dean Hill and Ms. Carlisa Washington, Bryan is now able to explore music at a whole new level. Studying and performing jazz, gospel, and contemporary music Bryan continues to travel to new heights in his musical endeavors.