Featured Article: Is Stress Damaging Your Marriage? by Jewell R. Powell

Is Stress Damaging Your Marriage?
by Jewell R. Powell

Life is busy. Life is stressful. These are facts of life, but how we handle that busyness and stress makes all the difference in our lives and especially in our marriage. A common scenario for busy couples is for the husband and wife to get wrapped up in their individual projects and issues. Instead of managing the stress together, they may find themselves trying to deal with it all alone, which can actually create space between husband and wife, rather than creating unity. Being able to identify when stress may be damaging your marriage is the first step for taking control, so you and your spouse can work together to focus on protecting and strengthening your relationship. 

The Bible actually addresses stress and anxiety many times and for good reason. Our human side, our flesh has a tendency to give into stress, so we NEED the reminders and promises from God to help us keep our Godly focus and know where to turn when challenging times come. Can you identify certain issues in your life that create the most stress? Whether they are problems within the marriage itself or external stressors, the same promises from God apply.


Stressors Are To Be Expected

In Isaiah 40: 30,31, we can read,

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This verse shows us that YES stressors will come, you will grow weary, you will fall, but when you place your trust in the Lord, your strength will be renewed and you will soar.

So don't get down on yourself or your marriage if you and your spouse are experiencing stress. This is normal and to be expected. However, allowing stress to damage your marriage relationship is where you have to draw the line. While we cannot control the stressors we encounter in life, we can control our responses.  Choosing the right responses to stress will minimize or even eliminate problems it can create in marriage.


5 Ways to Deal with Stress as a Couple

Whether you are newly married or have been married for years, learning how to deal with stress as a couple is a learned skill. Rarely is it something that people just know how to do intuitively. Instead, it is a choice that one must make. However, it is never too late in the marriage to begin making good choices and learning new coping skills.

Unfortunately, too many people rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms that do not strengthen the marriage and in most cases do nothing to alleviate stress and may even cause MORE stress. Alcohol, drugs, sex, affairs, gambling, overeating and shopping are some of the activities that may seem to improve stress levels for a moment, but the repercussions can be devastating. 



READ MORE HERE

 

New Year, New You: Resolutions for African American Women

Unlock a New Year and a New You!

Annual Resolutions for African American Women
by author Hazel Mills

Release those Painful and Negative Bags!  “Suffering is not holding you. You are holding suffering. When you become good at the art of letting sufferings go, then you’ll come to realize how unnecessary it was for you to drag those burdens around with you. You’ll see that no one else other than you was responsible. The truth is that existence wants your life to become a festival.” — so says Osho

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU!   When people talk about making resolutions for the new year, it usually involves quitting or losing something or someone. For example, millions of people will resolve to quit smoking and twice as many more will promise to lose weight. Beginning the new year, we will be saturated with television and print ad campaigns for gym memberships, weight loss program and equipment deals as well as products to help with nicotine addiction. Although these changes in lifestyle are great and for some, can mean the difference between life or death, there are so many other things that we, as African American women, can do to make our lives more healthy, positive and meaningful throughout the new year.

What baggage are you leaving behind in last year? I'm leaving behind all doubts, fears, guilt and any unsaid thoughts!  I'm starting new...new ideas, new friends, new projects, new goals, new is what's hot! Here are a few tips to launch a New You:

1. Resolve to spend more time with God. This should be non-negotiable and always first on everyone's to-do list for the new year. He has created so many beautiful and magnificent things, including you. Resolve to attend church or bible study more often than you do now. Make time in your busy day just to say a quiet "thank you".

2. Resolve to ditch the drama. I can't say enough about this one. The stress of living a drama-filled life can affect your mental and physical health. Find ways to get rid of your own and to avoid getting pulled into the madness of others around you. This is much more challenging to accomplish around the holidays.

3. Resolve to take control of your health. On the morning of January 1 and the rest of the year, ask yourself the following vital questions: What is my HIV status? What are my cholesterol numbers? When was my last pap smear and/or mammogram? When did I last see a dentist? If you can't answer these questions definitively, call your doctor(s) and make an appointment.

4. Resolve not to starve your savings account. Last year was a year of economic hell and we have all cut back on rewarding ourselves with luxuries like new cars and vacations. Some may have dipped into the piggy bank just to make ends meet. In the new year, try to make a point to put a little something away from each paycheck. It doesn't have to be much. Pennies add up to dollars.

READ MORE HERE

 

 

African American Cancer Resources

African American  Cancer Resources

Forward this email to all of your friends today! 

Sisters Network® Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. Join the fight here: http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/history.html

Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI) is a leading voice and only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors and assisted by an appointed medical advisory committee. Membership is 3000, which includes more than 40 affiliate survivor run chapters nationwide.

The organization's purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women around the country.  As a nationally recognized organization among leading medical establishments and breast cancer physicians, Sisters Network is also recognized as a critical information resource for African American women.

See the chapters:  http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/affiliatechapters.html


African-American Breast Cancer Alliance

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance, Inc (AABCA) is dedicated to building and sharing awareness, connections, education, resources and support for African American/Black women, men, families and communities affected by breast cancer.  Founded in October 1990 by Linda Finney, Brenda Anderson, Theresa Davis, Mamie Singleton, Reona Berry, Elaine Elliott, Sylvia Beamon, Bea McFadden, Carol Fitzgerald (d) and Norma Collins (d).


AABCA is committed to spreading the word about breast cancer to Black women that have the highest mortality rate in the US, to promote the benefits of early detection and treatment. AABCA provides emotional and social support for breast cancer patients and survivors along with culturally specific information to help them have better rehabilitation experiences as they cope with this disease.

Know Your Facts...Your Action Plan

http://aabcainc.org/know-your-facts 

Keeping Focus In Hard Times by Elder Paulette Harper Johnson

Keeping Focus In Hard Times

by Elder Paulette Harper Johnson  

 

"Distractions are designed to derail us, to sidetrack us, and to redirect our attention-ultimately causing us to miss our mark.   Distractions can create the illusion of being important issues, but in reality they aren't? they're merely illusions. A distraction can be anything from a previous issue resurfacing to perhaps an old boyfriend, girlfriend or business acquaintance fighting to recapture your focus. Have you ever experienced a former acquaintance calling you from out of nowhere? These kinds of distractions can trigger an emotional imbalance, causing you to entertain thoughts that are far from the truth. Distractions will take your focus from what God is doing, causing confusion."

Excerpt from "Completely Whole"

We are all guilty of allowing distractions to get our attention, especially in hard times. In times of great pressure, life's challenges, and difficulties is sometimes more of a task to stay committed and focused on your goals, visions, and dreams. It is a guarantee that everyone will face some type of storm, test, or trial. I have been challenged many times, particularly when I have believed God was telling me to do something. The moment I took a step of faith and acted on the Word, all opposing forces began to surface. People not only questioned me, but I begin to question, "Had I really heard from the Lord?" What looked impossible to the naked eye was in reality an opportunity for God to show up! Have you been there? Distractions will come; dream killers will arise; and vision haters will try to discourage you.

Nehemiah faced the same opposition when he decided to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem.

"And said to the king, Let the king live forever! Why should I not be sad faced when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lies waste, and its [fortified] gates are consumed by fire?"

When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard this, it distressed them exceedingly that a man had come to inquire for and require the good and prosperity of the Israelites.

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was upon me for good, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build! So they strengthened their hands for the good work (Nehemiah 2:3, 10, 18).

Just as Nehemiah spoke to Sanballat, Horonite, and Tobiah by declaring and decreeing what God was going to do, so shall you do the same. Continue building and stay committed to what God has placed in your Spirit. When God has called you to do something large, expect opposition, haters, and those who will try to get you to come off the wall. Stay focused and continue to plant, write, sow, preach, and build for surely what God has called you to do shall be completed! May what others say push and drive you to succeed.

Elder Paulette Harper Johnson

is a speaker, mentor and the author of Completely Whole and That Was Then, This Is Now. She serves in ministry with her husband, Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson, at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton and North Port FL.

© 2012 Paulette Harper Johnson. Find out more about her ministry visit: http://pauletteharper.com  

Working Mothers Enjoy Second Chance in Returning to School

Working Mothers Enjoy Second Chance in
Returning to School

   

Summary: Examine steps to assist working mothers who want to return to school.

Karen continues to work at two full-time jobs to care for her three children. As a single mother, she found little help from her family. Therefore, she acted as an independent woman, needing no one's assistance. She realized that if she wanted to improve the quality of her family's lives, she would need additional education. Yet, the more she thought about taking the first steps, the more excuses she would make for not taking action. Several days later, she found out several of her co-workers were laid off. She knew she would be next. She needed to make her move: Now or never. 

Economic troubles make career planning more difficult. Since November 2009, America has lost 7.2 million jobs, with the unemployment rate topping 10%. Companies have shed many employees from their payroll. State agencies have had to lay off or furlough workers.

Millions of Americans are now waiting longer for food stamps, unemployment checks, and disability payments. Margaret Simms of the Urban Institute notes, "The length of the recession clearly has put a strain on the resources that states bring to bear." Therefore, our lives continue to unravel as things we depend on disintegrate before our eyes. This article shares practical advice for working women in their transition to higher education.

Today's women comprise more than half of the labor force. According to the U.S. Labor Bureau, mothers with children from 6 to 17 years of age are more likely to participate in the labor force than mothers with children under 6 years of age. Furthermore, unmarried mothers have higher participation rates than married mothers.  Working mothers need practical, proven methods if they are to make a successful transition to college life. Yet, many working women find various obstacles that prevent them from reaching their dreams. Noriko Iwanaga Chapman, a Japan native, is a working professional with over 16 years' experience in the automobile industry.

As a young, single-parent Baby Boomer, Chapman understands the demands of caring for elderly parents and raising a young family. Chapman was preparing to enter graduate school when she encountered a severe obstacle. Chapman notes, "In 2009, when being diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated by the life-threatening disease and unknown future. A year later I have survived and gained my health back for a second chance of my life." Overcoming the health challenge, she was able to start graduate school at Lincoln Memorial University while balancing work and family life.

Her first book, Second Chance, fully utilizes Chapman's "can do" attitude to assist others in her community. Likewise, the correct strategies can help encourage a working mother who is straddling the fence when considering returning to school. 

She provides the following advice for working mothers: (a) check out the latest college scholarship books at your library, such as Peterson's Scholarship, (b) remove or limit negative people from influencing your personal decisions related to your goals, (c) build a positive support group that can assist you with the demanding lifestyle of returning to school with children, (d) get a good grasp on how you will finance your education by talking with financial aid officers, applying for grants and scholarships, or borrowing the money from non-traditional sources such as local community groups in your area, and (e) join a group that shares your values and beliefs in order to build your network.

With such a weak job growth outlook, many working adults are looking to sharpen their skills in order to be more competitive. Women comprise a large share of the labor force and an increasing proportion of those who are returning to universities and colleges. Yet, the hectic lifestyles of most working mothers stop them from pursuing this career strategy. Going back to school can provide the mechanism to assist them in improving the quality of their lives. Therefore, taking the right steps in this transition is critical for working mothers so they can be successful.

© 2012 by Daryl D. Green

About Dr. Daryl Green:
Dr. Daryl Green provides motivation, guidance, and training for leaders at critical ages and stages of their development. He has over 20 years of management experience and has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and Associated Press. For more information, you can go to www.nuleadership.com  or www.darylgreen.org.

 

Top Ten Reasons Why African American Bookstores Are Closing by Gwen Richardson

Top Ten Reasons Why African American Bookstores Are Closing by Gwen Richardson

1. Book sales migrated to the Internet
Most Black bookstores failed to take advantage of this trend. According to WebPro News, books are the #1 item people purchase online. Other brick-and-mortar chains, such as Blockbuster, also were flanked by their online competition, so this trend is not exclusive to bookstores.

2. Price competition
The advent of Internet sales ushered deep discounting on books. Because large online sites like, Amazon and Wal-Mart, are able to take advantage of volume discounts, Black bookstores could not match these discounted prices and, if they tried to, they were unable to maintain profitability.

3. Failure to diversify
With the advent of price competition and Internet book sales, diversification into other product lines was the only way Black bookstores stood a chance of maintaining viability. Most did not make this adjustment fast enough and some didn't make it at all.

4. African American sections added to stores like Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, WaldenBooks and Borders
Black consumers urged the major chains to include African American sections in their stores. Once this occurred, most Black consumers flocked to these stores for their purchases and kicked the Black bookstores to the curb. (See reason #5)

[  READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ON  AALBC.com  ]

Ella Curry Featured on Book Look

 
ELLA CURRY WAS FEATURED ON:  The Book Look,  Season 2, Episode 1, January 2013


The Book Look is back for Season 2 with new authors, celebrities and contributors! In Episode 1, host Monda Webb and contributors Kwame Alexander and Charisse Carney-Nunes cover Nicole Sconiers' Escape from Beckyville and Walter Mosley's The Gift of Fire while hearing from Rev. Bernice King on the new book about her mother, Desert Rose: The Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King.

Several emerging authors are put on BLAST (Book Look Author SpotlighT) including Trice Hickman, Stephany Greene and Jaunique Sealey; the AALBC Bestsellers List is presented; and EDC Creations', Ella Curry is recognized for her ongoing contributions to the world of African American literature.

Charisse Carney-Nunes is the award-winning author of several children’s books including, I Am Barack Obama, I Dream For You A World, and Nappy. She is also a literary advocate, and the Executive Producer of The Book Look a webseries airing here on AALBC.com

The Book Look Social:   http://thebooklook.com
Join us on The Book Look – your online TV source for celebrating books and events relevant to the African American community.

BOOKS FEATURED ON BLACK PEARLS MAGAZINE JAN-FEB 2013

BOOKS FEATURED ON BLACK PEARLS MAGAZINE
JAN-FEB  2013

When Baldwin Loved Brenden by Electa Rome Parks
 http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/Cp7yk5z4

Don't Tell a Soul by Tiffany L. Warren
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/index3.html

God Don't Make No Mistakes by Mary Monroe
http://amzn.com/0758238649

Groove by Geneva Holliday
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/groove-geneva-holliday/1100267741

Taste of Insanity by Morenike'
http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Insanity-Morenike/dp/0988861518

Lost Daughters by Mary Monroe
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-daughters-mary-monroe/1113122645

A House Divided by Kimberla Lawson Roby
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-house-divided-kimberla-lawson-roby/1112412053

When Memories Fade by Tyora Moody
http://www.amazon.com/When-Memories-Fade-Victory-Gospel/dp/160162753X

Somewhere Between Here and There by Jason Gilmore
http://www.amazon.com/Somewhere-Between-There-Jason-Gilmore/dp/147821225X

Drop Dead, Gorgeous by J.D. Mason
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/drop-dead-gorgeous-j-d-mason/1111298301

Playing the Hand You’re Dealt by Trice Hickman
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-the-hand-youre-dealt-trice-hickman/1020575885

The Eleventh Commandment by Lutishia Lovely
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eleventh-commandment-lutishia-lovely/1111674219

Get You Good by Rhonda Bowen
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-you-good-rhonda-bowen/1112034926

Reality Check by Kelli London
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reality-check-kelli-london/1111399759

Breaking all My Rules by Trice Hickman
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-all-my-rules-trice-hickman/1111674623

Gangsta Divas by De’Neisha Diamond
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gangsta-divas-denesha-diamond/1110623658

Forces of Nature by Cheris Hodges
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forces-of-nature-cheris-hodges/1112772713

Hollywood High: Get Ready for War  by Ni-Ni Simone
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-ready-for-war-ni-ni-simone/1112034924

Rumor Central by Reshonda Tate Billingsley
http://www.amazon.com/Rumor-Central-ReShonda-Tate-Billingsley/dp/0758289510


Sweet 16 to Life by Kimberly Reid
http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Life-Langdon-Prep-ebook/dp/B009AY3X9M

My Own Worst Frenemy by Kimberly Reid
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kimberly-reid

Me and Mr. Right Now by Terri D.
http://www.amazon.com/Me-Mr-Right-Now-ebook/dp/B00A9X93J2

Anointed by Patricia Haley (Christian Fiction)
http://www.amazon.com/Anointed-Patricia-Haley/dp/1601627335

Red Dollar by Andrea Clinton
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Dollar-1-ebook/dp/B008U94PLS

 A Blessing and a Curse by Andrea Clinton
http://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Curse-Knows-Bounds-ebook/dp/B007RU67IA

Land of Promiscuity by Sherryle Kiser Jackson
http://www.amazon.com/Promiscuity-Urban-Christian-Sherryle-Jackson/dp/160162736X

Flames of Attraction by Brenda Jackson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flames-of-attraction-brenda-jackson/1112815414

All I Ever Wanted by Francis Ray
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-i-ever-wanted-francis-ray/1112126544

Haven Creek by Rochelle Alers
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haven-creek-rochelle-alers/1112061422

The Perfect Marriage by Kimberla Lawson Roby
http://www.kimroby.com/bookshelf_theperfectmarriage.php

The Abbey by Chris Culver
The Outsider by Chris Culver
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/chris-culver

The Ex-Wife by Candice Dow
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ex-wife-candice-dow/1110607914

The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-woman-he-loved-before-dorothy-koomson/1103907032

Keeping Hope Alive: One Woman--90,000 Lives Changed by Dr. Hawa Abdi
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeping-hope-alive-hawa-abdi/1112434993

Villa Triste by Lucretia Grindle
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-villa-triste-lucretia-grindle/1104285941

The House Girl: A Novel by Tara Conklin
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-house-girl-tara-conklin/1111397993

Calling Me Home: A Novel by Julie Kibler
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/calling-me-home-julie-kibler/1111298419

The Man in 3B by Carl Weber
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-in-3b-carl-weber/1110621153

The Rich Girls' Club by HoneyB
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rich-girls-club-honeyb/1106244286

Mistress, Inc.  by Niobia Bryant
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mistress-inc-niobia-bryant/1106568195

Sister Mine by Nalo Hopkinson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sister-mine-nalo-hopkinson/1112412040

Skin Folk by Nalo Hopkinson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skin-folk-nalo-hopkinson/1100305916

The Middlesteins: A Novel by Jami Attenberg
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-middlesteins-jami-attenberg/1104863099

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-twelve-tribes-of-hattie-ayana-mathis/1108073035

Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina by Raquel Cepeda
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bird-of-paradise-raquel-cepeda/1112483560

A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea by Dina Nayeri
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-teaspoon-of-earth-and-sea-dina-nayeri/1112223018

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-penumbras-24-hour-bookstore-robin-sloan/1108946314

What He's Been Missing by Grace Octavia
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-hes-been-missing-grace-octavia/1107955864

Sinning & Sanctified by Amy Warren-Patterson
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sinning-sanctified-amy-warren-patterson/1114112715

Dirty DNA by BlaQue
http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Street-Chronicles-Presents-ebook/dp/B00A86AZ7O

Black Diamond 3 by Brittani Williams-Moore
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-3-Brittani-Williams/dp/1601625243

Still Not Satisfied by SA Brown
http://www.amazon.com/S.-A.-Brown/e/B004GY4D7M

Just Make Him Beautiful by Mike Warren
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1934230650

And You Call Yourself a Christian by E. N. Joy
http://www.amazon.com/Call-Yourself-Christian-Still-Divas/dp/1601628218

The Perfect Christian by E. N. Joy
http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Christian-Still-Divas/dp/1601628374
Joylynn M. Jossel-Ross now writing as Author E. N. Joy

Five Days of Darkness by J.J. Michael
Amazon:   http://amzn.to/T2UirL

A Blessing and a Curse by Andrea Clinton
http://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Curse-Knows-Bounds-ebook/dp/B007RU67IA

When Baldwin Loved Brenden by Electa Rome Parks 
http://www.amazon.com/Baldwin-Loved-Brenden-Electa-Parks/dp/1601623763

 


 

Healthy Lifestyle Changes for African American Women

Healthy Lifestyle Changes for African American Women
by author Hazel Mills

 Stop Making Annual Resolutions and Improve Your Purpose

 When people talk about making resolutions for the new year, it usually involves quitting or losing something or someone. For example, millions of people will resolve to quit smoking and twice as many more will promise to lose weight. Beginning the new year, we will be saturated with television and print ad campaigns for gym memberships, weight loss program and equipment deals as well as products to help with nicotine addiction.

Although these changes in lifestyle are great and for some, can mean the difference between life or death, there are so many other things that we, as African American women, can do to make our lives more healthy, positive and meaningful throughout the new year.

1. Resolve to spend more time with God. This should be non-negotiable and always first on everyone's to-do list for the new year. He has created so many beautiful and magnificent things, including you. Resolve to attend church or bible study more often than you do now. Make time in your busy day just to say a quiet "thank you".

2. Resolve to ditch the drama. I can't say enough about this one. The stress of living a drama-filled life can affect your mental and physical health. Find ways to get rid of your own and to avoid getting pulled into the madness of others around you. This is much more challenging to accomplish around the holidays.

3. Resolve to take control of your health. Every month ask yourself the following vital questions: What is my HIV status? What are my cholesterol numbers? When was my last pap smear and/or mammogram? When did I last see a dentist? If you can't answer these questions definitively, call your doctor(s) and make an appointment.

4. Resolve not to starve your savings account. Last year was a year of economic hell and we have all cut back on rewarding ourselves with luxuries like new cars and vacations. Some may have dipped into the piggy bank just to make ends meet. In the new year, try to make a point to put a little something away from each paycheck. It doesn't have to be much. Pennies add up to dollars.

5. Resolve to be more generous. I am not talking about money here. Your time is more valuable than your dollars. Volunteer to read to hospitalized children, to serve food at a local women's shelter or build a home with Habitat For Humanity. The warm fuzzy feeling you'll get from knowing you helped someone else will be worth more than rubies.

6. Resolve to learn something new. The new year is a great time to create new adventures by learning to do something new. Check out your local community college for course selections. Many classes are available in the evening. You can learn all sorts of interesting things like how to play golf, speak a new language, play a mean game of chess, tune-up your car's engine or countless other hobbies. When we stop learning, we stop growing.

7. Resolve to re-unite with an old friend or relative this year. Invite your room-mate from your college days out for dinner and some catching up or call and chat with a cousin whom you haven't seen since the last family reunion years ago. Sharing a laugh always lifts the spirits. But when planning a reunion, remember to heed number 2 on this list.

8. Resolve to be more informed about social and political issues. We all could use a nudge in this department. Celebrity gossip rules the talk show circuit and magazines covers but how well do you know the political climate of your own city? Let's resolve to spend time expanding our minds this year about what is going on in our world and with those we have elected to represent our interests in government.

9. Resolve to take yourself on vacation. Getting away on a shopping excursion with the girls is therapeutic and relaxing on a tropical beach with your significant other is wonderful. But why not take the concept of "me time" to a whole new level by treating yourself to a weekend at the spa? Treat yourself to a one night stay at a beautiful hotel across town. No phones, no text messages, no emails. You can't take care of others if you don't first take care of yourself.

10. Resolve to speak the truth in love. Hard but necessary. People don't always want to hear or accept the truth. Lies make life so much harder than it has to be. If you tell the truth with sugar rather than with salt, it is usually a littler easier for the other person to swallow. They may not agree with you but you don't need a fan club. Respect, from others and for yourself is the goal.

This list is a great place to begin to think about your life and the direction in which you want to go in 2013. Empower yourself to be a better person than you were in years past. There is always room for improvement and you don't have to wait until the new year to make a change. Today is a good day!

Copyright 2013 written by author Hazel Mills

POEM: Stop the Violence by Carlet Horne

Stop the Violence by Carlet Horne

On December 14, 2012, our nation experienced a horrific tragedy.
Twenty children lost their lives. It didn’t have to be.
A gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary and opened fire
The “What, When or Reasons” of which we none know why.

Now, people are sitting back, Speculating, Placing much blame.
When the truth of the matter is without Adam Lanza’s explanation,
We will never know what pushed his buttons.
So, the truth will forever with him remain

Everyone wants to blame the problem on guns.
I’m sorry to inform you that guns make up only one part.
They don’t have the ability walk up and kill anyone.
They have no arms or legs, and they’re just not that smart.

For, it takes a person to design and produce the guns.
Then, others to market and sell them; Free they don’t come.
And…now the guns are in the hands of a woman or a man
To be used for the purpose of good or evil in the land.

The shootings on that day were absolutely senseless.
Surely, there had to be another way.
Another way for that young man’s problems to have been solved.
It’s time for this nation to come together and pray.

It’s time for us as a nation to assess the reasons why.
Why did so many young children have to die?
Why were their lives needlessly sacrificed?
For someone’s right to bear arms, they paid the ultimate price!

It’s time for us as a nation to take more responsibility.
Time for us to face the facts. This is how we’ve allowed things to be.
Time for us to decide that things can’t stay as they are.
It’s time to take our children back…Our future doctors, lawyers, presidents and superstars.

It’s time to Stop the Violence.
This rampage must come to an end.
If the children are our future, then this world is their oyster. They are the pearls inside.
We must fill their lives with love and hope until within their hearts and minds they reside.

Copyright © 2012 Carlet Horne

Whitaker House signs fiction writer Vanessa Miller to multi-book deal

 Whitaker House signs bestselling fiction writer Vanessa Miller to multi-book deal

(New Kensington, Pa.) – In an effort to meet the growing demand for Christian fiction in the African American book market, Whitaker House has signed Essence bestselling author Vanessa Miller to a multi-book deal. Miller, known for her redemptive themes and colorful characters, is releasing Yesterday’s Promise, in April 2010, the first of a three-book series.

 “Vanessa brings with her a reputation not only for excellence as a writer, but also as a woman with strong spiritual roots and a heart to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Whitaker House Vice President Bob Whitaker, Jr.  Miller’s work has received numerous awards, including the Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction and the Mahogany Award for Best Christian Fiction. Her novels with Kensington/Urban Christian and Abingdon Press have appeared on Essence Magazine’s bestsellers’ list.

Miller is also a playwright, motivational speaker, and founding members of the “Anointed Authors on Tour,” seven bestselling authors who travel to various cities in support of literacy and the arts and to encourage aspiring authors. A native ofDayton, Ohio, she graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Yesterday’s Promise is the first book of a series entitled, Second Chance of Love. Whitaker House plans to release the next two books in October 2010 and January 2011. Yesterday's Promise is available for purchase wherever fine books are sold including Christian Bookstores and on www.Amazon.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/  and http://www.whitakerhouse.com/


Yesterday’s Promise by Vanessa Miller
FICTION; ISBN: 978-1-60374-207-8
Fiction/Christian/Romance

Melinda Johnson has always felt called to ministry. So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks—a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda’s ex-fiancé.

Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church’s Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring—and rekindles long suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven’s precious daughter, Brianna, who’s still struggling with the death of her mother.

Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again? Or will their opposing positions regarding women preachers keep them forever at odds?

To learn more about Vanessa Miller, visit her online: www.vanessamiller.com. For further information, or to schedule interviews, please contact Cathy Hickling, Chickling@whitakerhouse.com,  800-444-4484.


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SLEEP NO MORE by Felton Perry

"SLEEP NO MORE"  by Felton Perry

A joint production by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Ebony Repertory Theater, the African Marketplace, Inc, and the Inner City Cultural Center

It's time to reacquaint ourselves with ...Inner City Cultural Center and it many contributions, artistically and talent, to the world.

"SLEEP NO MORE" by Felton Perry will be directed by Felton Perry and read on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 8:00pm at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.  The staged reading of this delightful musical will help kick off a series of quarterly readings of the best of Inner City Cultural Center during its day.

Artists reading will include many of the plays original artists including Hawthorne James, Art Evans, Felton Perry, Phyllis Bailey, Marvin Elkins, Vance Valencia, Wren Brown, Rosa Maria Marquez, Debra Sellers, Ted Lange, Louis Price, Leslie Bee, Maoco Elkins, and Dr. Sandi Sheffy. The one night event should be fun and a chance to reacquaint yourself with old friends, and if you recall the antics of Sleep No More, laugh until you can not stop.

Please forward this notice to your list of friends, the media, and those sensitive to the arts. We will do this every quarter this year. We want to thank Felton, Wren Brown, Gaye Hooks, and Ebony Repertory Theater, and Ernest Dillihay of the Department of Cultural Affairs for working with us to create a forum for Inner City Cultural Center.

James V. Burks, Producer

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Speakers for 2010 Women’s Media Forum

American Women in Radio and Television Announces

Keynote Speakers for 2010 Women’s Media Forum

Best-selling Author Robert Rosen and National Public Radio President & CEO Vivian Schiller

For Immediate Release: January 28, 2010
Contact: Edna/Damian Bruce, ESP Public Relations
Tel: 310.827.9727 ~ esppr@aol.com

American Women in Radio and Television is pleased to announce keynote speakers Dr. Robert Rosen and Vivian Schiller for the Women’s Media Forum to be held March 5-6, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Washington, DC Hotel at 900 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.


Dr. Robert Rosen, Author of Just Enough Anxiety: The Hidden Driver of Business Success, is an internationally recognized psychologist, best-selling author, researcher, and business advisor to world-class companies. Dr. Rosen will deliver the opening keynote address during this year’s AWRT Women’s Media Forum at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2010.

Vivian Schiller joined National Public Radio as President and CEO on January 5, 2009. Schiller oversees all of NPR’s operations and initiatives, including the organization's critical partnerships with 800+ member stations, and their service to the more than 26 million people who listen to NPR programming every week. She came to NPR from The New York Times Company where she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of NYTimes.com. She will be delivering the keynote luncheon address at 12:15 p.m. also on Friday, March 5, 2010. During the luncheon, AWRT will also hold its Pass the Gavel Ceremony and present the AWRT Achievement Award to Chickie Bucco.

Sylvia Strobel, AWRT Interim President, commented, “We are pleased to have such high-caliber people addressing this year’s Women’s Media Forum. Having them included attests to the validity of AWRT’s mission of promoting progress and creating change for women in media.”

The event is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: AT&T, Katz Women’s Career Summit, Lehmann Strobel PLC, National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) and National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA). To add your organization to this growing list, please contact AWRT at 703-506-3290. For more information and to register for the AWRT Women’s Media Forum, go to http://www.awrt.org/

About AWRT: The year 2010 marks the 59th Anniversary of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve.

About The Foundation of AWRT: The Foundation of AWRT is the philanthropic arm of American Women in Radio & Television, supporting educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation of AWRT has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation of AWRT.

The Foundation supports several public service campaigns, including most recently AWRT Empowering America, which pays tribute to many of America’s most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this initiative, the Foundation of AWRT has adopted needy urban middle schools around the country and provided educational donations derived from collateral based on the Empowering America program. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, a live gala that awards exemplary programming created for, by and about women.

# # #


American Women in Radio & Television
1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 703-506-3290 ~ Fax: 703-506-3266
Website http://www.awrt.org/

 
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Return to Black Pearls Magazine Online-- Twitter with Ella

How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams

How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams


Christian Recording Artist, author and educator, Dr. Naima Johnston has a passion to see others achieve their God Given Dreams. After many years of being told she would never make it as singer, Dr. Johnston left her position as the Associate Director of Student Life at Wright State University to launch a recording career and a brand new ministry. After years of trials, loss and failures, Dr. Johnston discovered the keys to successfully building her life and ministry. Now traveling the country encouraging and equipping others, Dr. Johnston empowers people to live the life that they were ordained to live.

“Everyone has a dream, many people think they can’t achieve them for various reasons. But as long as you have breath and God on your side, you have still have time. You just need information and confidence. I want to share the tools that I’ve learned to assist others in obtaining Godly success.”

Dr. Johnston will be hosting a free Conference Call on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time to teach participants how to, “Go With What They Got!”

On the verge of quitting ministry due to a lack of growth Dr. Johnston discovered that if she followed the example of Gideon she would be successful. In the Bible, Judges Chapter 6, the Lord instructs Gideon to fight a battle he could not possibly win. When Gideon informs the Lord he can’t win the battle, the Lord tells him not to worry since He would in fact be going with him. Dr. Johnston now does over 100 ministry engagement a year, has self published two books and is completing the recording of her second CD.

Seminar participants will learn:  The 4 Things That Keep You From Achieving Your God Given Dream, The 9 Things That Must Be Done To Achieve Your God Given Dream and 5 Uncommon Things To Motivate Yourself!

This free Conference Call will be a powerful preparation tool for those who want to launch a new business, a ministry or get motivated to achieve a life long dream! Participants must register and spaces are limited. To register send an email to: naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com  for more information and registration for the “Go With What You Got Conference Call on Dec. 1, 2009.

Dr. Naima Johnston is the founder and CEO of Broken Box Ministries, an innovative arts and education company. She is the author of the forthcoming training manual, “Go With What You Got!” As well as, Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes TO Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry and Dr. Nay’s Random Recovery Life Lessons. Her newest CD, “This Place” will be releasing in March 2010. For more information or interview inquires please visit http://www.naimajohnston.com/

Still booking for Dec/Jan/Feb!  Would love to be of service to your church, women's organizations, educational institution, house concerts! Email me for open dates!

Want to achieve Your Calling? Register for my free tele-semianr - How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams - shoot me an email for more info! Dec. 1, 2009 at 8pm EST!

What Are You Reading Now?

What are you reading?   What's on your  "to be read list"?  Have you read a great book excerpt and want to tell others about it?  Here is the place!  Share all your book reviews and previews.  FB readers, post your book reviews and comments on the  Black Pearls Magazine thread here.

Sneak Peek Showcase

Read our selected book excerpts and tell us what you think of the stories. Here is the list of selected books. They are in our sidebar section. There are several new releases and trivia games listed as well.  Enjoy!

Reader's Choice Showcase
Answer any one of these questions to enter our drawing for FREE Review Copies. Remember to leave a valid email address with each post.  Check back here on December 9, to see if you won!

-- Name 1 book you wish you'd written.
-- Name your 3 favorite male writers.
-- Name your 3 favorite female writers.
-- Name 1 book you read on the sly.
-- Name 1 book that made you laugh or cry.
-- Name 1 book that made you change something in your life.
-- Name 1 book that you have read more than once.
-- Tell us your Sexiest couple from a book and why.
-- Tell us your 2 favorite villians and the books they were in.

 
 
 
 

Literary Treasure Hunt Online

Nightly BAN Radio Treasure Hunts

During Black Books Weekend we want readers to find out more about our colorful literary past. Listed below are 5 African American trivia questions. Search the web and find the answers. November 27-30, 2009, is Black Books Weekend!  Read more about the live author readings and contests here.


Answer the questions below on the Black Pearls Magazine Blog thread ONLY to collect great book gifts. Do not post the answers on Facebook, MySpace or Yahoo Groups. Read the full details on posting your answers here.



Let the Hunt Begin....

1. Name the important African American literary scholar that left us this quote: "My desire has been to allow the black tradition to speak for itself about its nature and various functions, rather than to read it, or analyze it, in terms of literary theories borrowed whole from other traditions, appropriated from without."



2. Who is the author of the oldest known piece of African American literature: "Bars Fight". Although written in 1746, the poem was not published until 1855, when it was included in Josiah Holland's "History of Western Massachusetts"? 



3. Name the abolitionist and prolific writer who wrote what is considered to be the first novel by an African American, titled Clotel or, The President's Daughter (1853). The novel is based on what was at that time considered to be a rumor about Thomas Jefferson fathering a daughter with his slave, Sally Hemings. However, because the novel was published in England, the book is not considered the first African American novel published in the United States.


4. Who was the first African American poet to gain national prominence for such works as When Malindy Sings, Joggin' Erlong and The Uncalled ?


5. Author ____  made an impact with his novel The Blacker the Berry: A Novel of Negro Life (1929), which focused on intra-racial prejudice between lighter-skinned and darker-skinned African Americans.



Nightly Trivia Games on Black Authors Network Radio
Nov. 27-30, 2009. Listen to the live shows to join the fun!

Visit the Black Authors Network Radio Chatroom every night of the event to possibly collect new books! There will be more games and book gifts shared each night in the chatroom. Call into the live radio show to speak with the featured authors. The call in number is: 646.200.0402. The show times are listed on the main event site, as well as more details on our literary game rules. View a list of possible book gifts here.

Literary Trivia Contest-Black Books Weekend

Black Books Weekend Literary Trivia Contest

November 21-30, 2009. Answer our 5 trivia questions to collect a new gift book. Please visit the Black Pearls Magazine for the full details. We have more gift books for readers and community trivia contests. Click here for the full details.


Trivia Questions for Serious Readers:


1.Who published The Same River Twice: Honoring the Difficult?

2.Who published My Bondage and My Freedom (1855)?

3.Who is quoted as saying, "There is no such thing as Black literature. There's good literature and bad. And that's all."

4. Who is best known for his novel Invisible Man (1952), which won the National Book Award in 1953?

5. Black Fire: An Anthology of Afro-American Writing, was edited by ____.


Think you know the answers?  Post your correct answers here.  Do not post the answers on Facebook, MySpace or Yahoo Groups.  Only post the answers on Black Pearls Magazine Blog Thread. Tell the Black Pearls Readers the answers. Give the Gift of Knowledge!  Read the full details on Black Books Weekend Trivia Games here.

Meet Your Favorite Authors Sept 24-26 in DC

Meet Your Favorite Authors!
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Author Pavilion 2009
Washington, DC Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Schedule Subject to Change!


Thursday, September 24th (Pavilion Hours 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Author Pavilion hosted by Patrick Oliver Founder of, Say It Loud! Readers and Writers Series & host and executive producer Literary Nation KABF FM 88.3


Noon – 1:30 p.m. (Meet, Greet & Book Signings)
Bernadette Stanis – Situations 101
Kwame Alexander – And Then You Know: New and Selected Poems
Valencia Campbell – Advice From the Top What Minority Women Say About Their Career Success
Congressman Chaka Fattah – State of Black America 2009 Message to the President
Lloyd Price & William “Dollar-Bill” Waller – The True King of the 50’s The Lloyd Price Story
Russell Price, Jr. – Is He Your Man or is Your Head in the Sand?
Janice Bryant Howroyd – The Art of Work: How to Make Work, Work for You!
Jamal Bryant – World War Me
Calvin Mackie, PH.D. – A View From the Roof – Lessons for Life & Business
Hilda Gurley-Highgate - Sapphire’s Grave A Novel



2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Meet, Greet & Book Signings)
Aaron W. Smith – In the Black Live Faithfully, Prosper Financially
Stephanie L. Jones – The Enemy Between My Legs
Derrick Barnes - Ruby and the Booker Boys Series (Children’s Series)
Rodney M. Jackson – A Philanthropic Covenant with Black America
Yaba Baker – Princess Briana & Super TJ (Children Series)
Jacquette Timmons - Financial Intimacy How to Create a Healthy Relationship With Your Money and Your Mate
Victoria Christopher Murray - The Divine Divas (Christian Fiction for Teens)
Mildred Muhammad – Sacred Silent The Mildred Muhammad Story
Dan Ouellette - Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes (Jazz Legend Ron Carter will appear for this signing)
Peggy Brooks-Bertram & Barbara Seals Nevergold - Go, Tell Michelle, African American Women Write to the New First Lady



4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Panel Discussion, Meet, Greet & Book Signings)

The Black Writer as Cultural Activist and Gatekeeper of History hosted by Hurston Wright Foundation

Moderator: Marita Golden author of Don’t Play In The Sun: The Color Complex

Panelists:
Ralph Eubanks - The House at the End of the Road
Paula Giddings - Ida: A Sword Among Lions: Ida B. Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching
Howard Dodson - In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience
Annette Gordon Reed – The Hemingses of Monticello
David Levering Lewis - W. E. B. Du Bois, 1919-1963: The Fight for Equality and the American Century




Meet, Greet & Book Signings:
Sheilah Vance – Land Mines A Novel
Veronica T. White, MSPH - How to Maximize FEMA Funding After a Natural Disaster
T. Dweylan Wilson – Four Stars Conversations on Life Success, Leadership, Mentorship, Culture and Diversity


Meet Your Favorite Authors!
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Author Pavilion 2009
Washington, DC Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Schedule Subject to Change!


Friday, September 25th (Pavilion Hours 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Meet, Greet & Book Signings)

Bernadette Stanis – Situations 101
Janis F. Kearney - Something to Write Home About: Memories from a Presidential Diarist
Gil L. Robertson IV & Sandra Jowers - Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today
Thembisa Mshaka – Put Your Dreams First Handle Your Entertainment Business
Layah Beth LeFlore – Wildflowers
Nika C. Beamon – I Didn’t Work this Hard Just to Get Married Successful Single Black Women Speak Out
Kim Collier – Kia’s Aftermath
Farai Chideya – Kiss the Sky
LaVerne Gill - African American Women in Congress Forming and Transforming History
Jeff Johnson - Everything I'm Not Made Me Everything I Am



2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Panel Discussion, Meet, Greet & Book Signings)

Mind Readers: Mental Health, Wellness, and Self-Help hosted by Emerging Leaders and sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Moderator: Michelle Gourdine M.D. - Reclaiming Our Health: A Step by Step Guide to African American Wellness

Panelists:
Cornel West – Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud -- A Memoir
Terrie Williams – Black Pain It Just Looks Like We are Not Hurting
Kamau and Akilah Butler – The Love Ethic: The Reason Why You Can’t Find and Keep Beautiful Black Love
Haki Madhubuti – Liberation Narratives: Collective Poems 1966-2007
Wade Nobles - Seeking the Sakhu: Foundational Writings for an African Psychology
Pedro Noguera – The Trouble with Black Boys: And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education
Bryant Terry - Vegan Soul Kitchen Fresh, Healthy and Creative African American Cuisine



Meet, Greet & Book Signings:

Deborah Gregory – Catwalk (Young Adult Series)
Congresswoman Barbara Lee - Renegade for Peace and Justice


4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Meet, Greet & Book Signings)

Michael Taylor – A New Conversation with Men
Trice Hickman – Keeping Secrets and Telling Lies A Novel
Lori Nelson – Hillary’s Big Business Adventure (Children’s Book)
J.D. Mason – That Devil’s no Friend of Mine (Christian Fiction)
Ivan J. Houston –Black Warriors: The Buffalo Soldiers of World War II
Carla Douglin – The Foreclosure Workbook: Complete Guide to Understanding Foreclosure and Saving Your Home
Monda Webb - 7:33 am
Tanya Brockett – The Loan Solution Nine Steps to Community Express
Katie McCabe & Dovey Johnson Roundtree – Justice Older Than the Law The Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree



Meet Your Favorite Authors!
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Author Pavilion 2009
Washington, DC Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
Schedule Subject to Change!

Saturday, September 26th (Pavilion Hours 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.)
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Panel Discussion, Meet, Greet, Book Signings)


Raising Him Alone Empowering Single Mothers Raising Young Boys hosted by Urban Leadership Institute

Moderator: Patrick Oliver author of Turn the Page and Don’t Stop

Panelists:
David Miller – Raising Him Alone Things Black Women Can Do to Raise Boys to be Men
Cassandra Mack - The Single Mother's Little Book of Wisdom
Sheron “Umi” Smith (Mos Def’s Mother) - Shine Your Light Life Skills Workbook
Dr. Brenda Green (Talib Kweili’s Mother) - Meditations and Ascension: Black Writers on Writing Jaquita Clayton mother of Mark Clayton Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver and
Director and co-founder of the Mom Squad a group of NFL, NBA and Entertainers mothers



Meet, Greet & Book Signings:

Bernadette Stanis – Situations 101
Michelle Caple Taylor – Trouble Won’t Last Always (Christian Fiction)
Kareem Moody - Raise them Up: The Real Deal on Reaching Unreachable Kids
Eureka A. Wright - Called for a Purpose (Gospel CD Signing)


11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Panel Discussion & Meet, Greet & Book Signings)

Impact of the Black Writer on Today’s Culture: How Our Story is Told and Who Tells It!

Panelists:
Gwen Ifill – The Breakthrough: Politics and Race In the Age of Obama
Stephanie J. Jones – The State of Black America 2009: Message to the President
Charles Ogletree – Road to Abolition: The Future of Capital Punishment in the United States
Dwayne Betts – A Question of Freedom
Mary Frances Berry – And Justice for All: The United States Commission on Civil Rights and the Continuing Struggle for Freedom in America




Meet, Greet & Book Signings:

Solomon Jones – Payback
Jesmyn Ward – Where the Line Bleeds
Booker T. Mattison – Unsigned Hype
Tiffany Warren - The Bishop’s Daughter

1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Panel Discussion followed by a Poetry & Drum Performance!)

Teen Girls, Arts and Education hosted by Say It Loud! Readers and Writers Series
Moderator: Patrick Oliver author of Turn the Page and Don’t Stop

Panelists:
Jessica Care Moore - God is Not an American (poetry performance)
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall - The Report on the Status of Black Women and Girls
Celia Anderson - Love, Ocean
Cora Coleman-Dunham - Gathering a Greater Understanding: The Guide for Life (drum performance)
Julianne Malveaux - Unfinished Business: A Democrat and a Republican Take On the Top Ten Issues Women Face




Meet, Greet & Book Signings:

Sister Claudette Marie Muhammad – Memories
Sloane Baxter - Concrete Dreams A Collection of Poems by 7 Young Men
Bey Bright – How to Attract a R.E.A. L. Man 10 Qualities R.E.A.L. MEN Look for In a Woman
Charisse Carney-Nunes - I Am Barack Obama

Fall 2009 Authors Spotlight

EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010 "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children from low income homes.

Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks to expand even further! “Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,” says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to strengthen our future generations!” Please give books as gifts this holiday season. Donate books to your favorite charity or family in need. Listed below are just a few of our suggested books that would make great gifts.


Fall 2009 Authors Spotlight




Purchase books by the authors on the 2009 Fall Holiday Book Tour
http://tinyurl.com/givethegiftbooks

MAKING STRIDES BREAST CANCER WALK

MAKING STRIDES BREAST CANCER WALK - PLEASE JOIN ME

Hello Everyone,

As you all know thousands of people are affected by Cancer each year. This year for our Fundraising efforts D.I.V.A.S. Divine Book Club will be participating in American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk" to be held at Prospect Park Bandshell October 18th 2009 11am SHARP! We are asking for your support and hope you find it in your heart to do so.

PLEASE JOIN DIVAS DIVINE IN OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS BY JOINING OUR TEAM & WALKING WITH US OR DONATING TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE PROGRESS!

HELP BEGINS WITH YOU! Please click the link to view our page, join our team or make a donation. http://main.acsevents.org/goto/divasdivine Cancer is something that has stricken my family several times and I am very passionate about this cause.

Thanks & God Bless,
Bernella - President of D.I.V.A.S. DIVINE



HOW TO DONATE TODAY:
If you click on the following link http://main.acsevents.org/goto/divasdivine you will see a tab on our page that says donate to our team.