Black Pearls Magazine is a free digital magazine committed to inspire, encourage and empower a
International group of readers.
Our mission is to provide information that is essential, enlightening and entertaining.
Every issue of this monthly published magazine will celebrate the accomplishments of authors and writers from around the globe, honoring proud traditions and spotlighting ways to enhance the reader's everyday life.
The information that we publish helps to empower our BPM readers, therefore enriching their lives and benefiting the communities in which they live. We believe in Giving the Gift of
Knowledge!
We are here to bring you those literary jewels, Black Pearls, that are sure to bring you and your love ones much pleasure and empowerment.
Share this publication with your network and Give the Gift of Knowledge too!
Book
lovers join us on Monday and Wednesday nights for the most stimulating
conversation on the planet. Meet new authors, hear the latest literary news and
fellowship with other book lovers! Call into the literary themed radio show at 646. 200.0402 for a chance to
win the featured book. Chatroom open to all.
Meet Celebrity Book Reviewer Ivory Tabb Piece of Ivory
Book Reviews
"Making
a way out of no way" is the lifestyle attitude that Ivory Tabb lives by
everyday. From negotiating million dollar contracts to planning high profile
celebrity events, Ivory has successfully thrust her way to the top of the
entertainment arena as a successful talent agent, TV personality and much more.
She has worked with some of today’s biggest entertainers and athletes
including Adrian Peterson, Deion Sanders, Shaquille O’Neal, Tony Romo, Brian
McKnight, Michael Phelps and Chris Paul.
Growing
up in
New Jersey, Ivory knew that she would have a successful career in sports and
entertainment. After graduating near the top of her high school class, Ivory
accepted a track scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU) and excelled in
a multitude of student activities while obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Kinesiology. Upon graduation, she continued her education receiving a Masters of
Arts degree while working as an academic counselor for the school’s freshmen
football players.
After
leaving LSU, Ivory was pursued by Southern University for the position of
athletics academic advisor. "Ms. Tabb" thrived and consistently
brought fresh ideas and innovative processes to the institution. After one year
in this position, Ivory accepted another challenge and became Southern’s new
assistant women's basketball coach. Though she had never played a game of
basketball in her life, Ivory approached this new venture ferociously and
developed the team’s first branding strategy by creating marketing efforts and
promotions that popularized and populated the women's basketball games. It was
also during this time that Ivory began developing relationships with well-known
entertainers by negotiating special performances and appearances at the school.
Throughout
the years, Ivory has continued to help guide the professional sports careers of
several prominent athletes, including Stromile Swift, Michael Clayton, Marcus
Spears and Jamarcus Russell. These professional athletes, in particular,
specifically recognized her ambitions and recruited Ivory to serve as their
manager once professionally drafted. Ivory has also booked and managed
appearances for many entertainment marketing agencies, as well as AT&T and
State Farm.
Today,
Ivory is the entertainment industry’s most sought after executive and
personality. Only Ivory can see the world like she does…and it’s time for
everyone to hear IT and see IT! She recently participated as a contestant on
VH1’s hit reality show I Want to Work for Diddy 2, vying for the once in a
lifetime opportunity to work for Hip Hop hit maker and businessman
extraordinaire Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her appearance on the show further
propelled this exuberant personality into the spotlight, making her a powerful
force. With charm, beauty and fierce business savvy, Ivory is taking over and
giving the world a Piece of Ivory along the way.
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Authors, if you would like to submit your books for review by
Ivory, mail two signed copies to the following address, along with your
media sheet and business card. You will be notified when your book is reviewed.
All reviews posted here starting March 1, 2010. Reviews take 4-6 weeks to post. Reviews
will also post to our Black
Pearls Fanclub on Facebook.
Ella
Curry, EDC Creations
Ivory Book Review Submissions
PO Box 7794
Langley Park, Maryland 20787
Meet
Sultry Recording Artist Erin Stevenson
Black
Pearls Magazine: Erin, tell us a little about yourself and your gifts.
Erin: I’m a down south chic whose been blessed with many gifts. I only hope
and pray that God allows me to give my gifts to the world. I’ll give a brief
synopsis of myself because I’m not too good about talking about myself, but
here we go.....
Black Pearls Magazine: Who are some of the people or bands you have worked
with? Has your music been used on videos?
Erin: I've performed with industry greats such as Janet Jackson, Yolanda Adams,
Regina Belle, Scarface, The Temptations’-Ollie Woodson, and Mikki Howard. I
have shared the stage and opened up for artists also ranging from Jaime Foxx, R.
Kelly, Kem, Faith Evans, S.O.S Band, Eric Benet, Laila Hathaway, and MC Lyte to
name a few. I've appeared at many different venues around the country singing
the crowd favorites while recording my first CD, "Love High". My first
single "Hott", which was produced by platinum producer E. Poppi, was
featured in the movie "Hair Show" starring Monique and Vivica A. Foxx.
Black Pearls Magazine: What's new? Do you have a new CD or single out?
Erin: Check out My NEWEST Single, "SWEAT" Produced by A-Dubb --
Directed by M. Falcon.
Black
Pearls Magazine: What is it like for you to perform before thousands?
I've had the opportunity to entertain crowds of thousands.....But I must admit
that I still feel that nervous energy every time I hit the stage..... no matter
how big or small the audience. It’s not until I hear that first chord, or feel
the drums beating in my chest, that my heart starts racing.......
The energy in me begins to explode & this little chocolate firecracker
bursts out while all the nervous energy instantly disappears. I have entertained
people of different cultures, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds.
From the Mayor’s Inauguration to the likes of Beverly Hills... and then....
back to the hood. I Love Music, I Live Music, and my Life is Music. Now it’s
time to do me. Hope you enjoy!!!!!!
For
Booking & Information Contact
DIAMAX Promtions & Mgmt
Carletta Shepherd 281-513-8150
Email: carletta.shepherd@diamaxmgmt.com
Believe
Again in 2010!
A
video
clip aired recently on ABC Nightline stating that 70% of black women are
single and that there are over 1.8 million more black women than black men.
It also reports 42% of black women have never been married, and that a large
number of them will remain single as there are currently 12 women to every 1
black male.
Upon
first reading that report it's easy to feel disheartened and get in a funk.
However, we must remember that based on the billions of people in the world, as
you believe God for a mate, remember - You only need one. Also, I want to
submit to you, to counteract their report - "Whose report, will you
believe?"
Sometimes
when you've been single for so long you begin to get comfortable in your
singleness.
I
remember speaking to a wonderful woman of God who was in her early forties and
still single saying, "I've just given up." I was crushed
listening to her words because, to me, she was not only giving up on ever being
married, but she was also giving up on the one thing that we, as believers,
should never, under any circumstances, give up on - and that's hope.
But
if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 8:25
It's
quite alright to desire marriage, and it's even okay to believe it can happen
for you. However, you don't want your desire to turn into an anxious care
(Philippians 4:6), or even a want.
The
Word of God reminds us in Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
The
word, "want," in this passage of Scripture means, "to fail, want,
lessen, (have) lack, make lower, want." In other words, it indicates
that something is missing in one's life, however with God on your side you
already have every thing you could ever need.
Instead
of "wanting" a mate, I submit to you that you instead,
"expect" a mate.
Expect
God's promise to come to pass in His season for your life since He promised to
give you the desire of your heart in Psalm 37:4 as you continue to delight in
Him. A lot of times, if you're seeking the face of God and in His presence
in prayer consistently, then it's He who put the desire for marriage in your
heart in the first place.
Expect
God to be true to His Word and see yourself that blushing bride on your wedding
day, and even, see yourself, now, as that virtuous woman and loving wife who is
a crown to her husband who will do him good and not evil all the days of his
life (Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs 31:12).
Envision
and become her now, as you believe God for a mate, and in the meantime become
the best you today and use this year to really focus on what God has called you
to do and get to know your Heavenly Father even more this year through prayer,
praise and worship, and service to Him and His people.
Become
as much like Jesus as you can this year - no, not so you can snag a man, but so
that God will be pleased with you and so your life will be fulfilled.
Don't
be hopeless, don't give up on hope - again remain hopeful and stay in a
state of expectation that God will do what He said He would do in due season as
you really trust, depend on, and rely on Him.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is
faithful that promised;) -Hebrews 10:23
In 2010, it's time to believe
again!
Written
by Kim Brooks in The Single Heart eNewsletter Kim Brooks,
author of upcoming book, How To Date and Stay Saved and Black Expressions
Bestseller, He's Fine...But is He Saved? and
highly acclaim non-fiction debut for singles, "The Little Black Survival
Book for Single Saints." Website: kimontheweb.com
WTH:
What's Right has Become Wrong!
Nanette Buchanan
Just
Venting …… What's right has become wrong. What's wrong
is now accepted and is now right. These words were a part of a daily message I had sent to me by Pastor Renee
Glover. I have become anxious daily looking for her scripture and
interpretation. These words stung. As she went on to explain I
understood her words as I looked at my surroundings. I had to agree I was
guilty of not looking in the mirror.
We (as people of the world) have grown to accept whatever is done
and in some cases make provisions for it. The passage started with the
smallest thought our children. We allow them to talk to adults, elderly,
teachers, even us as parents as though they are in charge of our homes, their
schools, the streets, communities and their history. The absence of
respect and morals is now an acceptance. “That's how they are today.”
The excuse becomes “They'll change when they get older.” We accept
parents’ lax responsibility for raising their children. Family Services
removes the child from the home, or ignores the family until some tragic event
occurs. The parent is not forced to be a parent, and they continue to have
children that they leave with family or society to raise. We accept their
absence, its okay. The lack of a nurturing family is accepted yet again.
We've become a society of violence. It's conceivable to hear of
domestic abuse, violence, murder on a daily basis. Is this becoming the
norm? Neighborhoods are riddled with daily acts of violence.
Children are being killed and it's just another number for the statistical
polls. We harbor the wrongs of our friends and family. We spend the
money of the street, it's the times. There's no employment, so the money
that comes from the addict, the trick turned out, will have to provide for the
family. What is wrong has become right. Or so it seems…
We've come to know, turning the cheek also turns our eyes from what is in
front of us. "It doesn't affect us; we've moved to another neighbor,
another class of people, we don't live among THEM. " It's a shame but
what can we do?
Recession
has knocked on our doors. Every family has been affected in all
neighborhoods. Violence and drugs has crept in all our children's lives,
directly or indirectly. Domestic violence, disrespect, the lack of morals
has crept in our homes. What's right has become wrong. What's wrong
we've accepted and now it is our way of life. We did this, as a home, a
community, a nation.
A
Black President! We've got our eyes open now. He'll fix this
mess that we allowed. He'll bring us through this recession, bring the
boys home from war, find Osama, lower the taxes, put the money in the economy,
solve the employment crisis, stop the violence, improve the education, take the
crooks out of politics, in four years. Barrack Obama, yes we can.
We've put our food on his plate, told him to eat, enjoy, digest and wait for the
next helping. What's right will not return to us in four years. Yes
we can. What's wrong we've accepted and now is right; Change must come!
That was his outcry, his
campaign slogan. We took it and we must embrace it. Not just for the
nation or our communities but for our homes, ourselves.
It's
a New Year and a new decade. A new day dawning; a new time for all of
us; another chance to correct our wrongs and make them right. It starts
with each of us. Change starts within…Just Venting.
About
Author Nanette Buchanan
Nanette M. Buchanan was
born, raised and educated in
Newark
,
New Jersey
. After graduating from
Arts
High School
in
Newark
she attended
Rutgers
University
in
New Brunswick
,
New Jersey
. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love
for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in
Somerset
,
New Jersey
. Nanette is employed with the State of
New Jersey
within the Department of Corrections. This dynamic author is looking forward to
making writing a full time career after retiring from her current position with
the State of
New Jersey
. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts,
Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven
novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family
Secrets…Lies & Alibis.” Since then the publication of the sequel,
“A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry,
“Thoughts” an e-book hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s
murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become
a successful author without limits. Writing and producing plays that
feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen.”
Nanette
is a member of Shared Thoughts Book Club and Authors Supporting Authors.
She is the hostess of ASA’s Blog Talk Internet Radio Show which broadcasts
each month interviewing authors, discussing literary events, publications and
book promotions.
Do you know your Family’s Composition?It was immediately after the sensational “Roots” saga and “The Next Generation” by Alex Haley that many of our families began to embrace the concept of family unity. The family no matter what the composition was celebrated. The history of the blood lines of families became important. We all wanted to know who we belonged to. Who were are
family members? Family trees found new roots and new branches.
The family events, and reunions, though remembered as momentous caused eyebrows to rise and whispers among the elders. There was always the question about the identity of a child or the whereabouts of a missing parent. All talk was kept secret, and only those who needed to know did know. There were families that avoided the whispers and sent the unwed pregnant girl south leaving the baby with relatives after birth. Others found it necessary to turn a blind eye to adulterous acts.
Today we face the same secrets with “baby mama drama” and dead beat dads or moms, single parenting still exists. Adoption, which causes instant separation for some father’s, has been replaced by women who hold their children hostage when the father won’t pay support or is unwilling to commit to a relationship.
As parents we owe our children the connection; a connection to each parent, sibling and family.
In today’s world it is the necessary balance for their foundation; who they are and who they belong to holds answers to who they will be.
Family medical history, both physical and mental becomes unbalanced. It rocks the emotional stability of a child who has no idea about their connection to their parent, their siblings or their heritage.
My debut novel “Family Secrets Lies and Alibi’s” covers this topic adding the drama and suspense that entraps the reader as reality sets in. It could be any family you know, have heard of or belong to. Do the whispers of long held secrets destroy a family? What if the secret of lineage was buried with a parent uncovered by the business one leaves behind, a will an estate? Should you hide who you love?
• What if the truth could rattle the roots of the family tree?
• Is the love for family stronger than the love for self?
The Secrets continue in … “A Different Kind of Love”
I look forward to building a relationship with you. I am available for author's chat and signings, a discussion with me and giveaways. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, about booking arrangements, or networking opportunities feel free to contact me at
ipendesigns@gmail.com
About the Author
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five children stories and seven novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis. ”
Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” was released. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits. The author is available for personal appearances, chats and signings.
Books by Author Nanette M. Buchanan
• Bruised Love
• A Different Kind of Love
• Family Secrets, Lies & Alibis
Even so, there are those of us who hunger for good Black literature.
A while back, I read a report stating that, as African Americans, we are the only people in the world that other countries and nationalities like to imitate—from our fashion, to our speech, to our music, to our sports, and now, even to our literature.
My question is this: Why shouldn’t we own where we dominate? Why shouldn’t we own our own sport teams? Our own Black films, to name a few?
Which brings me to this point. Why is it that we don’t own the black book industry now that we’re making inroads? Is it because we don’t have enough publishers? Literary agents? And why are we allowing other cultures to determine the image of what we send out to the world in our literature?
In the same manner that the Big 5 publishers in New York gained wealth over the past 100 years, I believe African American publishers can gain economic empowerment and wealth as well.
I recently interviewed an author who left a major New York publishing house to return to self-publishing because she refused to fill her books with sex and drama. I read a lot of books, including white literature, and I do not see other ethnic books filled with sensationalism. Why should our craft be lessened?
In the past our image has been set by what we read in the white text books, the white newspapers, or saw on TV. In the main, Blacks were not the decision makers.
Sadly, our image is out of shape because we are not the ones who shaped it. But, in this day and age, where we finally have a role in shaping our image, we often project only the most abject parts of our culture. We see this played out in the insidious influences found in the videos, songs and books, denigrating women, glorifying crime, and pushing genocide.
In order for us to set the record straight for the world, it is important that we write and tell our story. It’s going to take African American writers to reshape our image. Why?
We do not own Black Television, and most of our black radios have died out in recent history.
Besides the Internet, the only avenue we have to raise our voices is what we write and what our black newspapers write about us.
What is our black media is going to do to counteract the forces which have misshaped our history?
It is important that we hold writers, newspapers, and any form of media that project the image of black people accountable for what they project.
In order for us to save our people, we must change our image. If we won’t, then who will? If not now, then when?
For it’s not too late to pick up the pen. To rephrase the late Renaissance writer,
composer, photographer, film director, Gordon Parks, let’s use our pen as our weapon of choice, and turn this image around.
Meet the Author:
Dr. Maxine E. Thompson is a novelist, poet, columnist, short story writer, book reviewer, an editor, ghostwriter, Internet Radio Show Host, and a Literary Agent. She is the author of The Ebony Tree, No Pockets in a Shroud, A Place Called Home (A Short Story Collection), The Hush Hush Secrets of Writing Fiction That Sell, a contributor to bestselling anthologies Secret Lovers, All in The Family, and Never Knew Love Like This Before, (Also a Kindle Bestseller), Proverbs for the People.
Share
with us your news, events and articles. Black
Pearls Magazine is a online, bi-weekly updated magazine which gives voice to
the issues that drive our national conversation. Our readership is thoughtful,
intelligent, widely read and appreciative of ideas and writing of the highest
quality. With that in mind, we seek thoughtful, well-researched articles and
insightful fiction, book reviews and poetry on a variety of subjects from a
number of different viewpoints. We welcome all writers to send their work!
If
you would like to submit articles for the Black Pearls Magazine, please check
out our editorial calendar and send in your stories or articles by the 15th of
each month.. You can write about any topics designated for that month. Read the submission
guidelines here.
Your
submissions to EDC Creations signifies that you agree to our terms and policies.
We also accept book excerpts, reader's guides and audio interviews.
Join
Our Mobile Book Club Receive
a monthly text message when Black Pearls Magazine has new contests for book
lovers, news of hot topics and has updated the list of featured authors
and books for the
month. Stay abreast of the events we are attending so that you can come
join us for great gifts and swag bags!
Seeking Book Reviewers EDC
Creations seeks to add avid readers to our community as book reviewers. We would
like readers to share their honest opinions about the books they read. You do
not have to be a professional writer, we want to feel your passion for reading.
Reviewers receive books from EDC Creations’ publishing partners monthly.
You can review our policy for book reviewers by
clicking here. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
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Seeking
Book Club Interviews Ella
Curry and EDC Creations celebrates the rise of book clubs in the publishing
industry. We host monthly tributes and parties for our featured book clubs. You
too can become a Black Pearls Bookclub Star! Request that your book club obtain
a interview and receive a gift bag of books!
Your book club and network of friends are invited to check all the great authors
in the Bookclub Reading Room and to explore
the magazine for your next featured book of the month. Email Ella Curry for more
details or to request the interview questions at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
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Skype
and BPM Video Chat We
host bi-weekly Skype and BPM video chat sessions to introduce authors to our
readers. Do you want an author to visit with you and your friends without
leaving home? Add us as a friend at Skype and you can join the fun. If you would
like to be invited to our BPM Meet the Authors Video Segments,
sign up here.
Skype ID: [ edc1creations]
Join
Skype to get Video Messages from Ella Curry and featured authors. Add me
to your Skype friend list. Also, send me your Skype address so that I can add
you too! Email your Skype ID to: edc_dg@yahoo.com
so that we can email you a friend request on Skype
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Seeking
Blog Tour Hosts
and Radio Hosts Each
month EDC Creations hosts a tour of 5 wonderful authors. We travel across the
web sharing our message of Give the Gift of Knowledge. We are now seeking
bloggers, book clubs and book lovers to host the authors on their websites,
blogs or radio shows. If you would like to feature authors on your website or
blog, we provide all the material for you. It's as simple as emailing us your
interest.
We
will hold live readings weekly and would like for readers to share the news on
Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Gather 5 or more friends and meet us for an
online party! We promote great books via the phone, Skype and the web. Great
benefits available for tour hosts. Email Ella Curry for more details on joining
the tours at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
Please take a moment to view our previous tour
hosts here.
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Business
Interviews Requested Do
you have a great business that serves our community? Tell Black Pearls Magazine
about it! We are seeking community leader interviews. We showcase 5 business
owners per month. Email Ella Curry for more details at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
The
Black Pearls Magazine family wants to take the time to thank each of you for
joining us monthly in celebrating the best in literature and the arts. Our
team of writers, bookclubs and authors are so humbled that you have allowed us
entrance into your life. It amazes me each month as I check our subscribers how
many of you deem us worthy of your time and support.
We
appreciate each of you for telling 10 people about the magazine and for driving
people to this site. YOU make Black Pearls the magnificent publication that it
is, by sharing the gift of knowledge!
Please
know, as we prepare each issue for you, we look for those stimulating
conversations, the most thought provoking articles and most of all the best
books on the shelves. We want each page of this magazine to add value to your
lives! Your comments and feedback are welcomed. Join our
blog and share your news, advice and wisdom with the other readers. Tell us
what you want to read too!
As we take off in this new decade we hope to bring you more provocative topics
and life empowering books to shape your lives. We have contest for the readers
and more interactive sections added to the magazine. Let us know what you think
of the fresh new content by emailing
us here. Thank you!
Ella Curry, President of EDC Creations
Founder & Editor In Chief Black Pearls Magazine