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Intimate
Conversation with Karibu Bookstores
Founder Bro. Yao Glover
Bro. Yao (Hoke S. Glover III) is a poet, author and businessman. He founded the vending operation that led to Karibu Books with his wife Karla Glover in 1992 and ran the company with Simba Sana.
Karibu Books was legendary and held the title of one of the leading
African-American bookstores in the country, the largest chain of African
American bookstores up until February 10, 2008. Fifteen-year-old
Karibu Books, headquartered in Temple Hills, Maryland, which at its height had
6 stores and 45 employees in Maryland and Virginia, will never be forgotten. Bro. Yao
is currently a professor at Bowie State University .
Ella: Bro. Yao welcome! It is such a pleasure to have you with us
today! It was such a rewarding experience working for Karibu Books! The
closing of Karibu sadden a entire community. Today I would like to talk about
the mission behind starting Karibu Books and what Karibu really meant to
you. For those new to the literary scene, you can give them a glimpse
inside the world of a business owner and community leader.
Now that Karibu is gone, what are
you doing within the community? Are you still networking in the literary
world? Are you still writing poetry?
Yao: Currently, my interest are still in promoting African American Literature of the Diaspora. At Bowie State University , I get a chance to interact with young people primarily from Washington, D.C. , Baltimore and
Prince George's County, Maryland. In terms of basic reading and writing the core skills are often lacking, however, in terms of communication I get the chance to learn. On the poetry side, I am constantly reading, studying and when I get the chance performing. Lastly, on the business side, I am working on a new project. The greatest obstacle to that project is the debt from Karibu which was primarily absorbed by my wife and I. In summary, I like to think of myself as a
resource for Bowie State and the Community at Large in respect to writing, selling and promoting reading and books in our community.
Ella: Did Karibu Bookstores change the way consumers were previously taught to think?
This is one of my favorite quotes in relation to business. Did Karibu create a
new system?
"It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success nor more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new one." - Nicolo Machiavelli
Yao:
Karibu was a product of a series of forces. Only one of them was the actual will and force of the owners. The others were the market conditions: the change in the literary landscape of the 1990’s, the blessing of being born into the Washington Metropolitan Area and deciding to build a Black Bookstore here.
The rise of the Black Woman Writer (Terry McMillan, Toni Morrison and Alice Walker as example), the Black Inspiration Book (Acts of Faith, Black Pearls), the relationship book, (Michael Baisden), the expansion of African American LGTB writing, Black Romance, Erotica and Urban Literature all worked to Karibu’s advantage. I think the next move after Karibu will be a new system. In fact, Karibu’s destruction was a by
product of the quest to create a new system. Internally, we were not strong enough to complete the transition in that model. More than anything Karibu existed because of its ability to utilize the force of current trends and the way people thought about Black Books during its lifetime.
Ella: What are 3 things all leaders possess?
Yao: I’ll take this from the Tao-humility, love and frugality.
Ella: How did you get your start in
the world of book selling? Karibu books and the staff encouraged black
authors to live their dreams, hosted roundtable discussions, poetry
readings and visits from noted authors across the country like T.D Jakes,
Tavis Smiley, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosley and Terry McMillan. Karibu was a
cultural force, to say the least.
Yao: My wife and I began vending as a way to provide for our family.
I had no formal business training. I received the basics of business through my interaction with my partner. I am trained in Literature and writing which are essential skills in running a book store and actually valuing the books. (Pic: Yao and Simba Sana back in the day at Karibu)
Ella: What is your biggest challenge in handling business at Karibu? How did you overcome it?
Yao: A business is a small world created by the owner. The most challenging aspect of the business was considering all of the various areas of detail. Business owners are forced to deal with both the physical reality of the business and the conceptual reality. The list is almost endless, down to the font on signs, paper towels in the bathroom, mission, vision statement, HR procedure and the like.
For Karibu the level of detail increased dramatically because we had 6 locations. As a number this demanded infra-structure that related to the training and day to day management of employees that in the initial stages of the business were handled through day to day interaction with the owners in the business. We dealt with the challenge through relentless dedication to development and detail along with operations. In the wake of the death of Karibu, I am excited about doing more of that development before the actual business launches. The advantage of business plans and development is they allow one to visualize a business and its processes as a complete unit before the company begins.
Ella: What did you hope to offer your clients or customers to shape their lives?
Karibu was the largest Afrocentric bookstore chain in the United States at one
point. Karibu's slogan branded the store as ‘‘books by and about African
people, 365 days a year.”
Yao: The Book business and writing are fundamentally about content. Though content is capable of changing consciousness, it is never guaranteed. There are the skills of the business person and the skills of the reader. Though we can deliver the book, there is no guarantee the message will be received or internalized as we might like. This places emphasis on other efforts outside of selling books, such as literacy and a rethinking of the role of books and education in our community.
The distribution of resources is simply one step in the goal to transform consciousness via the written word. It is our hope that the distribution of African American Literature through Karibu was a catalyst and gate that will lead to a more serious grassroots dialogue about ideas and their importance in building and shaping new social structures for African American people in specific and Americans as a whole.
Ella: Can your mission or vision truly keep a business growing?
Yao: With the Internet and the technological changes that are occurring in the marketplace we are challenged with considering different delivery systems for African American content that are outside of the book. Blogs,
Facebook and the like give us other areas to explore, in order to expand the
vision.
Ella: Tell us about the people you helped in the 15 years Karibu was leading the
community. How was your company impacting the public? What social issues or causes
did you address? It was clear at the Black
Books Coalition Launch party the community still respects you.
Yao: When people ask about the social impact of Karibu there are a few approaches. On one level there is the larger narrative of the history itself of Karibu as the cultural institution and the rich history of Malcolm, Marcus, Ella Baker, Harriet Tubman and others whose literature and stories we sold, promoted and distributed. However, beneath this narrative there is the story of the customers, employees, vendors and folks in the mall who may have never purchased books. All of these groups were a part of the Karibu phenomena. (Pic:
Tribute to Yao given by Lee McDonald of the The Renaissance Group, LLC)
Yao:
There is one member of our customer and support base I used to refer to as an angel or oracle. This man had been hit by a car outside of a club in MD many years ago. On some days when perhaps he wasn’t feeling that well he would pull up his pants leg and show you the scar. The scar was about a foot long beginning above his knee and then stretching down the front of his leg to his shin. Much of his flesh was gone. As a result of the accident he walked with a permanent limp. His accident had also left him with a head injury and a whole host of medical issues he was forced to carry for the rest of his life. This customer was more than a customer-he would come through Landover Mall almost everyday even when we had our cart in the middle of the mall, watching our cart for us when we went to grab some food or needed to use the bathroom. Yet, he also purchased books from us. I can still hear and employee telling me when I entered the store at P.G. or Landover that he had called me while I was out or had stopped by to see where I was at. If by chance I ran into him he would often stop me and talk for long periods of time. I can hear his voice now saying, “ Bro. Yao- you are a good man-folks don’t understand what you are doing for the community-what Karibu is doing for the community.” He would call sometimes and read me quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr’s work.
I actually trained employees to view his interaction with the business as a test of where the business was. The most amazing thing was how his interaction with us was often a test of where we were as a business. If we were too busy to deal with him, it reflected something about our sense of grounding. Granted sometimes we were too busy and for good reason-we had numerous responsibilities, countless customers and bills to pay. Yet, some of what he was giving us back was a portion of what Karibu had already put out into the universe. On the days I felt too busy to deal with him, I would often imagine our interaction was a meditative act. I was learning about the power of our impact from him. The feeling that we were too busy to deal with him, was simply not just a sign of our current mode but a sign of our relationship with the common denominator in our community.
Yao:
In the Karibu history Landover Mall was a perfect example of that common denominator. Landover Mall was located across the street from a housing complex where in the heyday of the D.C. crack years, numerous murders had been committed and open air drug markets had been conducted. It was in the 80’s we would go to Landover Mall to see dudes with Gold Chains on their neck that were large enough to hold back Pit Bulls. The women would be there with their name spelled out in a giant hoop earrings as round as the bottom of a forty-ounce bottle. And after the murders and the reputation, Landover Mall never recovered. Folks would go there only when they had too. There were numerous vacancies. Landover was an old idea from another time.
In many ways as a corporate concept it was a minor casualty to be added to the crack years in the Washington Metropolitan Area. What is most important is that Landover though located in the Prince George’s County Suburbs was a version of the hood. By definition, the location of a Black Book Store in this portion of the community was similar to shining a bat symbol in the sky. And even if you didn’t shop at Karibu-you knew that it was that Black Bookstore in the middle of the mall.
Definition by mere presence-existence-perhaps as a correlative to someone who remembers walking black folks with picket signs many years ago and then being forced to read it in a history book. You remember and where a part of it, but where not really a part of it. Karibu affected countless folks who came through Landover Mall in this way.
Yao:
While working at Landover Mall within the actual Mall I saw prostitutes, people who were mentally insane and permanent fixture. There was the man who mumbled through the mall everyday chanting to himself. The young brother with a butcher knife in plain view. The fights in the Baker’s shoe stores. The cluster of older men congregated outside the store talking about J.A. Roger’s and Chancellor Williams. The young ladies with their two sort skirts and too tight jeans picking up a copy of Flyy Girl. There was also an older woman in her 80’s who I wish I had a picture of who would walk through the mall hustling folks for dollars. I wish I had a picture because I can still see her in my mind with a Karibu T-Shirt on and a handful of plastic bags. As a fade away, Darren Coleman walking through door telling me he is going to write a book, and asking me would I sell it when he finished.
Ella:
Yao you are a legend in your own time! At the Black Books Coalition
launch party, as you spoke, you could feel the love and admiration from the DC
literary elite as well as those new authors and community leaders coming along
now. Please stay in contact with us! EDC Creations exists because of the
Karibu support and connections. I will be eternally grateful for all you,
Simba Sana and Karibu Books offered me. Lee McDonald, Carolyn Reed and Sunny
Sana were also instrumental in helping me to grow into the president of EDC
Creations. After you hired me as a buyer's
assistant for Karibu Books, my position and responsibilities continued to change and grow along
with my knowledge of the literary world. Ultimately causing my life to
be forever changed. I want to do whatever possible to support you and
your wife in any future endeavors. Thank you for being a thought leader and a
literary legend for 15 years in business and beyond!
Intimate
Conversation with Pat G’Orge-Walker
Book Spotlight: Somebody's Sinning
in My Bed
Pat G’Orge-Walker is the Essence bestselling author of Somewhat Saved; Cruisin’
on Desperation; Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s…; Sister Betty, God’s Calling
You, Again!; and contributed short stories to several anthologies. Being a
preacher’s kid gave her a quirky perspective on church, inspiring her to create
a one-woman comedy show centering on Sister Betty, whose unchristian-like
behavior blocks her blessings.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
I believe my love for words play an integral part in my passion for writing. I
need to write as much as I need air to breathe. It is like being constantly
pregnant and needing to deliver.
Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another
period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to
future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers:permission to be different in the face of naysayers. There were times when I was
faced with the challenge of delivering God's message through humor. Of course,
laughter, although permitted through scripture, didn't seem to connect with
those staunch Saintly folks. Never let anyone step on your creativity when your
creativity is to enlighten and provide entertainment.
Ella: Give us the synopsis of the book being discussed, Somebody's Sinning
in My Bed. Chyna and her sister Janelle are always moments away from a catfight. They love
each other, but Janelle has never forgiven her sister for swiping her first
love, Cordell. That was ages ago, and now Chyna is showing off as the First Lady
of New Hope Assembly, a church that’s caught between the old ways of Holiness
and new ways of serving its community. New Hope ’s leader, Reverend Grayson
Young, is also caught…in the infamous Sweet Bush lounge, an establishment
well-known for adult pleasures.
Despite being First Lady Chyna's no saint and
when her husband falls from grace he snatches her along too. Chyna's now facing
down blackmail from the church board and cannot get sympathy or help from the
one person who's always been there for her, her sister Janelle who's dealing
with breast cancer.
In the midst of all the chaos Cordell returns as
a new man. He's now a man of God who must try and reconcile the mess he's made
of the sisters lives as an ex-husband to one and ex-lover to the other. what
follows are squabbling, chaos, and surprises that show just how hard the road to
salvation really is…
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
The
main characters in my book are two sisters; Chyna and Janelle. What I like about
Chyna is that she finally resolves to not think less of herself than God does.
What I like about Janelle is her fire. Janelle's a person who loves deeply and
that makes her dangerous on several levels. However, Janelle is also able to
suck on pigfeet while drinking Cristol and make it look classy.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
My books are pretty much known for their covers. The fire red cover, shy-yet
flirty female and the church steeple are strong images. I also think the title
is provocative; Somebody's Sinning in My Bed.
Explore the book here.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book,
Somebody's Sinning in My Bed?
I want the reader to remember that we're birthed in complexities and need. Life
is a journey that will make you or break you. If the reader can remember that
God is always in control and whatever you go through...God's got the end already
tied up and gift-wrapped for you if you walk in faith. However, one should never
play with God; a reprobated mind is a terrible thing to have. And finally, one
should never think less of themselves than God does.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
I would advise a new writer to study their craft, pray often and surround
yourself with like-minded people. Also in getting representation make sure they
are reputable and don't jump at the first person/agency to say they can make you
a star or get your books published.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Three things that make a successful author in my opinion are: (1) the ability to
craft a good story that the reader won't have to read two-three times to get its
meaning. (2) Have a marketing plan that is doable and then do it along with
prayer. (3) An honest relationship with your editor is key.
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I will have one more book coming out in 2010. It is tentatively titled,
"Jessie's Jewels." After that there will be more stories involving Sister Betty
and her zany cohorts.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I'm currently working on my next novel and eagerly awaiting the release of
Somebody's Sinning in My Bed. It will debut as a August 2009 release. Of
course, I'm still out and about performing and traveling with my Somewhat Saved
Comedy Show.
Buy a copy of the book from Amazon
Intimate Conversation with Lyah Beth LeFlore Book spotlight: Wildflowers
Lyah Beth LeFlore is a National Bestselling author and one of today’s most talented and respected creative forces. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Jet, and Entertainment Weekly; also on CNN and BET.
Television Producer credits include: New York Undercover (FOX), Midnight Mac starring Bernie Mac (HBO), and Grown Ups (UPN).
Books include the co-authored, Cosmopolitan Girls; the Essence Bestseller
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life; and the NY Times Bestseller and Essence Bestseller,
I Got Your Back: A Father and Son Keep It Real About Love, Fatherhood, Family, and Friendship -- a collaboration with Grammy Award father and son, Eddie and Gerald Levert. It was a 2008 Nominee/Finalist for the Essence Literary Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.
LeFlore’s third novel, Wildflowers will be published September 8,
2009. And in December she will introduce her hot new teen series The Come
Up, illustrated by DL Warfield. The first book of the series is entitled, The World Is
Mine. LeFlore, 39, is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and holds a B.A. in Communications Media from Stephens College. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. For more info go to
www.lyahbethleflore.comListen
to Lyah Beth's interview with Ella Curry of EDC Creations
Ella:
Lyah Beth, tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
I write because it is liberating. I have a love for words and rich, delicious language. I want my new book Wildflowers to make a powerful impact on women from an intergenerational standpoint. I want women to see their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and
best friends in the women of WILDFLOWERS. I want the journeys, stories, trials, and triumphs to connect with each and every reader.
Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers a legacy of vivid characters and dialogue, and a love of a well-crafted story, in the tradition of writers like Pearl Cleage; and epic family journeys like Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club; and powerful stories about the lives of women like Gloria Naylor's, The Women of Brewster Place. My writing carries the legacy of my mother, Shirley Bradley LeFlore, a poet and performing artist. Her love of creating poetry that speaks to the core of one's soul, weaving the intricacies of life. That's why I decided to go to her and ask her to do the poetry for Wildflowers.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, Wildflowers and the message within.
We are all Wildflowers, growing free, growing strong. Wildflowers embodies the spirit of women, and the spirits of our ancestors. The book is a sweeping, emotional family drama told through the eyes of 35-year old Chloe Davis Michaels.
Chloe Davis Michaels has it all: a great job as a partner in a boutique publicity firm in Los Angeles, a handsome new husband, and a baby on the way. But no matter how things look from the outside, the reality of Chloe’s gilded life is far from perfect. Her husband has a violent streak that terrifies her, and she knows that the only way to protect her unborn child is to leave. And so with $23.11 to her name, Chloe seeks refuge in the loving arms of her Midwestern family, and returns to St. Louis to “get prayed up” and figure out her next move.
But Chloe is not the only woman in her family who is going through a crisis. And as secrets are revealed and the bonds of family are tested, the Davis women are forced to finally be honest with each other–and with themselves–in order to weather the storm.
Wildflowers explores the complexity of the love between mothers and daughters.
The story in Wildflowers is one that each of us connects with and relates to. It is about mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters. It even connects women who may not have a blood connection, but their spirits are their bond. The message in my book is two-fold. It's one centered in family struggle, particularly the things women go through and have to overcome -- love, heartbreak, disappointments, and rising from the valleys in life.
Wildflowers' foundation is rooted in faith and belief and most importantly the love of family and the strength we have as women. The other message it sends is that sometimes you have to go home to heal and in doing so often the past awaits, but you lean on your faith and your family even in times of differences, and you weather the storm together, becoming stronger, ultimately surviving and being able to move on in life -- to higher ground.
The story is told through Chloe's eyes, "the baby". Her voice is the connecting thread. Her sisters are Eve and Fawn. Their mother is Joy Ann. Joy Ann's sister is Billye Jean who's daughter is Thora. Joy Ann and Billye Jean's first cousin, Carol Jane, was raised with them like a sister. Her daughter is Cecilia, aka
Ceci.
Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
I think every writer pulls from their own experiences and encounters be they situations or people, including family and friends, even co-workers, or folks they meet by chance on the subway. The women in my family certainly inspired me, as have my sisterfriends and women I've encountered over the years. My own recent journey recovering from a painful, short-lived marriage served as an inspiring piece of the storytelling puzzle. But the beauty of writing fiction is the ability to stretch the imagination, embellish life. I grew up in a family dominated by the female chromosome and I've always found that quite interesting.
Ella: What inspired you to write this story at this particular time?
As I said, watching the women around me as I grew up -- my grandmother, aunts, mother, sisters, cousins. Even hearing the stories about my great grandmother and maternal grandmother. They all played a part. Saturday nights hanging out at my cousin's house, and Sunday dinners after church, praying through crisis, praying in good times, graduations, weddings, funerals -- it all came full circle in Wildflowers.
Ella: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book
Wildflowers?
I address everything from domestic violence and abuse, to women having issues with self-esteem, cancer, to people struggling with their faith, aging, sibling rivalry, and infidelity, even substance abuse. These are real issues that family's have to deal with. But most importantly the story shows how family must stick together.
Ella: How difficult was it to complete the novel?
The book came to me in 2004 when I finished my first novel Cosmopolitan Girls. I wanted it to be my second novel, but I as asked by my editor and agent to do another "chick lit" themed book. I'm happy about that, though, because Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, was a great graduating book. The story had the fun of "chick lit", but revealed another layer of who I was as a writer and my strength of storytelling and creating memorable characters. Then I was blessed with the idea to do a book with Eddie and Gerald Levert. Thank God! I Got Your Back: A Father And Son Keep It Real About Love Fatherhood Family and Friendship had to happen. It is a gift to black men, families, and most importantly the Levert Family. I was finally able to return to the characters that would eventually come to life in Wildflowers.
The book's original title was The House Of Estrogen. I still love it, but my new editor at the publishing house made me change it. I prayed that the right title would come to me. One day I was listening to the O'Jays and the song Wildflower came on. The words spoke to my spirit. Eddie's voice was haunting. I knew that was the title!
I've been on a journey with this book. However, I don't think I could've written it at this level back then. I had to grow and evolve as a woman. I had to go through a very dark and painful period in my own life. A good friend once told me you can't give a testimony if you haven't been tested. I've been through the fire, and guess what I survived and like Brother Marvin Sapp says, "I'm stronger...I'm wiser...So much better!"
Ella: Did you self-publish? Are you traditionally published?
This is my fourth book, third novel. I've been in the game for a few years and thankfully coming off of a very strong career as a
TV producer paved the way for me. I'm not self-published but admire writers that are. It's hard work when you're at a big house. So I can only imagine the difficulty when you do it yourself. But there's a lot to learn from self-published authors.
Ella: What genre would you place Wildflowers and why?
Popular and Contemporary women's fiction is what this book is. I love this genre because I can speak in voices that reflect women of today. However, in the sequel to Wildflowers (I'm working on it now), I will take readers back to the 40s and 50s when I explore the lives of Joy Ann and Billye Jean. What I also really love about Wildflowers is that I've combined fiction and poetry by using my mother's poetry as an emotional thread in the book.
Ella: What has been your most valuable lesson learned about the publishing industry?
Don't depend on the publishing house to sell your books. You have to work hard and get out there and promote, promote, promote. It's about strengthening my brand as an author so that 50 years from now my work will be talked about in college classrooms.
Ella: What writers inspire you and why?
As I mentioned Pearl Cleage, because of her honest style and the beauty in the imagery, and her dialogue feels like a conversation. My mother's writing inspires me. It's almost as if she's painting a portrait with her words. I feel her words moving under my skin. That's power!
Ella: What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story?
I hope I bring women from all walks of life together. I want us to realize the strength we have and when we join together we are unstoppable. But I also want women to start loving themselves more. When we love ourselves, we love life. We love our friends, we love our men better! We attract the right kind of friends and mates in our lives.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I'm hoping to take next year's NAACP Image Awards and the Essence Literary Awards, and heck, all the awards by storm! I'm gearing up for the December release of my first teen book series, The Come Up. Book one is called The World Is Mine. It's set in Washington, DC and centers on the lives of 7 teens trying to "come up" and win in life. Coming up means parlaying one situation into a better situation. These kids are trying to make it in
school, relationships, at home. It's real! It's timely. So, hopefully the name Lyah Beth LeFlore will be everywhere for many months and years to come!
Michael Jackson
Wealth, Fame, & Corrosive Friendships by Dr. Daryl D.
Green
When
rap burst on the scene, many people thought it was a passing fad. In the 1980s,
the New York-based group Whodini emerged with hard-hitting lyrics that imitated
life. One of the classic Hip Hop hits was a song called Friends: “Friends. How
many of us have them? Friends . . . And if you ask me, you know, I
couldn’t be much help. Because a friend is somebody you judge for yourself.
Some are okay, and they treat you real cool. But some mistake kindness for being
a fool.” Unfortunately, many people have not developed the instinct to know
true friendship.
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50, he is expected to be
buried in September, 2009. Everyone started absorbing this tragic reality.
The radio stations had already begun playing Michael’s famous hits. Cable
stations had already begun dissecting his life. In fact, in less than 24 hours,
Michael’s so-called “friends” were coming out with innuendos about him.
Search the Web and you will see headings such as “
Jackson
’s Advisors Speak Out.” Michael was a very talented entertainer.
Yet, many people will only remember his miscues.
Jackson
was associated with (a) child abuse, (b) criminal allegations, (c) debt, (d)
drug abuse, and (e) body alteration by plastic surgery and medication.
Like so many stars,
Michael was surrounded with wealth and fame. Yet, there is something that
even the most common of people can understand. A person must surround
themselves with genuine friends. Some individuals may wonder why no one reached
out to Michael. The answers may revolve around the fact that he was
surrounded by some corrosive friendships. CNN analyst Jeff Todbin noted, “He
was surrounded by thieves and jackals.” Unfortunately, many people will profit
dearly as a result of his untimely death. This article examines Michael’s life
as it relates to his corrosive friendships so that readers can gain valuable
lessons from his story.
Personal Background
Michael lived a life most people could only fantasize about. Born in 1958 in
Gary
,
Indiana
, Michael emerged from simple beginnings to become a mega Superstar. He
and his four other brothers formed The Jackson Five, which became a Motown
Records icon and a landmark for teens across the world. In fact, Michael
took his stardom a step further by embarking on a solo career. In 1982,
his album Thriller sold 21 million copies in the US (27 million worldwide).
Michael has received 13 Grammy Awards and numerous professional awards.
His lifetime record sales are estimated to be over 750 million. Michael had
become the King of Pop. He was also one of the most generous celebrities in
Hollywood. He raised millions of dollars through his Heal the World Foundation.
Yet, the storyline of the
King of Pop is disturbing. His eccentric ways, transformational looks,
spending sprees, and financial troubles gave fuel to his critics. Additionally,
his continual battles regarding child sexual abuse severely damaged his public
image. In an interview Jackson admitted, “There is a lot of sadness about my
past.” To individuals concerned with this image, Michael was an
individual to keep away from, even if you were supposed to be his friend.
Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton denounced Michael’s fair weather
friends that praised him now but had abandoned him during the bad times:
“It’s amazing in the last hour to see how many people are praising him, that
wouldn’t go near him in the last several years and condemned him. He [Michael]
talked about how many people had let him down . . .”
Michael understood better than anyone the isolation of being a child superstar.
The Friendship
Definition
Many people have not developed the instinct to know true friends. According to
the Urban Dictionary, a fair weather friend is someone who is only a friend when
circumstances are pleasant or profitable. At the first sign of trouble, these
capricious, disloyal people will drop their relationship with you. An
enabler is someone who allows another person to persist in
self-destructive behavior by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid
the consequences.
Within minutes of
Michael’s death, individuals seized this opportunity to attract media
attention based on their past relationships with him. For example, Michael’s
mother Katherine Jackson and his family are fighting for control of his empire.
On July 6th, a Los Angeles judge gave temporary control of this estate to
Michael’s long time associates, John Branca and John McClain. This action was
done contrary to Michael’s family wishes. Katherine’s attorney argued, “To
award unfettered control to the other side wouldn’t serve justice.”
Therefore, the greater the media hype, the greater the financial gain.
Furthermore, enablers
were also a part of Michael’s life. According to varying reports, Michael
took a host of prescription drugs to ease his pain and anxiety. Some drugs were
considered narcotic. Several former friends and employees spoke out that Michael
was surrounded by medical staff that enabled him. Grace Rwaramba, former nanny
to Jackson’s children, also suggested that individuals who attempted to
intervene about the drug abuse were fired or isolated from Michael. Lisa Marie
Presley, Michael’s first wife, acknowledged the reality of Michael’s
corrosive friendship: “I became very ill and emotionally/spiritually exhausted
in my quest to save him from certain destructive behavior and from the awful
vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.”
Many superstars surround
themselves with “yes” people. Who wants to hear opinions that may contradict
his or her own? In this regard, celebrities are not alone.
Conclusion Few people can deny the special abilities of Michael Jackson.
Surprisingly, even in death, Michael manages to break records. Just a few weeks
after his death, Michael became the first artist to hold 8 of the top 10 slots
on a Billboard chart. Michael sold a combined 422,000 albums (241,000 were
downloads). Therefore, his star power has proven immortal. Even so, the
tragic truth remains, as his brother Jermaine Jackson stated, “Michael became
the victim of his own success.”
About the Author
Dr. Daryl D. Green writes on
contemporary issues impacting individuals, businesses, and society across the
globe. With over 18 years of management experience, Dr. Green’s
expertise has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, Black Pearls
Magazine and Associated Press. For more information, you can go to http://stores.lulu.com/darygre
or http://www.darylgreen.org
Intimate Conversation with Miasha
Having been in the book industry for only three years Miasha has six novels under her belt plus a short story in an anthology. She’s caught the attention of major media outlets such as
BET, The Wendy Williams Experience, CBS, and CN8 and has been featured in an array of national magazines from
Elle to Essence and Vibe Vixen.
Miasha grew up with both parents addicted to drugs and in an environment that could have easily led her astray. She is the founder of the
Ask Miasha Foundation and has her mind set on giving back to the less fortunate. She came a long way and wishes the same for people coming up behind her. Her motto, “Don’t dream your life, live your dreams” inspires people from all walks of life and according to her it is her ability to motivate and uplift people that is her biggest and most rewarding accomplishment to date.
Ella: How did you start your writing journey?
I'm from West Philadelphia. I started writing poetry at age nine and it was when my dad sent one of my poems to the Daily News and they published it that I knew I wanted to be a famous writer.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What drives you?
Writing has been an escape for me since I was nine years-old dealing with emotions of pain and frustration as a result of having a mother and father addicted to drugs. It started out as an outlet, then it turned into something I loved to do. Now I write because I actually have a fan base--a group of people who look forward to my stories. I enjoy giving them excitement, truth, and a piece of my imagination.
Ella: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers: It is okay to be true to who you are and tell stories that mean something to you because no matter your story somebody can relate to it, appreciate it, and acknowledge that it exist.
Ella:
Introduce us to your new book Chaser.
CHASER is about a dangerous cat and mouse game that ensues after Leah becomes an informant against her abusive, drug kingpin boyfriend Kenny once he pens an insurance fraud case on her. It gets deeper when Leah pretends that she's informing against Nasir, a car wreck-chaser who helped orchestrate the crime and former friend of Kenny's because it is then that she wounds up falling in love with him. Told from Leah's and Nasir's perspectives, the readers know everything while the characters are in the dark. So when it's revealed that Leah is not only messing around with his friend but that she is also really snitching on him, Kenny explodes and Leah's life is at risk.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Leah and Nasir. I like that they both begin as the underdogs, being controlled by a mutual party who leads them to trouble and unhappiness. But they eventually come together, stand up for themselves, and turn the tables. They each turn tragedy to triumph. And I've always rooted for people who have the will-power, drive, and fearlessness to do such a thing.
Ella: What makes your book stand out for a reader to pick it up?
The provocative cover and intriguing back cover copy was the draw at first, but now, I'm happy to say that in many cases my name alone urges people to pick up my books, which is definitely a dream come true.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to feel like they've learned something new, like they were exposed to a lifestyle or industry or situation that they never knew existed. I want them to feel like they not only read a good book but that they have to tell somebody about it.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
I learned that creating great stories isn't about your imagination and natural creativity alone but about researching as well. I also learned that through creating books, you have the ability to touch and enlighten so many people. There are some hardcore readers who look at authors as rock-stars. It's amazing how a talent can make a person love you without even knowing you.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
I must say there are so many. Getting a deal off the bat, putting multiple titles out a year, and receiving such praise and support right away are my earliest significant achievements, but recently I was featured in
Elle Magazine and given four pages--being a black Urban Lit author, to me, that says a lot.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
To discipline yourself to get multiple books written, to learn the business of the trade, to not only focus on writing but marketing, and to go after your dreams at full speed and without fear.
. Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
God willing I will be writing many more books, turning those books into stage plays then into movies. I also plan to start my own publishing company, an online community for fellow writers, fans, and entrepreneurs, a clothing line, etc. Overall, I plan to build my brand and become a household name. Ultimately, though, I plan to develop my foundation to give back to those who tend to be forgotten.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
CHASER, my latest release is in bookstores now! Also, check me out in Elle magazine's July issue. And look for
Secret Society the Stage Play in Atlanta August 7th & 8th hosted by Vivica A Fox.
www.MIASHA.com for more details about my upcoming ventures, tour dates, and more.
Intimate Conversation with MahoganyBooks
MahoganyBooks was founded by Derrick A. Young, a graduate of Bowie State University and his wife, a graduate of Langston University . Born in Washington DC and raised in Prince Georges County , he acquired a love for music, art, reading, & writing. That love was reinforced during his time working at Karibu Books. Seeing first how words enriched the lives of people added to his appreciation for books. At Karibu, Derrick saw firsthand the impact a small business could have on a community and set his sights on making a similar contribution. In late 2006 he made up his mind to start a community oriented internet business that used literature to teach, inspire, & enrich the African American community on a national level.
Ella:
Introduce us to your company MahoganyBooks.
Created by an enterprising husband and wife duo in the Washington DC area,
MahoganyBooks is positioned to become the premier online destination for books
written for, by, and about people of the African Diaspora. Coupling a dynamic
social networking community, robust inventory selection, easy to use website,
and provocative literary content–MahoganyBooks is the ideal online bookstore
dedicated to “Books, Community, Words, & You.”
MahoganyBooks is an online bookstore that specializes in books written for, by, or about people of African descent. Our site went live December 2008 and recently underwent a re-design in June of 2009. MahoganyBooks also features a blog: The WritersBloc and a social networking site: The Lit Lounge. Both engage the African American reading & writing community in dialogue about literature, as well as, showcase the considerable talents of new and established writers. Whether featuring a short story from an up-and-coming fiction writer, having our “Poet in the City” review an Open Mic poetry event, or discussing the changes in the industry and how to best prepare for it…MahoganyBooks is a leader in and an advocate for African American Lit.
Our tagline is “Books, Community, Words, & You.” It’s a reference to the powerful relationship books and words have in developing the individual and the community with which they belong.
(Pic: From the Black Coalition Mixer in DC)
Ella: How would you describe your experience as an Entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur has been one of my most sought after goals and reaching this point has been extremely fulfilling. Outside of my family, and God, there is nothing that means as much to me as the development of MahoganyBooks into an enterprise that serves, supports, & enriches the lives of African Americans. I feel so passionate about what we are trying to accomplish that the time I put in to our business never feels like work. In fact, it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment that outweigh all of the late nights, frustrations, or doubts I face as an entrepreneur. I enjoy seeing the growth and impact our company has on the industry and knowing it’s all a product of hard work, creativity, & dedication. It’s a clear reminder that anything is possible when you strive for it.
Ella: What do you like most about being in book selling industry?
What I like most about being in the book industry is witnessing the creativity of authors, especially the talent of new writers. We all know about the ability of established authors; however, meeting and reading the next wave of young unpublished writers is a lot of fun. It’s incredible to encounter the possibilities that exist for next 10 or 20 years of storytelling.
Talented writers have a knack for relaying messages or describing people, places, things, or situations. There are a number of unpublished writers that have yet to be discovered that do a great job of that. It’s our goal to provide exposure to new writers. So I’m really excited when I read a short story in the blogosphere and get a chance to promote them and their talent for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Ella: What do you hope to offer your customers at MahoganyBooks?
Aside from a great shopping experience, we want to offer every customer “access” to the books that interest them. Karibu was the first bookstore I had seen that stocked a broad range of books covering the topics and authors that represented or reflected my heritage and culture. Prior to that I had seen at any given time maybe four bookcases at most in a bookstore that dealt with African American culture. Usually they were filled largely with fiction books and the rest were your typical black history month selection of titles. But never had I seen books about the Spanish Moors or an actual copy of Two Thousand Seasons, or the poetry of Leroi Jones aka Amiri Baraka. Neither ten plus ago with Walden and Crown Books or today with Borders and Barnes & Noble have I seen anything approaching that level of selection.
It was an eye opening experience for me then and it’s something that we feel every other person, regardless of where they live should have. That’s why we decided to open an online bookstore versus a traditional retail space. We wanted to give African Americans on a national scale, specialized attention and access to a large selection of books that reflected their various tastes and needs.
Ella:
What’s new with MahoganyBooks? What should people keep an eye out for?
Just recently we established a Resident Poet or “Poet in the City” position at MahoganyBooks. The person in this post will review area Open Mic poetry events, provide interviews, chronicle their journey to become a published poet, as well as, solicit, select, and submit original poems to our blog. We are very excited to have made our first selection to this post. Evelyn N. Alfred, from Maryland is a talented writer that is also a student of her craft.
We wanted a person that had the talent to become a nationally recognized writer and the ability to communicate the process with great personality. Evelyn fits this role perfectly and I’m looking forward to the content she will add to our blog. But more importantly I think people will enjoy watching her emergence as a writer. Additionally, my wife has spearheaded the Black Book Coalition and has partnered with two other book industry organizations to help unify the literary community here in the Washington DC area. We strongly feel that combined efforts often more than outweigh single handed ones and are excited about being creators of such dialogue.
We are also working on a number of events that will bring authors to the DC area in different types of settings that will be engaging and enjoyable for the participants to interact with their favorite authors. We’ll be announcing one of those events very soon, so stay tuned.
Piece-by-piece we are expanding the content on our blog, the activities in our social network, and adding a diversity of books to our online catalog. We are well on our way to becoming the destination website for readers & writers of African American literature.
Derrick A. Young
CEO MahoganyBooks www.mahoganybooks.com
Books, Community, Words & You
Female
Mystery Writers Bring Diversity to Genre by Pamela Samuels Young
An
expanding group of female writers is at the forefront of a literary cultural
shift. As a result, the typical protagonist in today's mystery novels is no
longer white and male. He, and more often, she may range from a Puerto Rican
prosecutor to a Japanese gardener to an African-American schoolteacher.
Asian writer Naomi Hirahara, who has been writing stories since she was eight,
says her early characters "were always white—usually blonde and
blue-eyed." When a fourth-grade teacher encouraged her to write about
characters more like herself, she initially resisted that advice. Later, in
college, after reading about the reparations movement for Japanese-Americans
held in detention centers during World War II, her perspective changed.
"Learning about that historic experience and also reading many Japanese and
Japanese- American authors opened a door for me. I've been writing mostly
Japanese-American or Japanese characters ever since. The main character of my
mystery series, Mas Arai, was inspired by my father, who, as a gardener, got
little respect from strangers. I wanted to rectify that in my series. Mas is now
the hero."
In Hirahara's third Mas Arai mystery, SNAKESKIN SHAMISEN (a 2007 Edgar nominee
in the paperback original category), Mas, an atomic bomb survivor, becomes
entangled in a world of heartbreaking memories, deception, and murder that
reaches from the islands of Okinawa to the streets of Los Angeles.
It was a desire to see a totally different kind of sleuth that prompted Angela
Henry to pen her first novel. "I wanted to create a character that I'd yet
to see in mystery fiction," says Henry, "a single, educated, young
black woman who isn't a member of law enforcement, or a private eye, and doesn't
live in a big city." In her third Kendra Clayton novel, DIVA'S LAST CURTAIN
CALL, the small-town Ohio school teacher and reluctant sleuth is called on to
solve the murder of a Hollywood diva and find her best friend, who has
disappeared just days before her wedding.
Former federal prosecutor Michele Martinez turned to writing as an outlet after
leaving the U.S. Attorney's Office, where she spent eight years prosecuting
big-time drug dealers and notorious gang bangers. "I was looking to
re-experience a career I loved in a different format, and my protagonist was my
alter ego," says Martinez, author of NOTORIOUS.
Martinez and her protagonist, Melanie Vargas, have a lot in common. They are
both mothers and lawyers, they both come from modest backgrounds and have
high-powered educations. And both are half Puerto Rican.
"I'm trying to show a Latina professional going about her day-to-day
life," Martinez says. "Being Latina is part of who Melanie Vargas is,
but it doesn't define her any more than being a lawyer or being a mother does.
Her culture is woven into the story in a seamless way intended to acquaint a
wide readership with a smart, tough Latina professional."
Do these authors of color have a particular message that they want to
communicate to readers? Definitely.
Hirahara seeks to communicate that "we are not monolithic. Many Americans
mix up Japanese nationals with Japanese-Americans. I also try to depict
Japanese-Americans as honestly as possible—our strengths but also our
weaknesses."
This attempt at cultural honesty isn't always well received by the Japanese
community. "When I write about gambling addictions and other secrets, some
older Japanese-Americans feel that I'm airing our dirty laundry," Hirahara
says. "But I feel that we should represent ourselves as whole human beings,
not cardboard model minority stereotypes."
Neither Martinez nor Henry set out to create protagonists who are superwomen.
"I'm trying to show a Latina professional going about her day-to-day
life," Martinez says. "Her culture is woven into the story in a
seamless way intended to acquaint a wide readership with a smart, tough Latina
professional."
Henry echoes that sentiment. "Though my main character is a black woman,
and sometimes deals with race-related issues, she also deals with all the same
everyday issues that any other woman deals with. Job issues, relationship issues
and family issues."
Attorney
Pamela Samuels Young is the author of the legal thrillers Murder on the Down
Low, In Firm Pursuit and Every Reasonable Doubt. Buying Time coming Fall 2009.
Visit her website at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Tia
Hines, from Boston , MA is making her mark in the literary world. She figures she can create unimaginable stories through an explosion of words that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Her main goal is to get more youth to read and she plans to accomplish this by writing a series of intriguing novels.
Tia wants to inspire all those who have dreams and motivate them to achieve higher heights. Her
mission in publishing is to get more people in our community to read and to
share their expericences.
Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make?
I write because I want to be able to tell a story that can be exaggerated. Nonetheless, I want more young people to read. I mentor a lot of youth and what I witness when it comes to reading is unbelievable. Either they don’t want to read because they can’t or they can and would rather not take the time. I found something to be very wrong with that. It was not a good habit at all. Therefore, I figured, if I can give them something up their alley, then maybe, just maybe they would want to read. Every book I write will always have a message and reading will definitely be worth their while.
See, I write for the youth. They are my drive. Wanting to get them to read makes my creative juices flow. When my mind starts to race, then I know it’s time to pick up a pen and paper.
Ella: Introduce us to your book powerful new book, Poison.
Imagine being betrayed and being left to die, literally. Do you seek revenge making innocent people pay? Of course you do, why not? It only makes you feel better especially knowing that your ultimate goal is to hurt others. Who is she? A thirteen year old girl named Desire Jones who has contracted HIV. Yes, the incurable disease that no one wants to have. Through rape, abuse and abandonment, Desire’s life is never drama free. And things only get worse when her best-friend Jennifer has no idea that Desire has the virus and is passing it around to others. If her mentor Greg was still in her life, then maybe this would not have happened. But who knows, everyone has a destiny and Desire’s is to give back what she did contract!
Here
is the official book introduction:
In Tia Hines’ new book, Poison, a thirteen-year-old girl contracts HIV and, after going through abuse, abandonment and lock-up, sets out on a mission to pass the virus around to everyone.
Desire Jones is a young, hot-to-trot preteen who lives life on the edge. Stuck with the pain of being abandoned by her mom, she yearns for love and attention. Her uncle shelters her, but life is impossible to bear with his abusive wife. To make matters worse, she gets involved with Malik, who shatters her world of hope and trust by leaving her pregnant at age thirteen and infected with HIV. Hardened, she decides to do the unspeakable: purposely infect people with her near-death disease. Of course, no one knows of her intent, not even her best-friend, Jennifer, who helps Desire find her victims. She is on a mission that is deadly to all mankind. Her path remains untraceable, that is, until someone decides to take her out…but even then…it’s too late!
Ella: Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? Did
real life experiences motivate you?
My characters are not a portrayal of real people, but I know somewhere these characters do exist especially Desire Jones.
My motivation for writing Poison came from mentoring teenagers and learning that many of them were having unprotected sex.
I feel that it was important to write this book because I want to drill into youths’ minds that STDs, just as stray bullets, have no name on them. Just because a female has a sexy appearance, or a male has a nice ride and/or is drop dead gorgeous, it doesn’t mean he or she is STD free.
The characters are based on reality!
Ella: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book,
Poison?
Oh man, I hit on abuse of all kinds: sexual, mental, physical. The biggest issue I hit on though is HIV in the young adult community. Young people need to know that HIV is real , real, real and doesn’t play a factor!
Ella: What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story?
I hope to open the eyes of many youth and parents on this subject of HIV. It is not a game out here. STDs are real and children are having unprotected sex. Let’s open our eyes and teach our children to be protected at all times no matter what!
LaTonya Branham was born in Ohio. She completed graduate studies at Antioch University McGregor, and undergraduate studies at Wilberforce University. She is the author of
CultureSeek (1st and 2nd Edition) and Spirit Seek (2007.) LaTonya serves as a college administrator and adjunct professor. She and her husband serve in community outreach and youth ministries in Dayton, Ohio.
Ella: Tell us about life
before becoming an author? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born and raised in Dayton Ohio. I graduated from Patterson-Cooperative High School, and in 1987, I married Morton Branham. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University and a Master of Arts degree from Antioch University McGregor. After working 15 years in the corporate environment (banking and energy companies), I decided to pursue a career in higher education. My vision of creating mind-stimulating books uniquely, designed with messages and word search puzzles, resulted in the publishing of CultureSeek (2006, 2009) and Spirit Seek (2007.)
Ella: Why do you write? What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
During my pre-teen years, I would write poetry and short stories. Journaling – or writing in my personal diary - was a big deal for me as a teenager. Out of fear, I would tear up the pages so that no one could read what was written. I found writing to be a great outlet for grief or depression, secrets, and dreams. It wasn’t until my adult years that I considered having my work published. My husband would often encourage me to “do something” with the work I had created.
During the winter of 2000, I was blessed with a vision to create a combination book (CultureSeek) which would include black history facts and word search puzzles – two of my favorite passions. My thought was to create an interactive book that would attract readers to black history facts – without seeming like a rigorous academic history book. After six years of research and ultimately publishing the first edition of CultureSeek – the concept caught on in very impressive way.
Using the same “combination concept,” I decided to create an inspirational devotion book in 2007 entitled Spirit Seek: Words from Scriptures That Transform Your Life. As a Christian woman, it was only natural for me to develop a unique way to share God’s Word. So it is very clear that I am most interested in books that are informative, transformative, and long-lasting within a reader’s life.
Ella: A Legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
Legacy - My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... First and foremost, I write to impart knowledge. This means that my greatest hope is for readers to learn something and then share it with someone else. Over the years, I have learned so much – which I am proud to say can never be taken away from me. When I share what I know, in a positive manner, it only serves to elevate someone else. This is what I consider “mission accomplished.”
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, CultureSeek.
CultureSeek is a combination book that explores the contributions, successes, and challenges of African American people. Understanding that black culture has roots in African and American history, CultureSeek draws the connection. CultureSeek was uniquely designed to further engage readers by providing word search puzzles for each topic - creating an interactive and inspiring learning experience. Select topics include Countries in Africa, African Kings and Queens, The Underground Railroad, Inventors, Athletic Excellence, Educators and Scholars, Musical Legends, Leaders of Rights and Justice, Science Giants, and Divine Guidance.
New to the Second Edition are famous quotes, photos, discussion questions, and over 200 additional African American historical facts. In total, there are more than 1,200 facts. There is also a new chapter dedicated our nation’s 44th United States President Barack Obama and the First Family. CultureSeek has been described as “a cutting edge approach to the study of African American history.” It is reader-friendly for young people, yet mind-stimulating enough for adult readers.
Ella: Why was this book, CultureSeek, so important to create?
When I initially received the vision to create CultureSeek, it seemed to be fun idea that combined two of my passions. However, after six years of research, I became so entrenched with the rich history of black people. The research, writing, and editing became a mission. If I was so inspired by all of this information, then surely other people would benefit from stories that have often been ignored.
There are so many readers who have never heard of Nannie Helen Burroughs, Claude Harvard, The Greenwood District (Black Wall Street), Myrtilla Miner, Marshall W. “Major” Taylor, Lucie Campbell-Williams, Francis “Frank” Johnson, or Virginia Hamilton. All of these people have made major contributions to African American life and culture.
The chapter on the Harlem Renaissance is one of my favorites. It was such an important era and I am fascinated by the way various artists used their talent to express the state of America and bring light to such a turbulent time in history. We enjoy so much from our rich heritage – but do we really know and understand that there was a “price for our privilege?” This is why my first professional writing project was so important.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement with this book?
During the development of CultureSeek, I had a very broad perspective about my reading audience. My initial thought was that this book would be appropriate for anyone who could read. I had not fully grasped the marketing advice that I had received relative to “knowing your audience.” So needless to say, I pitched CultureSeek to everyone! For the most part, I have been successful with this approach because average readers (not scholars) were looking for basic information about black history.
More importantly, I learned that teachers were so attracted to the concept and layout of the book. Also, men – who are well-known as “non-fiction” readers – were very attracted to CultureSeek. After several months of sharing the books with teachers and their students, I began to hear stories about students enjoying history along with the word puzzles. Now, that is amazing simply because most students despise any type of history lesson. When I learned that young people received excellent grades on their book reports after utilizing CultureSeek, I was thankful that my work made a difference in someone’s life.
Ella:
What is your next writing project?
I am currently working on a devotional book for college students, and one more addition to the ‘seek series’ entitled Seeking America. I have so many writing projects on my agenda. It will keep me busy for several years. I plan to contribute to anthologies and devotionals written or edited by other authors. I have a great appreciation for collaborative writing efforts. Writing is therapeutic and I really enjoy the experience of writing. It can be a time-consuming process, but the outcome is worth the journey.
Dr. Wilson-Bridges, minister of music at the Community Praise Center in Alexandria, VA and the recipient of a Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Worship and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, both from Regent University, rediscovers the purpose of praise and worship inher new book Levite Praise. Although many agree that praise and worship plays a crucial role in Christian church services, few agree about the method.
Levite Praise digs into the Scriptures to help worship leaders and worshipers develop a full understanding of what it means to direct and take part in God’s perfect model for praise and worship.
For Cheryl Wilson-Bridges, DSL—Minister of Music at Community Praise Center (CPC) Church, Alexandria, Virginia—praise, honor, and devotion are not just powerful definitions for worship, they define the way she lives her life. Ask her to identify her spiritual springboard and she will say, without hesitation, Matthew 6:33, Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. This God-given directive guides her life and, through the Holy Spirit, empowers her to preach, minister, lead, and serve.
Author's website: www.LevitePraise.com
The Path to Ministry
Dr. Wilson-Bridges’ rich heritage extends from the shores of the Caribbean paradise Trinidad and Tobago to the culturally diverse borough of Queens, New York, the place of her birth, and Long Island where her gift of singing was nurtured in the Seventh-day Adventist church and school systems. Her path to music ministry began in 1985 as a tenor with the female contemporary gospel group, Reconciled. This experience allowed her to minister to thousands and witness first hand that music is a powerful tool of worship and evangelism. The impact of this ministry propelled her into the journey that resulted in the call that has gripped her life—the call to worship ministry.
Creation House Publication Takes The Praise & Worship Lover On An Inspiring Biblical Journey
What does God desire in our praise and worship? Dr. Cheryl Wilson-Bridges answers that provocative question in the pages of her brand new book,
Levite Praise. Published by Creation House, the book views praise and worship from a uniquely biblical perspective as it delves through the Scripture searching the answers to three questions: 1) What does God desire? 2) What does God require; and 3) How should we aspire?
Book: Levite Praise
ISBN: 978-1-59979-722-9; Christian book
Targeted to praise and worship leaders, pastors, gospel artists, church lay people and others seeking to know more about praise and worship.
Focus is a biblical explanation of praise and worship.
Published by Creation House (Strang Communication); available at following Retail Outlets: Christian and Mainstream Retail Stores, and online at Amazon.com,
BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com, Walmart.com and Target.com.
Dr. Wilson-Bridges is also a rotational pulpit pastor and ordained elder at CPC, delivering the word with power and conviction. She has conducted worship seminars for congregations in Baltimore, MD; Berrien Springs, MI; Boston, MA; Atlanta, GA; London, England; and the island of Martinique; and has designed a five-part seminar series on the organizational design and application of the Levitical priestly order for the contemporary church.
Equipped to Serve
In May 2004, she received her Master of Arts degree in Practical Theology and Worship from Regent University’s School of Divinity. In May 2008, she received her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with an emphasis in Worship Leadership from Regent University’s School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. In August 2009, she released her book, Levite Praise: God’s Biblical Design for Praise and Worship published by Creation House (Strang Communications).
As a clinician, she facilitates seminars in the Levite Praise series including Levite Praise: God's Biblical Design for Praise & Worship, Music Majesty or Mayhem?, Hear From Heaven: The 12 Principles of Heavenly Worship, Praise Presence: Unleashing the Power of Praise & Worship, Practical Praise: Implementing the Premises of Levite Praise and Questions and Answers on Levite Praise. In May 2009, she was chosen as the 2009 Winner of the Outstanding Minister of Music Award by the Guild of Adventist Musicians. She is supported in God’s call by her husband, Conrad, and son, Darius. They believe that God has called her to be a vessel through which He will create a sea of worshipers.
Author's website: www.LevitePraise.com
To arrange publicity or speaking engagements, contact:
Andrea R. Williams, President Tehillah Enterprises, LLC
www.TehillahEnterprisesPR.com
www.DCGospelNewsUpdate.com Andrea@TehillahEnterprisesPR.com
Bookclub Spotlight
Intimate Conversation with Books and Beignets
Sonya Ward is the President of Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club in
Monroe, Louisiana. She was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and spent many
childhood summers with her grandparents in Detroit, Michigan. She currently
lives in Monroe, Louisiana with her husband and stepson. Sonya is currently
pursuing a Ph.D. in Adult Education with the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her research focus is on African American pioneers of Adult Education – W.E.B.
Du Bois and Booker T.. Washington. She is an educator who teaches part-time both
online and on-ground with a number of universities.
BAB Book Club was founded in May 2009. When Sonya moved to Monroe,
Louisiana, she searched for three things – a library, an African American
bookstore and a book club. She found the library, but no bookstore or book club.
She decided to start her own book club and BAB was born! BAB started out with
five members and currently has 10 active members and 4 honorary members. (Picture:
from the BAB first meeting with Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Marlow) Read the entire interview and explore more bookclub
showcases here.
New
Christian author Fredric A. Almond is inspired to prove to the world that his
mother's sacrifice of death was the changing factor that sparked the conviction
to write. Fredric is active in ministry partnering with overseeing a local
church and is a profound speaker of the good news.
His passion is bringing hope to the young and battered people of today. He is
passionate about letting others know they too can overcome traumatic situations
of life's challenges. He lives with the conviction to encourage, motivate, and
persuade others in not giving up on finishing their course in Jesus Christ. He
has succeeded in accomplishing the tasks of achieving a Business Administration
degree specializing in Management, Associates degree in liberal Arts, awards and
decorations for military service and recognition from the local community for
volunteered service. He is happily married with four children."
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, Scarred for Life.
If a person was looking in my life from the outside in, they probably would have
said, “I never should’ve made it.” At the age of eleven all hell broke
loose! My greatest nightmare occurred and there was nothing I could do to stop
it. I was traumatized! I watch my mother be stabbed to death. And to make it
worse, I too was stabbed approximately thirty-nine times. He meant to kill me. I
was supposed to die but didn’t.
Why did I live is the question that I and most would ask? I was labeled a
victim and considered another statistic of black on black crimes. I was supposed
to be cursed with this scar which was to permanently stop me from never
overcoming it. My life seemed to be purposeless and filled with sadness and
discouragement. However, I refused to doubt what my God could do. I simply
believed that I would live. With the help of God, I prevailed over every
challenge faced to become whole again! I challenge the reader to go deep inside
there being to pull out who God has really called them to be while being
scarred; more than a conquer.
Ella: How will your book, Scarred for Life, impact community
relationships?
The impact of this book will impact all ages and cultures. There are no barriers
that this book can’t get through. I charge the reader in not giving up hope
and will cause them to do a self evaluation of their issues. They will draw
strength and say, “My situation isn’t as horrific as the person in the book
and he made it through it. If he can overcome, I can too.” This book is
anointed and will bless who ever reads it. Read
the full interview here.
Daddy Wasn’t Home, But I
Made It
A young child questioned his mother about the character of his father: “Hey
Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day, in his life? And Momma,
some bad talk goin' round town sayin' that Papa had three outside children….”
This narrative from “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” was made famous by the
Temptations. Eventually, the song would garner the Temptations a number one hit
on the Billboard Hot 100 and three Grammy Awards. Unfortunately, the song
represented an underpinning theme for millions of children who exist with a
dysfunctional father in their lives.
Some individuals are fortunate to have a caring, supportive father.
Unfortunately, numerous people live without one. Across the social spectrum,
lots of individuals are living with deep wounds left by their fathers. Let me
say that in spite of the dysfunctional mentality of some men, fathers are still
important to families. Good fathers are more than sperm donors. In fact, a
substantial body of research indicates that high levels of involvement by
fathers contribute to children’s wellbeing. Yet, some political pundits,
educators, and other experts believe that if a child doesn’t have daddy in his
or her home, that child cannot be successful. This article explores the
realities of a dysfunctional father and how individuals can overcome this
situation.
The Reality Missing fathers have become a national crisis with
unintended consequences. Due to the increase in ‘out-of-wedlock’ births and the
high number of divorces, children living away from their biological fathers have
become commonplace. Numerous stories paint a terrible picture for these
fatherless children. Some facts that bear out this reality: (a) 85% of children
with behavioral problems come from fatherless homes, according to the Center for
Disease Control, (b) 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes,
(c) 85% of all youth in prison come from fatherless homes, and (d) 75% of all
youth in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.
Therefore, fathers are viewed as an important factor for achievement. With the
guidance of their fathers, many children have a solid foundation to be
successful. Consequently, some people would proclaim that products of a single
parent home without any father presence is destined for failure. In most cases,
this assumption causes many folks to write off many children. Nationally
syndicated columnist George Curry spoke about the lack of a good father in his
home. Curry noted that his father was an alcoholic. He explained, “Sometimes, it
is better that daddy isn’t home, especially if he’s an alcoholic or abusive.”
The Will
Some people feel handicapped by an insignificant father figure. Yet, other
individuals move on to greatness. Therefore, where there is a will, there is a
way to success for some people. There are plenty of examples to demonstrate this
reality. Noted people, such as former US Secretary of State Alexander Haig,
Millionaire Ida B. Wells, actor Tom Cruise, and historian WEB Dubois have all
overcame this hurdle in their lives. In fact, US President Barack Obama achieved
victory over mental frustration with his own estranged father. In many cases, it
is important to build a “Never Quit” mentality. For example, legendary R&B
artist Luther Vandross achieved his fame with this mentality. Vandross’ father
was an upholsterer and his mother was a nurse. His father died when he was 8
years old. Growing up in the housing projects of New York, Vandross could have
blamed many things for his downturn in life. Yet, he did not. Being a
self-taught musician, Vandross learned to maximize his talents and seize every
opportunity. In spite of many obstacles and hurdles, Vandross went on to become
an international sensation as an artist, producer, and arranger. With the right
mindset, it is possible to be successful in spite of being without a good father
figure.
---- Dr. Daryl D. Green writes on contemporary issues impacting individuals,
businesses, and society across the globe. With over 20 years of management
experience, Dr. Green’s expertise has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony
Magazine, and Associated Press. Dr. Daryl D. Green is an award winning writer
for the Sankofa Literary Society as well as the popular Black Pearls Literary
Magazine. For more information, you can go to
http://stores.lulu.com/darygre
or http://www.darylgreen.org.
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE
Instinctively, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents understood
that children were more than mere extensions of themselves. They knew that we
– their children – were and are their future – their bridge to the future.
Under the most difficult set of circumstances, they positively shaped our
minds and souls and did their best to create and implement plans that would
move their families forward. Against the backdrop of two World Wars, the Great
Depression of 1929, and the turbulent global social and political climate of
the 1960s, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents quietly and
unceremoniously went about the business of investing in our future.
One could say that parenting, for the most part, has always been a daunting
task. In the Millennium, a rising divorce rate, an alarming increase in the
incidence of diabetes, prostate cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, and
Alzheimer’s Disease among men, and the global economic crisis are just a few
of the factors that are dramatically complicating the task of positively
shaping the minds and souls of our children – our bridge to the future for
parents, in general, and Fathers in particular.
Our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were successful in getting
us to understand the direct connection between completing our education and
academic excellence and our access to a world of endless opportunities. In the
Millennium, approximately 7,000 children drop out of American high schools
during each day of the academic year according to the Washington, D.C.-based
Alliance for Excellent Education (www.all4ed.org). The average school year in
the United States spans nine months which means that approximately 1,890,000
children – our future – our bridge to the future -- have dropped out of
school. Shouldn’t we be trying to figure out why 1,890,000 children are
dropping out of America ’s high schools? Is it a symptom of a much bigger
problem? Are our children – our future – our bridge to the future -- dropping
out of high school because they are the victims of bullying or violence? Or
because they have been arbitrarily misdiagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit
Disorder) and wrongfully banished to special education classes? Or because
they are unable to concentrate in school because they are not getting a proper
breakfast at home before leaving for school? Or is it because no one at home
is “holding their feet to the fire” and requiring them to excel in school?
We
can resolve America ’s high school dropout problem by investing in the future.
How do we do that? It’s simple. Bring together concerned individuals,
educators, academic, business and religious institutions, social
entrepreneurs, and community grassroots organizations in every community which
have key “pieces of the puzzle” to creating and effectively implementing
programs that will, with all deliberate speed, inspire our children to
complete high school and resolve the myriad of issues that currently make it
difficult for 1,890,000 American children to remain in school. These
individuals and organizations know how to get the job done. And, IN SEARCH OF
FATHERHOOD®, knows who they are and where they are. Let’s give these
individuals and organizations the freedom and support they will need to
implement programs that have a successful track record of dramatically
reducing America’s high school dropout rate and inspiring our children – our
future – our bridge to the future “to do more, want more, and be more”.
Men are the glue that holds our families, our communities, and our world
together. Investing in our future mandates that we move with all deliberate
speed to create key “pieces of the puzzle” that will effectively address the
critical and unique health issues of men throughout our global village. It is
estimated that American women are outliving American men by approximately six
years. Approximately 21% of American men have coronary heart disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for
approximately 9% of all cancer-related deaths in men in the United States.
The American Cancer Society (www.acs.org) projects that 1 out of 35 men will
die from prostate cancer. In 2009, according to the Washington, D.C.-based
Men’s Health Network (www.menshealthnetwork.org), approximately 186,000
American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is estimated that 1
out of 10 American men will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease by their
55th birthday. The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) which collects and
maintains diabetes statistics has found that men are more likely to be
diagnosed with diabetes than women. Approximately 77,250 men were diagnosed
with colorectal cancer in 2008 and at least 24,260 male colorectal cancer
patients succumbed to the disease.
Approximately, 10.9 million men in the
United States -- or 10.5% of all American men -- who are over the age of 20
are estimated to have diabetes. Diabetes increases significantly the risk for
an individual to suffer a stroke or heart disease. And not surprisingly, the
incidence rate for stroke and heart disease is high for American men. Moving
legislators in the United States to propose and enact into law the Men’s
Health Act of 2009 which will establish an Office of Men’s Health in the
United States Department of Health and Human Services is one of the key
“pieces of the puzzle” to resolving the critical state of affairs of health
for American men and investing in our future. The establishment of an Office
of Men’s Health in the United States Department of Health and Human Services
will do much to help men obtain increased research and research funding for
their critical and unique health issues, orchestrate regional health awareness
and educational programs, and provide all American men with equal and greater
access to health resources and support services.
Our sons need Fathers. It takes a Man to teach a boy how to be a man. Our
daughters need Fathers. Fathers shape our daughters’ perception of their
self-worth and their place in the world. Investing in our future requires us
to provide Fathers with what they need and want to positively shape the minds
and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future. America’s
25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say that they need and want
legislation in the form of a Federal Equal Custody Act that would make equal
parenting the law of the land and provide American children of divorced and
separated parents, with equal access, on a 50/50 basis, to both Dad and Mom.
At the same time, America ’s 25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say
that they need and want a modification of the child support guidelines based
on the Parenting Time Credit model created in 2004 by the State of Indiana.
In 2004, the State of Indiana modified its child support guidelines by
instituting Parenting Time Credit for Non-Custodial Parents. How does this
work? Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers in the State of Indiana who spend
additional time with their children above and beyond the amount of time that
they are granted by the courts, will and do have the amount of their child
support obligations reduced by the additional amount of time that they spend
with their children. Read the
entire inspiring article here.
Intimate
Conversation with
Gil L.
Robertson IV, Editor
Family Affair editor, Gil L. Robertson IV is one of America’s foremost
authorities on African American pop culture. He is the editor of the NAACP Image
Award nominated book, Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community.
He’s also the author of Writing as a Tool of Empowerment, a resource book for
media professionals, and a frequent contributor to The African American Almanac
(Gale Press). Robertson also contributed to the anthology Souls of My Brothers
(Plume).
Ella:
Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am a Los Angeles native. I decided to pursue A&E journalism full-time,
two-years after I completed college. I left a good-paying job working for a
political think tank in Los Angeles but left to pursue journalism as a full-time
career. I was very persistent and after a while carved out a niche for myself as
the go-to guy in Los Angeles for a lot of east-coast based publications that
were looking for content covering the film and television communities. From
there, I was able to add legitimacy to my by-line by becoming the Urban Music
Editor at Cash Box, and then became the Urban Music Editor at Music Connection
which is a regional trade (and I operated in both of these roles
simultaneously). I went from becoming this fledgling A&E writer, barely making
enough to keep my bills paid, to being someone with influence at two important
industry trades. I have to say, that really turned my life around because it
provided me with a platform. Since, I’ve been able to nurture relationships that
have been very beneficial to me ever since.
Ella:
Tell us about the new book: Family Affair.
Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today is a collection of
first-person narratives from an wide cross-section of Black Americans. Edited by
noted journalist Gil L. Robertson IV, the book is follow-up to his 2006
bestselling anthology, “Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American
Community” and provides a revealing and introspective look at the contemporary
issues that have shaped the African American community. Family Affair provides a
unique platform for the African American community to explore and share it
diverse perspective, while offering thoughtful solutions to overcome the many
issues giving the Black community. It is a provocative tapestry of ideologies,
beliefs, and generational themes that defines the Black community.
Ella:
Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I hope that Family Affair helps readers to let go of the social and emotional
baggage of the past, that so often affects the present and future. I believe the
essays in this book will empower readers to find authenticity in their lives.
For generations, African-Americans have been hampered with doubt that hinged on
unresolved emotions associated with our individual and collective identity.
Family Affair represents a 21st century idea that all can embrace. Here, we
address questions that every American – Black, white, red, yellow and brown –
have had to deal with at one time in their life’s journey. The problem has
always been about identity and the value of that identity within our larger
society. Family Affair breaks through issues to reveal the commonality that we
all share. We are all God’s children, and despite our differences, it’s time
that we accept that we are equal.
Ella:
What advice would you give a new writer?
First, and foremost, you must be dedicated to the crate. Contrary to popular
belief, writing is hard work that takes a great deal of due-diligence and
perseverance. It’s important to be discipline and very organize with your work.
It’s also important to develop professional alliances to help grow your career.
A career as a writer can be very rewarding, so keep at it and best of luck.
Ella:
What can we expect from you in the future?
Well, I just signed with Just Us Books – the premiere publisher of Black-interest
books for my children’s book debut, 21st Century African American Political
Leaders. It’s slated for a February 2010 release, the book series will provide
children ages 9 – 14, with inspirational biographical sketches on the lives of
24 contemporary African American political leaders. For more information, please
visit www.familyaffairbook.com
Gil L. Robertson IV, Editor of Family Affair: What it Means to be African
American Today www.familyaffairbook.com
Ella:
Martha, tell us a little bit about your life and career.
I am a sixty year old grandmother of four. My writing career, until the last few
years, has been one of those “don’t quit your day job arrangements”. I am a tax
professional who discovered early on that my creative writing skills came in
handy when writing client letters to the IRS.
Ella: Share with us a peek inside your passion for writing.
My passion for writing becomes evident in my books. It is a blessed opportunity
to give birth to a character and watch them grow throughout the development of
the story.
Ella: Please introduce us to your new book, In the Land of Cotton.
SLAVERY IS MORE THAN CHAINS AND SHACKLES
SLAVERY IS A STATE OF MIND
Immerse yourself in this highly anticipated political docu-drama set in the Deep
South amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Martha was a young white
girl living in the Deep South, inundated with the racist sentiments of the
times. But Martha's natural curiosity and generous heart led her to question
this racial divide. When she discovered a primitive Negro family living deep in
the woods near her house, everyone's life changed forever.
Take the journey of a lifetime alongside Martha as she forges relationships that
lead to self discovery and a clearer understanding of the world around her. In
the Land of Cotton provides an outstanding snapshot of life in the South during
those troubled times - a snapshot everyone should take a close look at,
regardless of era or color. The year was 1956.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?
I hope the cover represents the book well. I wanted it to preview the contents
and draw the reader inside. It makes the reader curious. Readers will love the
depth of emotion that flows through this book.
As a child growing up in Memphis I could not have known that the Boyd family,
the main characters in In the Land of Cotton, would have such a haunting effect
on me. Last fall, their indelible personas became overwhelming. They were all I
could think about. I sat down one afternoon and the book began to flow to paper.
I still had vivid memories of Cypress Grove, a primitive farm the Boyd family
had lived on since the days of the Civil War. They had no electricity, no
running water and certainly no refrigeration yet they wanted for nothing. It was
a step back in time but, as a child, I wanted to be part of that. As the reader
journeys through the 1960's, they travel along side the Boyd family as they
experience the historic events of that decade. You will find as a reader that
you will become immediately vested in the characters. The Boyd's have the voice
for every Black American that lived through those turbulent times.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Ultimately, if you lived through the 60's, I want you to revisit all the history
that decade produced. If you weren't alive in the 60's, you need to learn about
that decade from someone who had a ringside seat.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
There are so many things I would share with a new writer but these are my top
three. #1- Pick a topic you know well or that you have enough interest in to do
the research. Most new writers write on subjects that are mostly
autobiographical in nature. There's a reason for that. #2-Don't write and
rewrite your work. Complete it, start to finish, then go back through it with
fresh eyes. You won't loose your chain of thought and you won't loose your
momentum. This tip will really improve the flow of your work. #3- You have to be
true to your characters- even the ones you do not like. Your readers have to be
able to relate to them on some level. You want someone to be able to “see” your
characters and think, “Yeah, I know someone like that.”
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I am very committed to the Boyd’s and bringing the various family stories to
life. The next book, Dixie, will begin right before the Civil War and end at
1900. I can hardly to see how the historical events of those years will unfold
and how they will effect the Boyd family.
Seven Tips for Black Women to Live a
Happier Life
by Tinisha Nicole Johnson
In this day and age when the world is
changing, technology is advancing, and years have passed by in a blink of an
eye, Black women may wonder about the future and how it will directly impact
them. Today’s Black women are beginning to realize that change in the world, and
they want a positive piece of it. From the test of time, many women are learning
what it takes to be successful and get ahead.
Living in a world where you
are constantly reminded that you are the minority of the minority, sooner or
later you start to catch on and grab that piece of success. That success can
involve anything from earning a living to raising a family. However, along the
way you may begin to doubt yourself, you may even wonder about your self-worth,
and at the end of the day, you want reassurance just to stay in the game.
Tip #1:
When your mind is stuck in the past, you
are in fact a prisoner of your past, resisting the key to free yourself into a
new direction for your future. The past is gone. Sometimes you have to let it go.
Black women love very hard. They feel as though they have to. It is their core
source of strength. It is also a quality they fully accept from others. Whatever
has happened in your life, you have to embrace the good and let go of the
negativity, but always look ahead as optimistic as you can.
Tip #2: Whatever your constant focus is on, is what will
move you closer to happiness or deeper into dissatisfaction. Focus on your
strengths and refuse to accept being Black and a woman as a weakness. Train your
mind to believe you are self-confident and capable, and soon your actions will
follow pursuit.
Tip #3:
When you start to understand and believe
the depth of your worth, then NO ONE can fool you into thinking what your worth
is as a Black woman.
The media has a funny way of interjecting what is beauty and what is not; what
is popular and what is thrown out. Don’t believe the hype! There are some who
seem to have it all on the outside, but are hurting badly inside. Realize that
your inner happiness means more than any outer material possession or physical
trait. Love you, and the world has no choice but to acknowledge it and accept
it.
Read the entire article.
Lessons
Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman by Tinisha Nicole Johnson
Lessons
Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman
is an inspirational and uplifting book, emphasizing ten life lessons that
addresses your most intimate, personal, and professional life.
As a Black woman, have you ever dealt with insecurities and pressures from the
world that made you feel unsure about yourself or life in general? Do you want
answers and solutions to your most deepest, darkest feelings?
In Lessons Learned, the author passionately and straightforwardly
expresses and lays out proven methods to sustain and live a fulfilling and
passionate life as a Black women.
Pre-order your copy of the book, Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black
Woman on the author’s website and receive FREE shipping and a FREE audio
CD entitled, “7 Tips for Black Women to Live a Happier Life.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, writer, and poet, and resides in Denver,
Colorado with her family. Tinisha is a versatile author and has written various
articles, books, and short-stories which have been published in the Chicken Soup
for the Soul series. Besides writing, Tinisha also hosts political and sports
teleconferences as a profession. Visit the author at her website: www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com
With the newly developed
Black Authors Network Culture Center we've created an innovative
platform that encourages people world wide to stop and partake of our
literary gifts. The blog community for The Black Authors Network Talk Show
will unite readers from around the world. We will explore important issues
and engage in debates about how we should move forward, while empowering
readers to learn more--and do more--to make a difference in the global
African American community. I can not do this alone, I need YOU! Each of you
plays a vital part in helping reshape who and what we are as a people. Each
one of us represents the entire population--let that statement help you to
make wiser decisions and to encourage you to bring your collective families
into the fold. We can do this people! We can become a force that the world
recognizes as brilliant and resourceful, Barack Obama has opened door, let's
follow his lead! Enter the
Black Authors Network Culture Center.
Share with us your
news, events and articles.
If you would like to submit articles for the Black Pearls Magazine, please
check out our editorial calendar and send in your stories at least 2 weeks
prior to the deadlines. You can post to any topics designated for that
month. Edit your work well and share it!
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.
Pat G’Orge-Walker is the Essence bestselling author of Somewhat Saved; Cruisin’
on Desperation; Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’s…; Sister Betty, God’s Calling
You, Again!; and contributed short stories to several anthologies. Being a
preacher’s kid gave her a quirky perspective on church, inspiring her to create
a one-woman comedy show centering on Sister Betty, whose unchristian-like
behavior blocks her blessings.
Chyna and her sister Janelle are always moments away from a catfight. They love
each other, but Janelle has never forgiven her sister for swiping her first
love, Cordell. That was ages ago, and now Chyna is showing off as the First Lady
of New Hope Assembly, a church that’s caught between the old ways of Holiness
and new ways of serving its community. New Hope ’s leader, Reverend Grayson
Young, is also caught…in the infamous Sweet Bush lounge, an establishment
well-known for adult pleasures.
Despite being First Lady Chyna's no saint and
when her husband falls from grace he snatches her along too. Chyna's now facing
down blackmail from the church board and cannot get sympathy or help from the
one person who's always been there for her, her sister Janelle who's dealing
with breast cancer.
In the midst of all the chaos Cordell returns as
a new man. He's now a man of God who must try and reconcile the mess he's made
of the sisters lives as an ex-husband to one and ex-lover to the other. what
follows are squabbling, chaos, and surprises that show just how hard the road to
salvation really is…
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Miasha grew up with both parents addicted to drugs and in an environment that could have easily led her astray. She is the founder of the
Ask Miasha Foundation and has her mind set on giving back to the less fortunate. She came a long way and wishes the same for people coming up behind her. Her motto, “Don’t dream your life, live your dreams” inspires people from all walks of life and according to her it is her ability to motivate and uplift people that is her biggest and most rewarding accomplishment to date.
Ella:
Introduce us to your new book Chaser.
Family Affair editor, Gil L. Robertson IV is one of America’s foremost
authorities on African American pop culture. He is the editor of the NAACP Image
Award nominated book, Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community.
He’s also the author of Writing as a Tool of Empowerment, a resource book for
media professionals, and a frequent contributor to The African American Almanac
(Gale Press). Robertson also contributed to the anthology Souls of My Brothers
(Plume).
Ella:
Tell us about the new book: Family Affair.
Bro. Yao (Hoke S. Glover III) is a poet, author and businessman. He founded the vending operation that led to Karibu Books with his wife Karla Glover in 1992 and ran the company with Simba Sana.
Karibu Books was legendary and held the title of one of the leading
African-American bookstores in the country, the largest chain of African
American bookstores up until February 10, 2008. Fifteen-year-old
Karibu Books, headquartered in Temple Hills, Maryland, which at its height had
6 stores and 45 employees in Maryland and Virginia, will never be forgotten. Bro. Yao
is currently a professor at Bowie State University . 
Ella: How did you get your start in
the world of book selling? Karibu books and the staff encouraged black
authors to live their dreams, hosted roundtable discussions, poetry
readings and visits from noted authors across the country like T.D Jakes,
Tavis Smiley, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosley and Terry McMillan. Karibu was a
cultural force, to say the least. 
Ella: What did you hope to offer your clients or customers to shape their lives?
Karibu was the largest Afrocentric bookstore chain in the United States at one
point. Karibu's slogan branded the store as ‘‘books by and about African
people, 365 days a year.” 
Ella:
Tell us about the people you helped in the 15 years Karibu was leading the
community. How was your company impacting the public? What social issues or causes
did you address? It was clear at the 
Ella:
Yao you are a legend in your own time! At the Black Books Coalition
launch party, as you spoke, you could feel the love and admiration from the DC
literary elite as well as those new authors and community leaders coming along
now. Please stay in contact with us! EDC Creations exists because of the
Karibu support and connections. I will be eternally grateful for all you,
Simba Sana and Karibu Books offered me. Lee McDonald, Carolyn Reed and Sunny
Sana were also instrumental in helping me to grow into the president of EDC
Creations. After you hired me as a buyer's
assistant for Karibu Books, my position and responsibilities continued to change and grow along
with my knowledge of the literary world. Ultimately causing my life to
be forever changed. I want to do whatever possible to support you and
your wife in any future endeavors. Thank you for being a thought leader and a
literary legend for 15 years in business and beyond!
Lyah Beth LeFlore is a National Bestselling author and one of today’s most talented and respected creative forces. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Ebony, Jet, and Entertainment Weekly; also on CNN and BET.
Television Producer credits include: New York Undercover (FOX), Midnight Mac starring Bernie Mac (HBO), and Grown Ups (UPN). 
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, Wildflowers and the message within.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50, he is expected to be
buried in September, 2009. Everyone started absorbing this tragic reality.
The radio stations had already begun playing Michael’s famous hits. Cable
stations had already begun dissecting his life. In fact, in less than 24 hours,
Michael’s so-called “friends” were coming out with innuendos about him.
Search the Web and you will see headings such as “
Ella:
Introduce us to your company MahoganyBooks.
Ella:
What’s new with MahoganyBooks? What should people keep an eye out for?
An
expanding group of female writers is at the forefront of a literary cultural
shift. As a result, the typical protagonist in today's mystery novels is no
longer white and male. He, and more often, she may range from a Puerto Rican
prosecutor to a Japanese gardener to an African-American schoolteacher. 
Attorney
Pamela Samuels Young is the author of the legal thrillers Murder on the Down
Low, In Firm Pursuit and Every Reasonable Doubt. Buying Time coming Fall 2009.
Visit her website at 
Tia
Hines, from Boston , MA is making her mark in the literary world. She figures she can create unimaginable stories through an explosion of words that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Her main goal is to get more youth to read and she plans to accomplish this by writing a series of intriguing novels.
Tia wants to inspire all those who have dreams and motivate them to achieve higher heights. Her
mission in publishing is to get more people in our community to read and to
share their expericences.
Here
is the official book introduction:
LaTonya Branham was born in Ohio. She completed graduate studies at Antioch University McGregor, and undergraduate studies at Wilberforce University. She is the author of
CultureSeek (1st and 2nd Edition) and Spirit Seek (2007.) LaTonya serves as a college administrator and adjunct professor. She and her husband serve in community outreach and youth ministries in Dayton, Ohio.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, CultureSeek.
Ella:
What is your next writing project?
Dr. Wilson-Bridges, minister of music at the Community Praise Center in Alexandria, VA and the recipient of a Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Worship and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, both from Regent University, rediscovers the purpose of praise and worship in
her new book Levite Praise. Although many agree that praise and worship plays a crucial role in Christian church services, few agree about the method.
Levite Praise digs into the Scriptures to help worship leaders and worshipers develop a full understanding of what it means to direct and take part in God’s perfect model for praise and worship. 
What does God desire in our praise and worship? Dr. Cheryl Wilson-Bridges answers that provocative question in the pages of her brand new book,
Levite Praise. Published by Creation House, the book views praise and worship from a uniquely biblical perspective as it delves through the Scripture searching the answers to three questions: 1) What does God desire? 2) What does God require; and 3) How should we aspire?
New
Christian author Fredric A. Almond is inspired to prove to the world that his
mother's sacrifice of death was the changing factor that sparked the conviction
to write. Fredric is active in ministry partnering with overseeing a local
church and is a profound speaker of the good news. 
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, Scarred for Life. 
A young child questioned his mother about the character of his father: “Hey
Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day, in his life? And Momma,
some bad talk goin' round town sayin' that Papa had three outside children….”
This narrative from “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” was made famous by the
Temptations. Eventually, the song would garner the Temptations a number one hit
on the Billboard Hot 100 and three Grammy Awards. Unfortunately, the song
represented an underpinning theme for millions of children who exist with a
dysfunctional father in their lives.
Instinctively, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents understood
that children were more than mere extensions of themselves. They knew that we
– their children – were and are their future – their bridge to the future.
Under the most difficult set of circumstances, they positively shaped our
minds and souls and did their best to create and implement plans that would
move their families forward. Against the backdrop of two World Wars, the Great
Depression of 1929, and the turbulent global social and political climate of
the 1960s, our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents quietly and
unceremoniously went about the business of investing in our future. 
Men are the glue that holds our families, our communities, and our world
together. Investing in our future mandates that we move with all deliberate
speed to create key “pieces of the puzzle” that will effectively address the
critical and unique health issues of men throughout our global village. It is
estimated that American women are outliving American men by approximately six
years. Approximately 21% of American men have coronary heart disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer accounts for
approximately 9% of all cancer-related deaths in men in the United States.
Our sons need Fathers. It takes a Man to teach a boy how to be a man. Our
daughters need Fathers. Fathers shape our daughters’ perception of their
self-worth and their place in the world. Investing in our future requires us
to provide Fathers with what they need and want to positively shape the minds
and souls of our children – our future – our bridge to the future. America’s
25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say that they need and want
legislation in the form of a Federal Equal Custody Act that would make equal
parenting the law of the land and provide American children of divorced and
separated parents, with equal access, on a 50/50 basis, to both Dad and Mom.
At the same time, America ’s 25,000,000 Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers say
that they need and want a modification of the child support guidelines based
on the Parenting Time Credit model created in 2004 by the State of Indiana.
In 2004, the State of Indiana modified its child support guidelines by
instituting Parenting Time Credit for Non-Custodial Parents. How does this
work? Non-Custodial and Divorced Fathers in the State of Indiana who spend
additional time with their children above and beyond the amount of time that
they are granted by the courts, will and do have the amount of their child
support obligations reduced by the additional amount of time that they spend
with their children. 
Ella:
Martha, tell us a little bit about your life and career.
Lessons
Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman
is an inspirational and uplifting book, emphasizing ten life lessons that
addresses your most intimate, personal, and professional life.
As a Black woman, have you ever dealt with insecurities and pressures from the
world that made you feel unsure about yourself or life in general? Do you want
answers and solutions to your most deepest, darkest feelings?
Share with us your
news, events and articles.