Mark Saint Juste
Mark entered the field of education where he taught inner-city 5th graders. It was his first-hand experience with his students that inspired him to create and develop the Get Me Me Pledge, Music, and Kid characters!
Recognizing the universal need among his student for positive messages and role models along with additional opportunities to build self-esteem, develop respect for other and nurture the belief that they could do anything they set their mind to, Mark created a daily pledge of positive character building affirmations which he recited every morning with his students. He found that the children quickly adopted the pledge into their daily routine. Mark found a way to really communicate effectively with the kids. Through his talent and passion for music, Mark wrote, produced, and recorded the song, "I'm Too Good For Drugs." His students immediately gravitated to the infectious up-tempo groove and hip-hop sound.
Yolanda Michelle Johnson
Founded Literary Wonders! in 2002 due to her passion for the importance of literacy, mainly amongst the African-American and Hispanic population. She couldn't help the entire world, but could make a change one book and one person at a time. Literary Wonders! sponsors an annual anthology project as well as an annual scholarship essay program for children ages 8-21.
With her eclectic writing and reading style, Ms. Johnson entered a writing contest in 1998 for an adult magazine and won first prize for her short story. Since then Ms. Johnson has worked on several projects and "Circumstances" will be her second published book to date. Ms. Johnson is the editor of AMAG Online! Which was founded by James Lisbon of AMAG…For The Conscious Professional.
Lawrence Wayne
He is the President and Conference Director of the Memphis Black Writers Conference & Southern Film Festival. Lawrence Wayne is a writer, producer, educator, director and syndicated columnist (VIP MEMPHIS Magazine). He founded the Memphis Black Writers Conference in 1996. The mission of this organization is to support writers, poets, artists and others who portray positive aspects and cultural achievements of African American people across the globe.
Mr. Wayne recently received the “Black Living Legendary Icon of Excellence & Literary Hero” award for his work with literacy and children. He was honored at a ceremony during the Harlem Book Fair in New York July 25, 2004 by the Younity Reviewers Guild. He is author of the book, “How to Encourage Young African American Children to Read…A Black Reader’s Guide. He is the architect and designer of the C.A.R. (Comprehension and Analytical Reading) program. The program was designed to help children, students or adult employees increase reading comprehension, write better papers and reports, and retain information to pass exams.Marc Lacy
Mr. Lacy is a Cum Laude Mechanical Engineering graduate of Alabama A&M University (AAMU). While matriculating through AAMU, he was a starting forward for the Men’s Varsity Basketball Team. Also when Marc was on “the yard”, he was often sought for various speaking engagements and to deliver presentations as a means of enhancing student life and morale on campus.
Marc is most noted for his smooth flowing lyrics and creative mind which are exuded in his eloquently written poetry. But also a beast is awoken within as he delivers his often-charged and thought provoking spoken word performances. By offering a wide range of subject matter in his work, Marc has been able to cover a lot of ground within his craft. The energy within Marc’s work can certainly be attributed to his strong faith in God. Marc has a robust literary resume to go along with his unique background.
Charles Biggers
Charles was raised in a Christian home with a sturdy moral foundation that he would later struggle with as a young man. Although he has made some wrong choices in life, he knows he has to guide his two sons in the right direction. By becoming a role model to all young people, Charles encourages them to follow their dreams and stay away from negative elements that will bring them down. As he endeavors to make his dreams come true. His plans and goal are to reach out and help other authors achieve their dreams. His story is one of intrigue that follows a path of deception, tragedy and triumph.Charles has a personal mission statement: It’s the mistakes that we make in our moments of weakness that make us stronger. The dark pitfall of doing time doesn’t have to end your life. Just because your body is imprisoned, your mind and soul are yours to set free. You can reach Charles at lyfelinepublishing@yahoo.com
Shelia Goss
Shelia M. Goss is the ESSENCE MAGAZINE Bestselling Author of two novels and the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Reader's Choice Awards for her debut novel, ROSES are Thorns, VIOLETS are True. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in National Magazines such as Black Romance Magazine and she was the 2004 OneSwan Productions Female Author of the Year. Besides writing fiction, she is a freelance writer and interviews celebrities for various online and print publications. Her novel My Invisible Husband will be released by Urban/Kensington in December. To learn more about the author and her books, visit her website at http://www.sheliagoss.com/.
Tanya Bates
Tanya R. Bates is an award winning author, speaker and designer. She is highly sought after all over the country for speaking engagements. In 2006, she plans to release her highly anticipated book "Fashion & Style....Girl You Look A Mess". She will also be releasing two motivational cds. She resides in Michigan with her husband David.
Jarvis Talley
St. Louis Spoken Word Performer Jarvis Talley, who goes by the pseudonym “MrTalley”, blessed with a gift relaying exactly what needs to be said. Beginning in Mississippi, he’s evolved into a nationally recognized Spoken Artist, with the ability to adapt and please any genre or atmosphere. This Bio not only reflects MrTalley’s many immediate accomplishments, but is also an invitation to allow MrTalley to grow with you!
Galuminatti
Galuminatti was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC. He currently resides in the metro DC area. He served 22 years in the United States Air Force as a ranking officer and military commander. He obtained his B.A. degree in Correctional Services at East Carolina University and earned his M.S. degree in Business Management at Webster University. He was a former academic instructor at the Air Force's top officer school and has without a doubt been blessed with the gift of writing. His hobbies include observing people and playing chess. The author prefers to use his pen name, Galuminatti, pronounced like Gahloominotti. He chose this name because he felt illuminated while writing this book. Thus, he chose a name close to that word and placed the G at the forefront as a way of giving his own personal praise to God. His first book that he wrote is entitled "Lights Out, Game Ova" and is a book about relationships.A.S. Haneef Aquil
He watched the Civil Rights Struggle that began in 1955 with great anticipation. He served in the US Army for 3 years with 2 years in Germany. After the military he traveled around the world as a merchant seaman. He attended Southern University in New Orleans, LA. For the past 15 years the author has given historical lectures and slide presentations at Masajid (Mosques), Churches, Schools, and Community Organizations. He is a plethora of information and a brilliant orator. His book is titled, "African American Ethnic Heritage: The founding Fathers of New Africa". shaneefaquil@yahoo.com
Jihad Shaheed Uhuru
He attended alternative schools in Atlanta, Jihad had little interest in literature. However, when he was incarcerated, he discovered the Donald Goines Series, The Browder Files and educational books by Naim Akbar, an unexpected surprise. In 1988, Jihad attended Savannah State University.On March 19, 1992, Jihad was incarcerated for possession of drugs and a firearm. He served seven years in six different penitentiaries. He recalls this time being a time of transformation and of new awareness. He joined programs to help troubled youths. He started looking up to a group of socio-political positive self-taught prisoners, who raised his awareness about himself and his past. He read everything he could get his hands on, and soon realized the game he was playing was the wrong game.
Jihad is currently living in Atlanta, and working on several projects for 2006. He is a home builder, motivational speaker, youth gang counselor, and he is working on getting his non-profit Wake Up Everybody Foundation off the ground. Jihad is energetic, provocative, and compassionate about youth issues.
Francis Ray
Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award.Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. INCOGNITO, her sixth title was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written thirty titles to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, and The Atlantic Choice.
In 2005 two of Ms. Ray's titles, SOMEONE TO LOVE ME and I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW were released in hard cover with large print by Thorndike.Scheduled for 2006 are CHOCOLATE KISSES, IRRESISTIBLE YOU - - a Grayson novel #3-- and IN ANOTHER MAN'S BED. http://www.francisray.com/.Renee Daniel Flagler
She is a writer who has served in marketing, promotions and events for over ten years. Professionally, her writing has been featured in business and consumer newsletters, magazines, ads, brochures, websites and sales & media kits nationwide.In 2004 she took her love of creative writing seriously and self-published her first novel, Mountain High, Valley Low, under her company, Aspicomm Media. The book has been featured in Ebony Magazine, The New York Amsterdam News, The Columbus Post and Black Star News to name a few. Flagler’s next novel, Miss-Guided will be available in the spring of 2006. Flagler is a graduate of New School University with a Masters in Media Arts as well as a graduate of St. Johns University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications.Shandra Love
With "My Journey Back, My One Mile: A Sister's Grief," Ms. Love has turned one of her darkest hours into a time of triumph and healing. Following the death of her little sister "Angel," she would find herself spiraling out of control and uncertain of continued emotional stability. In recalling memories of their youth, she became obsessed with getting their story told and refused to rest until it was a completed project. Being used to having the answers for everyone else and being what they seemed to need, it wasn't long before she'd find that she was the one in need of saving. For a brief moment, denial, pride, and profound grief would cause her to lose touch with reality, but the love and concern of her two daughters and a dear friend would help her to find her way back. You will be absolutely astounded with the way that she has sprinkled their childhood shenanigans throughout the carefully woven flow of the book. Be prepared to laugh one minute and cry the next. It has caught on like wildfire and has resulted in many speaking engagements in many different cities. She'll definitely be one to watch and read. Recently, she and four on-line message board 'buddies' completed a collaborated effort titled "Universal Moods: Short Stories and Poetry to Stir the Mind, Body and Soul." It's chock full of poetry and short stories that will stimulate every emotion you ever knew you had. www.shandralove.info/
Belinda Williams
Belinda Williams is the founder and CEO of Literary Lifestyle, LLC, a full-service public relations and literary services firm. With a roster of clientele ranging from authors, entertainers, motivational speakers and corporations, she provides an array of services, including publicity, creative design and consultation from start to finish. Also a writer, editor, and reviewer, Ms. Williams pulls on her experiences within the legal, education, finance, human resources, real estate and literary industries to help her focus on positive results in educating and helping others. A constant advocate for empowerment, Ms. Williams continues to stretch her endeavors.
Holding an Associate of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations, she is currently pursuing her goal of being in the Creative Writing MFA at the University of Miami. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.literarylifestyle.com/.
Gregory Townes
Gregory Townes was born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, N.Y., where he obtained his degree in Business Administration from York College. An avid reader who developed a love for writing very early, he wrote and told stories to entertain himself and others.
Believing that a story should entertain, inspire, and inform, he wrote his first book, The Tribe - a powerful novel that draws upon the richness of both modern urban life and ancient culture within the context of an African-centered perspective.
Currently residing in Queens, New York, Gregory lives with his wife of 15 years and his four children. A Credit and Collections manager for the Daily Racing Form, he has completed his next novel, The Ides of March and is finishing the sequel to The Tribe. More information on Gregory Townes can be found at his website, www.gregorytownes.com.
Moe Anderson
Dr. Monica “Moe” Anderson is a versatile mother, author, motivational speaker, and Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her debut novel, When A Sistah’s Fed Up, was recently released to rave reviews. She has also authored two non-fiction books. In 1996, she became the first African-American columnist for the Arlington Star-Telegram. She was a freelance, weekly columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a leading Texas newspaper, for seven years. http://www.drmoeanderson.com/
Nancy Gilliam
Nancy Gilliam is an accomplished performing artist, author and teacher with numerous film, television, and recording credits to her name. The 2005 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers honoree is the co-founder of the African American Literary & Media Group. (AALAM) She currently serves as Special Projects Manager for the soon to be released CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN’S SOUL and was a story contributor in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SOUL. She recently authored the companion study guide to B.J. Robinson’s biography LEBRON JAMES: KING OF THE COURT for which she also penned the introduction.Meisha C. Holmes
She was born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn aka "Bed Stuy Do or Die." As a young adult she danced for the likes of Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and many other rap artists. She currently resides and is employed in Brooklyn as a literacy specialist. Her most noteworthy accomplishment to date, and the one she is most proud of, is being a single parent to her loving eight-year-old daughter, Kayla Lyric.
Meisha has two completed works: Brooklyn Jewelry Exchange which was recently released and Big Cess which is her next release and a prequel to Brooklyn Jewelry Exchange. Big Cess is the story of Shorty Jones, a young renown Brooklyn drug dealer and single parent to Cess, a beautiful and bold girl who carries the Jones name into the dealings of the next generation of drugs. She is currently busy at work completing the last book of her trilogy entitled The Grand Reopening.Kim Robinson
I am confident that my writing will be a catalyst to help souls who are in negative downward spirals. I thank God every day for my parents and Grandmother’s encouragement, without it I would not be alive. I think that writing is the way for me to use my life experiences to help others know that they can get out of gangs, do some positive things that can make just as much money legally as selling drugs, themselves or others out.
http://www.kim-robinson.com/.
Christal Jordan-Mims
Christal Jordan-Mims is an author, freelance writer and president of Enchanted PR, a premiere entertainment PR firms in Atlanta, GA. Besides penning several advice columns, she contributes to several Hip Hop/R&B and urban lifestyle magazines. For five years she acted as Program Director for Women of Tomorrow, a charm & etiquette after-school program for middle school-aged African American females. Christal is also the creator of Caramelized, a T-shirt line celebrating a legacy of strength, beauty and grace in women of color. Christal’s writing focuses on the empowerment of women’s issues, specifically African American women. Christal received her BA in Organizational Communication from the University of Oklahoma. She resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children.
http://www.getcaramelized.com/.
Hotep a.k.a. Hustle Simmons
Hotep is the owner of Skinnymen Productions, a multi-media edu-tainment company located in Atlanta Ga. He is also the writer, director, producer and host of the documentary "Independent, Doin' Major Things". Since 1997, Hotep has been responsible for 9 hip-hop and spoken word albums, 3 music videos, a series of educational CD-ROMs, a Northeastern tour and numerous events for the entertainment industry. If being recognized as a gifted musician, speaker, businessman and visionary weren't enough, Hotep (a Morehouse college grad) is also a nine-year veteran educator in the DeKalb County school system in Georgia. He currently teaches kindergarten, tutors after school and mentors young men in the community. He also heads up the Manifest Destiny Project. This series of workshops is designed to educate and empower youth by showing how they can ALL become successful in life simply by exploring, identifying and developing their own natural talents and then applying these skills in the areas of business and entertainment. He also uses his talents, knowledge and products to tour as a motivational speaker.
http://www.skinnymen.com/.
Andrew Ryan
CEO and Executive Director of Hip Hop Matters, Andrew J. Ryan has been a faculty member of the George Mason University since 1999, teaching courses in statistics, Internet Literacy and multimedia. Raised in the Bronx, New York, his urban upbringing sparked his passion to integrate Hip-Hop and education. In the spring of 2002, Ryan introduced a new course, "Beats, Rhyme, and Culture," the first class on Hip-Hop at GMU. He followed this with "Black Voices in Hip-Hop" (2003); ““Hip-Hop Literacies" (2005) -- a technology and writing intensive course. In the fall of 2005, he taught "Politics, Policy, and Hip-Hop" at the University of the District of Columbia(UDC), his second semester at UDC. Ryan was raised in the South Bronx and holds degrees in Computer Science and Systems Engineering from Binghamton University and George Mason University respectively. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Public Policy with a focus on youth/urban policy.
http://www.hiphopmatters.org/.
Aaron Carmon
Aaron Carmon is a high-energy, constantly moving entrepreneur as evidenced on BET's new reality TV series Ultimate Hustler where he uses his hip-hop experience and business education to coach would be entrepreneurs seeking a spot in Damon Dash's entertainment empire. A player in that empire himself, Carmon works in marketing and promotions for Black Hand Entertainment of which Damon Dash Music Group is the parent company. He is currently involved with the filming of various independent feature length projects including In Spite Of The Devil. He also interviews celebrities for hip-hop's On The Grind TV and for Shadaco Images, an upcoming DVD magazine which brings viewers the latest news on blacks in media, business, arts and entertainment. This innovative project is sure to be one of the hottest information media formats to hit the entertainment world to date.
Lisa Nichols
Lisa Nichols is a dynamic motivational speaker and powerful advocate of personal empowerment. She is the Founder and CEO of Motivating the Teen Spirit, LLC which is recognized by many as the most comprehensive empowerment skills program available today for teen self-development.
Recognized as a landmark in the literary industry, Lisa has been the motivating force behind establishing the African-American presence in the longest running anthology as recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Through her efforts, Chicken Soup for the African American Soul was released in September 2004 to critical acclaim, winning the Black Book Award for Non-Fiction. She continues to motivate others, as she is slated to co-author Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul to be released October, 2006.
http://www.lisa-nichols.com/.
Frank Ireland
Franklin Dewitt Ireland, Sr. lives in Florida with his wife and two kids. A Basketball Player and graduate of Stetson University in 1992 with a B. S. Degree in Sports Administration, he spends a great deal of his free time playing hoops, writing songs, coaching, officiating competitive basketball, and conducting motivational speaking for youth and teens throughout the public school system. He is currently working on his second kids Book and spreading the gift of Art with everyone he meets. So look out for new projects in the near future from Author entitled “Why I love My Mother”, “A Rib- itting Tale of Sort”, “Grandma Pearls”, “Bye Bye Baby” and ”My Son”.
http://www.franklinireland.com/.
John Wooden
He is the newest author on the murder mystery/suspense thriller scene. His goal is to become one of the top “mystery” writers in the world. As a child, growing up in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, his oldest brother, Andrew, brought home several comic books from his tour in Vietnam. John became an avid Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and the Incredible Hulk fan. The young man, who wanted to see the world, now considers the world as his stage for his many stories of suspense and mystery. “A Moment of Justice, A Lifetime of Vengeance” is John’s second novel and first murder mystery/suspense thriller. He is the proud father of a teenage son and daughter.
http://www.jwooden.com/.
Kelvin KingKelvin K. King is originally from Akron, Ohio. After receiving a Bachelor degree in Creative Writing, and Master Degree in American Literature from Miami University (OH), Kelvin moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he taught full-time for five years at an area college. Here the idea for his first novel, Kiss by Betrayal was created.
Kelvin believes everything happens for a reason. Situations, as he calls them, can be bad, or good, depends on one’s perception. And he deems his perception on any situation as optimistic. After finally realizing one of his purposes (writing) in life, someone tried to rob his dreams by stealing his debut novel. Kelvin believes Life teaches the hardest lessons. If one would remain diligent in their dreams, and when opportunity and expectation meet head-on; it can be a wondrous explosion.
Crystal Perkins-Stell
The author, Mrs. Crystal Perkins-Stell has just completed another spectacular milestone in her life. She is a mother, educator, counselor, and motivational speaker, who pulls no punches when writing her reality based novels. She is currently on Essence Magazine's November Bestseller's List with her novel, Hood Rich. To some this might not sound like much, but to those who know Crystal, this honor is truly a blessing to her.
Hood Rich places readers right in the black community where they can be a first-hand witness to the dangers that plague the minds of our impressionable youth. This dynamic novel, exposes how “fitting in” on the block for young black Americans can become a life of pain, struggle, or even death. Hood Rich, which means Hood Prosperous is an unconventional approach to teach at risk adolescence about the importance of self-empowerment.
You can visit Crystal on her web-site
http://www.crystalstell.com/ to review the scholarship guidelines or preview the first chapter of each novel. Be on the look out for the sequel to Hood Rich, entitled “Big Tymers.”
