Brother 2 Brother

2007 Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium

2006-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Vincent Alexandria
raychone1@yahoo.com
www.theliteraryevent.com/symposium,
www.vincentalexandria.com
(816) 914-1560

Rhonda Allwood, 973-733-8383 - RAllwood@NPS.K12.NJ.US

Newark Public School presents - Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium to Convene in Newark, Hew Jersey!

---On Friday, March 9th, (8:30-2:30 pm) & Saturday, March 10th, (10-3:00 pm) 2007, African-American fiction writers from across the nation will meet in Newark, New Jersey for the country’s fifth Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium to be held at The State University of New Jersey-Rutgers, North Campus, Paul Roberson Campus Center, Fri. & Sat. March 9th – 10th, 2007 – Newark, New Jersey, 07102. 350 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. www.rutgers.edu

Women are a vital part of this literary event.

Over twenty of the nation’s top African-American authors will be discussing the importance of literacy and reading with the community.

Keynote Speakers:
Friday – Grammy Award Winner, songstress, Erykah Badu
Saturday – Educational pioneer, Bill Grace

Featured Authors & Moderators:

Authors:
Travis Hunter, Omar Tyree, Vincent Alexandria, Bernice McFadden, Victor McGlothin, Tracy Grant, William Cooper, Arlether Wilson, Steve Perry, Marc Lacy, Kelvin King, Gregory Morris, Brey, Earl Sewell, Nancy Gilliam, Patrick Lyons, Kelly Lyons, Chris Howell, Brandon Massey, Mocha Sistah, Stephanie Mara, Andrew Ryan, Renee Flagler, Delores Thornton, Dionne Character, WordzinMotion, Belinda Williams, Kim Robinson, Tonya Evans, Ken Carmichael, Maurice Henderson, and Jeff Billingsly.

Moderators:
Victoria Christopher-Murray, Tee C. Royal, Donna Hill, Tonya Blount, Dr. Moe Anderson, Dr. Vincent Mays, Dr. Gwen Amos, Sheri Clark Brooks, Heather Covington, Alvin Romer, and Yasmin Shiraz.

Most African-American fiction writers recognize the deficiency of African-American men reading fiction today. At most book signings held by African-American male fiction writers, the majority of the book buyers are women. It’s time that we got together and talk about that issue. We want to positively influence our community and help them understand that reading and literacy is the key to future success and the development of our children’s intellect. We will discuss why woman find it necessary to read and why men don’t and look at the correlation of reading, literacy, and success in building your dreams and economic future. Children copy what they see their parents and guardians doing, so if we read, they will read.

Free and open to the public, the symposium will target African-American and minority readers from age eight and up. Topics for discussion will include;
“Why is the drop out rate 50% for Black males and 37% for Black females?”, “Is education important and necessary?”, “How do we work with the school to get the most for our children?”, “Do authors have a responsibility to the community?”, “What Are Life’s Alternatives When You Can’t Read?”, & “Why Is Reading Thriving In Prisons”

Make no mistake this is nothing short of historic. The community will want to attend just to be in the same room with so many nationally published African-American writers. There will also be free writing workshops and discussions on how to get parents creatively involved with their children’s reading and school. Books will be given away free at this event.

The Fifth Annual Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium will take place Friday, March 9th, (8:30-2:30 pm) & Saturday, March 10th, (10-3:00 pm) 2005 in Newark, New Jersey, at The State University of New Jersey-Rutgers, North Campus, Paul Roberson Campus Center, Fri. & Sat. March 9th – 10th, 2007 – Newark, New Jersey, 07102. 350 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. www.rutgers.edu

For more information visit the symposium website at: www.theliteraryevent.com/symposium, www.vincentalexandria.com, raychone1@yahoo.com, 816-914-1560 or Rhonda Allwood, 973-733-8383 - RAllwood@NPS.K12.NJ.US

... and a few more Authors!

2006-02-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

Chris Howell

With his overwhelming passion to help others reach their destiny, Howell serves as the Executive Coordinator for the Men’s Department at The Potter’s House of Dallas, where Bishop T.D. Jakes is the founder and Senior Pastor. The Potter’s House Men’s Ministry has over 10,000 men. Howell has been very instrumental in the start up and development of the curriculum for the training classes that is offered to the men of The Potter’s House. The classes are: Discipleship, Mighty Man of Valor Leadership, Man2Man Mentoring, and School of Kings. The classes are designed to empower men spiritually, relationally and economically. The following are just a few more of the many titles Howell has earned Talk Show Host, of Man Talk a talk show designed to encourage and empower men, Inspirational Speaker, Broadcast Personality Howell’s rich “GOLDEN VOICE” and broadcasting experience has afforded him the opportunity to produce many successful video and voice-over spots productions, and Author, of his best-selling book “Man Talk – (The Book) The Hard Things Men Never Talk About” released December 2004 and has made the Dallas Morning News Best Sellers list twice this year one of those time as # 1.

Stephanie Dawson

She has had a passion for reading since childhood. She celebrates the power and joy of reading in this entertaining story for young readers. Having taught second grade in the Houston area for four years, Ms. Dawson expertly creates a reflective view of life through the eyes of a child. Carefully chosen characters mirror some of Ms. Dawson's elementary school experiences while in Gary, Indiana, her hometown. The strength of her work is fueled by the desire to write stories that encourage all readers to share her belief that happiness ultimately prevails despite life's obstacles.

Rhonda M. Lawson

Rhonda M. Lawson is the author of Cheatin’ in the Next Room, published by Deborah Smith Publications. She is also an Army journalist, garnering various journalism awards, including the 1997 Training and Doctrine Command Journalist of the Year. She has recently returned from the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt with the Multinational Force and Observers, where she edited a bi-monthly magazine for the Force.A New Orleans, La. Native, Rhonda’s journalism career began at Loyola University in New Orleans, where she served a short stint on the campus newspaper. In 1994, when she left college and joined the Army, she continued her journalism career. Her first duty station was Fort Knox, Ky., where she edited all sections of Inside the Turret, the post newspaper. During this tour, she earned third place awards for both commentary and feature writing.

Denise Spiller

She is a retired Correctional Officer after 15 years of service with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department. Currently a full-time freelance writer and screenwriter, Denise also acts as President of Chameleonesse, a San Francisco based marketing and event planning firm. As Founder of the African American Literary and Media Group, Denise leads her organization to focus on the foundational goal of teaching new writers navigation techniques to get into the Publishing or Film Industry.

More Authors Added!

2006-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

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 King

Kelvin 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.”

2006 Authors Announced

2006-02-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

Earl Sewell

Earl Sewell is the author of the novels, THE GOOD GOT TO SUFFER WITH THE BAD, TAKEN FOR GRANTED and THROUGH THICK AND THIN. He is also a contributing author to AFTER HOURS: A COLLECTION OF EROTIC WRITING BY BLACK MEN and SISTERGIRLS.COM
Earl is also an athlete who competes in marathons, duathlons and triathlons. He is currently training to complete the Ironman, which is a one day endurance race where participants swim 2.4 miles, bicycle 112 miles and run 26.2 miles. Earl is currently training and working on his next novel.

Eric Pete

Eric's first novel, Real for Me, has been the featured selection of many book clubs across America and reached #1 Bestseller status at various bookstores. His second released novel is the Dallas Morning News bestseller Someone's In the Kitchen, which further established Eric in the literary arena. His third novel, Gets No Love, was featured in King Magazine and made the bestseller list of several stores including Karibu Books. His newest release Don't Get It Twisted has already garnered critical acclaim. Eric also has short stories featured in the anthologies After Hours from Plume Books, Twilight Moods from Flowers In Bloom Publishing.

Wil Cason

In September 2004 one of Wil Cason greatest personal visions came true the release of his book, Visualizing Your Victory. This successful motivational book is the culmination of Wil’s profound understanding on a personal level of what it takes to imagine a dream or goal and make it happen. What Wil does in this life-altering work is to challenge people to live up to their own standards, to take a chance on themselves so that they can achieve not only personal success but also positively affect the lives of others. The feedback from his readers has been phenomenal, and Wil is taking this opportunity to share his vision with the world through his upcoming world speaking tour for 2005.Wil Cason currently resides with his wife and three children in Northern California where he hosts his own motivational talk show, Visualizing Your Vision,every Sunday at 6pm PST on the web at www.jazzbeatradio.tv or 88.1 or 97.7 in the Bay Area.

Dionne “Diva” Character

Street Diva is more than a book of poetry. It is the rhythm of love, flowing through the cadence of life. It is a walk through pain, a stroll through pleasure—a relentless, heavy-laden safari through time, sooner or later taken by every black woman alive, en route to a place of peace and blessing in her mind. She’s eclectic, mystical a well-rounded artist on the rise. Dionne has earned the name “Diva”. Author, Singer, Poetess, Actress, Creative Writing Instructor, and Freelance Writer, there are no boundaries when it comes to her artistic capabilities.

A native of New Orleans, walking in her perfectly designed stilettos, not even a disaster can stop this Diva according to latest piece of work, Twisted Straps And A Sapphire Moon, to be released March, 2006. Author of 7 Pairs of Black Shoes and Street Diva, this Cajun Peach adds flavor to your spirit while straps continue to accompany her ankles. 2005 Changing Faces Award Winner, her accomplishments and contributions to the community have been well recognized.

Erica Martin

Erica crashed on the literary scene in 2003 with her debut novel, Second Time Shame on Me. It is a fictional story that follows the friendship of four women and their quest to learn the lesson behind the old adage, "First time shame on you, second time shame on me." She followed up with the March 2005 release of her second novel, Serenity Place, which depicts a day in the life of the colorful staff at Serenity Place, a day spa in Chicago.

In 2004 she founded Second Time Media & Communications, a publishing service to help other writers become self-published authors in the most economical and efficient way. Erica is presently working on her third book Straight with no chaser, the sequel to Second Time Shame on Me. Get used to seeing her face because she has her sights set for the top of the Bestsellers List!

Donna Hill

Donna began her career in 1997 with short stories. Her first novel was published in 1990. Since that time she has 25 novels and 16 novellas in print. Three of her novels have been adapted for television. She has edited two award-winning anthologies and works as a editorial consultant.

Susan Cooper-Perez

Susan Cooper-Perez is author of “The Boonefiles: Making of the BooneClan”, an archeological and historical portrayal of one African American family inserted into American history during the 1800’s. She studied at LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis, TN), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 1984. She now resides in Dallas, Texas and works in the air express industry where she has been employed for the past twenty-one years. Susan is a member of the African American Genealogy Interest Group and the Dallas Genealogy Society in Dallas.

Susan is a mother of two sons, and is a mentor in her community with Against the Odds Mentoring Program, where she mentors “at risk children” whose parents is incarcerated.

She dances with an African dance troupe that performs at various engagements throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan area. In 2001 Susan began cooking hot meals on Thanksgiving Day to feed the homeless in downtown Fort Worth, TX. This tradition has been ongoing since it’s’ conception. In her spare time, she loves reading, shopping, and traveling.

Emma Rodgers - Keynote Speaker – Saturday

2006-02-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

Emma Rodgers, Black Images Book Bazaar Bookstore

Emma Rodgers is the co-owner of Black Images Book Bazaar, with Ashira Oya Tosihwe, a twenty-eight year old book establishment committed to providing a diversity of books from the African and African American Diaspora perspective. In 2005, she received the A. Maceo Smith Community Service Award from the African American Museum and a Community Service Award from Eta Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Emma volunteers with many cultural and literary organizations. She has been a board member of the American Bookseller Association, Dallas Municipal Library, and Poetry in Motion advisory board for DART. In recent years, she has served as co-chair for Tulisoma, South Dallas Book Fair & Arts Festival, and program chairman of the W.J. Durham - C.B. Bunkley, Jr. - L.A. Bedford, Jr. Civil Rights Symposium for Black Dallas Remembered, Inc. She is a founding member of The Third Eye, and Just Us Girls (mother/daughter) Book Club She has represented the United States as the first bookseller on the United Stated Information Agency's "Corridors of Culture from Muse to Market Place" tour to the African countries of Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Rickey Smiley - Keynote speaker for Friday

2006-02-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

Keynote speaker for Friday at the Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium, April 7 th & 8 th , 2005 at the Academy of Arts and Letters Incorporated, 650 S. Griffin Street, Dallas, TX

Establishing himself as a clean comic, his down home southern humor has made him a favorite in the nation’s top comedy venues. From intimate comedy clubs to sold-out crowds at Madison Square Garden, the Universal Amphitheater and the Lincoln Center, Rickey’s unique style of humor resonates with his audiences unlike any other comic on the road today.

He has continued to please. In November of 2002, Rickey joined fellow heavyweight comedians D. L. Hughley, J. Anthony Brown, Bruce-Bruce, Earthquake, and Sommore on the Latham Entertainment Presents Tour. This multi-city mega stadiumtour, produced by Walter Latham of the Kings and Queens of Comedy, was a huge success. Walter Latham will be putting them back on tour in the fall of 2003 because of the demand of more comedy from the fans. Rickey also made his mark in the feature film arena, appearing in New Line Cinema’s ”Friday After Next”, which was released on November 22, 2002.

Best known as host of the 2000 season of BET’s ”ComicView”, Rickey led the show to its highest jump in ratings in the show’s ten-year history. BET then quickly signed Rickey to host “The Way We Do It” during the 2001- 2002 season, and that show went on to become one of the top five shows on the network. It’s his genuine love of performing that has brought Rickey many accolades on stage, on camera and off. He was a guest presenter on the 2001 NAACP Image Awards and hosted the special awards banquet for the 2002 Stellar Gospel Music Awards. In his personal life, he finds time to devote to church, to charities, to the Big Brother Program and to family.

One of the most diverse entertainers today, Rickey’s fan base covers a broad range – from the very young to the very old. Grandparents often show up at Rickey’s shows, knowing they will not be embarrassed by Rickey’s material. When Rickey headlines a large venue, it is notunusual to find parents bringing their children to watch Rickey perform. His style of comedy is recognizable, approachable, and best of all hilarious. He is inspired by the support of his fans on the road. He makes

B2B Board Members

2006-02-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Vincent Alexandria
Chairman

He is an author, actor, producer, director, composer, lyricist, vocalist, and musician. He holds a Masters degree in literature at Baker University and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rockhurst College. His vision for the Brother 2 Brother Symposium is to enlighten men and women in reading and comprehension to enhance their quality of life. Having nationally published authors show a commitment to their communities and give back to their readers in gratitude of what they have done for them and their careers.

He's received numerous awards for outstanding service as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of America. He is the owner of We Must X-L, Inc., a promotional and theatrical company. He creates events that build self-esteem, reinforces teamwork, and encourages open speech. He has written, produced and directed three musical stage plays, "His Eyes Are On The Sparrow", "The Changing of an Uncle Tom", & "If She Only Knew" and finished his movie script for his first novel, “If Walls Could Talk.”

He is a man with a vision to unify African Americans and epitomizes the role of communicator, not as one who merely entertains his audience, but informs, and inspires it!

http://www.vincentalexandria.com/

Tracy Grant
Co-Chairman

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Georgetown University. Tracy also did his graduate work at Georgetown, where he was a tutor and teaching assistant in the English department. While in graduate school, Tracy began work as a freelance writer for several other publications, including Generation Next, YSB and Today’s Black Woman. Tracy’s experience in Washington, DC enables him to write with an authenticity not often seen, which is why readers continue to respond to Hellified, his first novel. Tracy received his Master’s degree cum laude from Georgetown in 1996 and continues to write for Black Issues Book Review, Today’s Black Woman, Black Men and Mosaic literary magazine. He has also written for Vibe and Stress. As a publicist, he represented some of the most well-known artists in the recording industry in 1997. http://www.visaopress.com/.

William Cooper
Secretary

(http://williamfcooper.tripod.com/) He is the author of Six Days In January (Strebor Books 2004). A trailblazing novel that explores the issues and insecurities of black men concerning love, the Bronx resident has received critical reviews in periodicals in England, Canada, and the United States. Affectionately known as "Mr. Romance.", Cooper is a contributing author to several anthologies: Zane's SISTERGIRLS.COM (Strebor Books-August 2003), Twilight Moods - African American Erotica (Flowers In Bloom Publishing -August 2002), and Zane's Caramel Flava (Summer 2006)
His follow-up novel, There's Always A Reason (Spring 2007 - Strebor Books).

Victoria Christopher Murray
Board Member

Victoria always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. She is a native of Queens, New York. Victoria originally self published Temptation in 1997. In 2000, Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books published Temptation. It remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months and was nominated in 2001 for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature. JOY, Victoria’s second novel was released in October 2001. JOY has also been an Essence bestseller and won the 2002 Gold Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction. Truth Be Told is Victoria’s third novel. http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/.

Travis Hunter
Board Member

He is an author, songwriter and father. The Hearts of Men was self-published in 2000 by Hunter's own company, Jimrose Publishing House. During the 2000 Book Expo America in Chicago, Hunter was signed by Random House's imprint, Villard Books for the re-release of The Hearts of Men, Married but Still Looking and his current release Trouble Man. Hunter is a native of Florence, S.C. He was also reared in Philadelphia, Pa. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he attended Clark Atlanta University and subsequently enrolled in Georgia State University where he majored in Psychology. Hunter lives in a suburb outside of Atlanta with his son Rashaad. He is the founder of the "Hearts of Men Foundation," through which he mentors underprivileged children. http://www.travishunter.com/.

Victor McGlothin
Board Member

He almost lost an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that obstacle and later completed a Masters degree in Human Relations & Business. After he developed a love for the written word, Victor left a vice president position with a local bank to pursue a career in literature. He now lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two sons. http://www.victormcglothin.com/.

Steve Perry
Board Member

He is on fire! The social worker, educator, community activist, and author has a written a new book and founded a new high school. "Man Up!" is the book. The Capital Preparatory Magnet School is the school. Both are a culmination of a lifetime of commitment to improving the lives of others. This isn't just another year that Perry is living his dream while Making those of hundred of kids come true, it is bigger than that. After starting a non-profit that sent 100% of kids to college Perry wanted more. After two well received novels, Perry longed for more. This year more is exactly what he will get! "Man Up" is a pointed perspective on what we need to do to improve our community and Capital Prep is a year round school that teaches children how.