2015 African American American Author's Expo registration will be

open on November 1st. Stay tuned for details

BLACK WRITERS GUILD OF MARYLAND, INC.

Participating Organization at the 2014 A.A.A.E

www.blackwritersguild.org

FEATURED AUTHORS APPEARING AT THE 2015 

AFRICAN AMERICAN AUTHORS EXPO

LYNDA JONES-BURNS

Literary fiction author Lynda Jones-Burns is a Washington, DC native. She was influenced by inner-city realities of boarded-up storefronts, abandoned brownstones, 1970s empowerment movements, and the punk-rock attitude of the 1980s. She learned and fell in love with the power of the pen at Cardozo High School and honed her craft, concentrating in written communications at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has operated a successful technical publications company for more than 20 years.

BRENDA LEIGH WELLS

Brenda Leigh Wells, aka"Born2Praizz", is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She has been graced to be a minister, entrepreneur, poet, author, playwright, actress, and media personality. Brenda began writing poetry as an outlet to cope with daily life and spiritual frustrations.  She found that they gave her an emotional release, as well as, internal hope. Her favorite poem that ministers to so many people including those who are incarcerated is entitled "Quitting Is Not An Option...I Choose To Win!"  Brenda's passion and concern for the youth of today motivated her to pen her first book in the series entitled "The Adventures of Pete and Repeat...I Am You-Nique".  It is based on the speech that she enlightened the youth with at their back to school revival in 2011 and was released nationally in November, 2013.

JOY T.J. RILEY

2014 FEATURED AUTHORs

BERNICE L. MCFADDEN

BERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of eight critically acclaimed novels including Sugar, Nowhere Is a Place, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012), and Glorious, which was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine and was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. She is a two-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of two fiction honor awards from the BCALA. Her sophomore novel, The Warmest December, was praised by Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison as “searing and expertly imagined.” McFadden lives in Brooklyn, New York.

FEATURED AUTHOR VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton University where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she tested her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

Victoria originally self-published her first novel, Temptation and in 2000, Time Warner published that novel. Temptation made numerous best sellers list and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature. February 2014, Victoria received another nomination for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature for her novel, Never Say Never.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written fifteen other adult novels, including: Joy, Grown Folks Business, The Ex Files, The Deal, the Dance and the Devil, her newest novel, Never Say Never and the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series.  In 2012, Victoria joined ReShonda Tate Billingsley to write two collaborations, Sinners and Saints, and Friends and Foes which pits Victoria's Jasmine character against Rachel Adams, a first lady created by ReShonda. In her latest novel, it has been quoted by USA Today as “a book club recommendation.”

Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction.  Since 2007, Victoria has won six African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year - Female.  Her 2013 NAACP Image Award nomination for Destiny's Divas was her second Image Award nomination.

In 2008, Victoria’s first novels in her Christian fiction teen series - The Divine Divas – were published and were optioned to become a television series.  She is currently in negotiations for her novel, The Ex Files, to become a movie.

With over one million books in print, Victoria is one of the country's top African American contemporary authors.

On February 3, 2014, Victoria and her writing twin, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, launch their very own boutique publishing co, Brown Girls Publishing. (www.browngirlspublishing.com)

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington D.C. In Los Angeles, she attends Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford and in Washington, D.C., she fellowships at Metropolitan Baptist Church under Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.  She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

FEATURED AUTHOR SHERI BOOKER

Sheri J. Booker is a writer, poet, spoken word artist, and teacher. She is the author of the poetry book, One Woman, One Hustle (2003), Vook, I am the Poem (2011) , and memoir Nine Years Under: Coming of Age in an Inner City Funeral Home (2013), which won the 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author .

In 2007, she lived in rural South Africa where she helped to teach journalism skills to African women and worked as an editorial assistant for an international literary magazine. She has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and Essence Magazine.

Most recently, Sheri has discovered a passion for teaching. She currently teaches a refreshing course called Mind, Body, Soul at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women.

Sheri has an M.F.A. in creative nonfiction from Goucher College. Visit her online at sheribooker.com.

FEATURED AUTHOR A'LELIA BUNDLES

 BERNICE LAYTON

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Bernice Layton works full-time and is an avid reader of romantic suspense novels.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Black Writers' Guild of Maryland. Happily married, Mrs. Layton resides with her husband and is the mother of one daughter, NaTiki who inspires her to keep writing with this phrase in mind, "all things are possible with love and friendship, and the endless possibilities of past, future, and present encounters."

Mrs. Layton has published four romantic suspense novels for Genesis Press, Inc. Promises Made, Crossing the Line, Lies in Disguise and Mind Games.
 
Mrs. Layton plans to write more books and is currently securing a contract for her next release.  

C.NATASHA RICHBURG

C. NaTasha Richburg is a wife and mother of four grown children with a catalog of books focused on the reality of the Hip Hop generation. 

Mrs. Richburg is also the visionary for Jeremiah's Kall, an urban Spoken word and Hip Hop music platform presented in a manner that is "Real-Raw-Responsibly Rebellious" with indie artists accountable to the Word of God. 

Mrs. Richburg's brand of motivation includes promoting Jeremiah's Kall concerts and having inspiration sessions with audiences of all ages that combine her wisdom with artistry to present an electrifying brand of edutainment that motivates positive change.

STELLA ADAMS

Stella Adams was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, but grew up in Baltimore, Maryland.  She is a product of the Baltimore public school system, having graduated from Carver Vocational Technical High School as a business major.   Despite the vocational training, Stella decided to go to college, and matriculated at Morgan State University (Morgan State College at the time) where she majored in history.  Upon graduation, though she had planned to teach high school social studies, the Federal Government presented a more attractive offer.

She is married and has two sons, one of whom is also a writer. In addition, she has two delightful granddaughters, who are the joy of her life. Over the years Stella has written plays, short stories, professional articles, and poetry.  Heavy Is the Rain is her first novel. 

ONDREA L. DAVIS

Ondrea L. Davis is a Washington, DC native and has 12-year old twin daughters and a 10-year old son.  She graduated in 2010 earning a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and received a Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling in 2012.  Ondrea is an author with Foresight Publishing, co-authoring her debut novel, How could my husband be GAY?  She is also one of the contributing authors in the Weary & Willanthology.  She is currently working on two new projects to be released in 2014.  In addition to writing, Ondrea is an avid reader and reviews for Foresight Literary Lounge and Black Literature Magazine, and very active in her church.  For more information, please visit www.ondrealdavis.com.

YOUTH AUTHOR SHELIECE MARILIN

Sheliece Marilin is a twelve year old, first time author. She is the middle child, with a twin sister and younger brother.  A seventh grader in the Prince George's County Public School system in Maryland, she enjoys middle school life.  Her favorite subject is reading. 

Some of her favorite things to do are writing stories and poetry, singing and praise dancing. She is an active member of her church, where she participates in the youth choir. Sheliece has a blue belt in karate and is a championship grappling contender, winning a number of medals and competition swords.

Landin's Deal of a Lifetime is Sheliece's debut title. She is currently working on her second book in the Kids' Choice Series, Mikael's Close Call. 

Dr. Steven Haymon

Steven Haymon, Ed.D, has over 38 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist/ consultant. He has treated thousands of clients for issues including childhood disorders, marital and couple counseling, family counseling, parent/child conflicts and chemical dependency. Dr. Haymon has also done extensive work with mood disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. He has a wealth of knowledge in conducting training, workshops and seminars in his various fields of study and research.

Dr. Haymon has a B.A. in Education, M.S.W. in Social Work and a Ed.D in Educational Psychology. He has also pursued and completed Christian educational course-work at Bethesda Temple Bible Institute, under the tutelage of Dr. Rachel Webb. Dr. Haymon is a member of Bethesda Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in St. Louis, Missouri where the Honorable Bishop James A. Johnson, D.D. is pastor.

TREMAYNE MOORE

KEVIN WAYNE JOHNSON

With the fundamental belief that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, Kevin Wayne Johnson lives to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His passion is reflected through his national best-selling book series (Give God the Glory!) that have earned 17 literary awards. since 2001, all published through his Christian-based publishing company - Writing for the Lord Ministries - as a former radio and television host, and in several leadership positions within the local church, the Christian publishing industry, and the National Association of the Church of God
(Anderson, Indiana).

LEROY C. MCKENZIE JR.

JC GARDNER(Jackie Gardner)

Ever since the age of twelve, I aspired to be an author.  Writing stories became an escape, a way for my imagination to come alive.  A closet writer for many years due to my 7^th grade teacher humiliating me in class, when it came to sharing my writing, a cloud of self-doubt would follow that it wasn’t worthy or good enough; so it would stay buried, deep within a drawer or just locked up in my mind. I learned what God has placed in your heart, no one can take away.  

I understand what it is like being afraid to pursue what is in your heart because of naysayers or those who don't believe in your project/passion. I have been there, done that, and now it is time to give back and help others do whatever it is they believe their next level to be. After many years, I’m finally able to walk into my destiny.  I want to work with others to break out of their shell (like I did) to get started on their dreams.

We can do this together!

By day, JC Gardner is a manager at an international nonprofit. Her writing credits include a novel, Sinful Liaisons, published by Aberdeen Bay Publishing in 2011, two published short stories, ghost writing/coaching, and numerous articles for various publications. Visit her at www.booksbyjcg.com.

JAYANA WOOD

Jayana Wood is a 9-year old author and aspiring entrepreneur who has combined her love of reading and art into her first children’s book, in a series of books for new and emergent readers, designed to inspire children to think about what they want to do and become as they grow up.  Jayana is a fourth grade student at John Hanson French Immersion School where she is learning to speak and write French.  Based on her love of learning a secondary language, Jayana decided to translate her first book, Opening My Imagination, into French.

LORETTA WOODWARD VENEY

Throughout her life, Loretta Anne Woodward Veney, author of Being My Mom’s Mom, has chronicled family events through journals, photos, and videos, seeking to capture every moment. After learning that her beloved mother Doris was the first female in the family to suffer from dementia, Loretta began documenting the details of doctor visits, and recording people, places, and things as a substitute for lost memory. Loretta, a motivational teacher and trainer, who has delivered speeches and presentations and conducted workshops throughout the US and Europe, through her first published work, offers a wealth of encouragement.

NANETTE BUCHANAN

EVERETTE TODD ADAMS

Participants at the 2013 AFRICAN AMERICAN AUTHOR'S EXPO  

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

Media Sponsor

Promotional Sponsor

 FEATURED AUTHORS

JEARLEAN ALSTON-TAYLOR

Jearlean Alston-Taylor was born and raised in Southwest Baltimore, MD. She grew up in a happy home. Her parents had six children. Could they imagine one of their twin daughters would develop a rare form of cancer (Rhabdomysarcoma) at two years old? Doctors thought she would not live beyond  the age of three. Although her parents had a sick child that needed medical attention, their family's structure did not change. Her illness was discovered at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, MD. After several consultations with the doctors, her parents were advised to seek another opinion with other hospitals that specialized in Jearlean's type of cancer.

Her chemotherapy and radiation treatments began at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Because of this rare type of cancer, Jearlean's childhood included several reconstructive surgeries, lengthy hospital stays, and close evaluations of medical needs.

Jearlean's life was an journey of unexpected challenges. She never imagined struggling with low self-esteem, shame, insecurity, suicidal thoughts, severe medical complications, and a secret she hid for years. Jearlean had insecurities and they did not change overnight, but she learned to be a survivor. As a result of her struggles, journal writing would be the source of her internal healing.

Pretty Girl Blues: An Autobiography is an intimate journey into Jearlean's life of being a survivor. Her obstacles have made her strong. The adversities that she has overcome allow her to inspire, encourage, uplift, listen, understand, and spread her testimony abroad. She states, "It is no secret to what God can do, what he has done for others He can do same for you."

DR. KAREN S. BETHEA

Senior Pastor of Set The Captives Free Outreach Center

Dr. Karen Stanley Bethea is a Wife, Mother, Friend, Author, Teacher, Psalmist, Recording Artist, and Senior pastor of Set the Captives Free Outreach Center. She is known for the deliverance mantle on her life. Under her anointed teaching and preaching, many people have been set free from past addictions, pains, wounds, and negative lifestyles and have been brought into a spiritual and wholesome lifestyle. Dr. Bethea firmly believes that "she can do all things through Christ which strengthens her!" Her eagle mentality is contagious to those around her.

Perhaps her greatest challenge came in April 1997 when she was called to the pastorate. After three years of preparation, the church was planted and opened on April 9, 2000. Set the Captives Free Outreach Center, which has grown to over 2,000 members, is a center for healing and an incubator to discover and birth destinies. She is the author of Foundational Steps, an interactive Bible-based children's church curriculum through which children ages 2-14 learn Biblical concepts in a systematic manner. Many churches are using it successfully in their children's ministries. She has also written "Doors," (May 2011) and co-wrote "Testimonies From Overcomers" (Nov. 2010) and "Grow Wings" (Nov. 2012) with the Women Who Soar.

Dr. Bethea is under the spiritual covering of Bishop R. C. Hugh Nelson, D. Div. He is the pastor of the East Flatbush Church of God in Brooklyn, New York. She also serves as the apostolic covering and mentor for several churches and ministries in the United States and Bermuda.

In addition to being a minister, she is a wife and mother. She is married to Pastor Linwood E. Bethea, with whom she co-pastors. They have two beautiful children: Tiffany and L. Jamaal Bethea and two grandchildren Natalie and Jordan. As of February 14, 2012, they have been married for 31 years.

TANYA BLOUNT

Singer/Actress

Tanya Blount Trotter spent many years looking for something useful to do for the girls and young women she encountered in her career as an entertainer. As a artist who formerly topped Billboards Music Charts (Island Records) and a Soul Train Award Nominee this actress/singer/author and now SocialPrenuer best known for her unforgettable performance singing "His Eyes on the Sparrow" with Lauryn Hill in the hit movie 'Sister Act 2" on a daily basis watched girls and young women around the world struggle with their identity.

Her search ended when she married her husband Michael Trotter Jr who due to a previous marriage brought two little girls into her life, Michaela and Courtney. The mother of one teenage son before marrying Trotter, Tanya never understood the details and daily stress that goes along with raising young girls and young women in today's culture. In the process of co-parenting and surviving low-self esteem and depression herself Tanya's personal victories along with those two angels she channeled all of her energy into starting the I Am Beautiful Corporation.

In developing the I Am Beautiful Corporation in the United States, Tanya developed the Butterfly Beautiful Conference for Girls and Young Women. Girls of all backgrounds attended the conference which was filled with workshops, empowerment and inspiration. The conference gave the young girls the opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness.With this success Tanya's life mission is to assist parents and walk along side of them as they prepare their girls for future roles as mothers and wives, as professional women—in the arts, sciences and business.

Tanya Blount Trotter has not abandoned her musically roots in conjunction with the conference Tanya released a new single entitled "Butterfly Beautiful" which is available on I-Tunes as well as a new book "Butterfly Beautiful". All of the proceeds with go towards international trips, programs and workshops to help support the I Am Beautiful Corporation's initiative.

Tanya's first love is music however her social mission is to create a world where every girl and young women will have the inner strength and God Esteem to say three simple words without hesitation "I Am Beautiful"

LARRY S. GIBSON

Larry Gibson began managing political campaigns in Maryland with the 1968 election of Judge Joseph Howard and the 1970 elections of State’s Attorney Milton Allen and Congressman Parren Mitchell.  He served as campaign manager for Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke in his successful elections in 1987, 1991, and 1995.  During the administration of President Jimmy Carter, Larry Gibson served in the U.S. Justice Department as Associate Deputy Attorney General and as Director of the National Economic Crimes Project.  In 1992, he was Maryland State Chairman of the Clinton/Gore presidential campaign.

Since 2001, Gibson has served as a campaign consultant and political advisor to African political leaders, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf the President of Liberia and Marc Ravalomanana the former President of Madagascar.

Professor Gibson has researched and designed several exhibits, articles, newspaper series, and other presentations on the history of civil rights and African American lawyers in Maryland.  Professor Gibson was the principal advocate for the law passed by the Maryland General Assembly that renamed the BWI Thurgood Marshal Airport.

His book, Young Thurgood:The Making of a Supreme Court Justice (Prometheus Books 2012), describes the environment, people and events that shaped Thurgood Marshall's attitudes, work habits, and priorities in his formative years

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor, a native Baltimorean, graduated from Edmondson High School in 1963 and attended Community College of Baltimore and Morgan State University to study business and law.

Rosa’s trade name is “Rambling Rose”, a name that was given to her by the late great Nat “King” Cole when she was touring in the 50’s as his opening act. The color red has always been her favorite color and when she used to perform, she always dressed in red exotic, sexy gowns and gave out her favorite flower, a long stem red rose, which became her signature. During this time, Rosa was not only a singer, but a musician, playing piano and saxophone; she was a recording artist, record producer and song writer.

Rosa “Rambling Rose” Pryor was the Entertainment Editor, Account Executive and Entertainment Columnist for the Baltimore Times and the Annapolis Times for ten years. “Rambling Rose”, as her readers affectionately call her is currently an entertainment columnist and reporter with the Afro-American Newspaper, and has been since 1998; The Informer Newspaper, The Northwest Voice and she freelance for other periodicals and have over 200,000 readerships. Since May 2011 she is back writing also for the Baltimore Times Newspaper. Rosa is a long time member of the National Association of Black Journalist, (NABJ).

Rosa is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, Inc. created in 1991.  The fund provides money for gifted and talented children aspiring musicians, ages 5-17 years old to help pay for tuition, voice and music lessons and purchase instruments. Her organization is the only one of its kind in the country. She is also the Co-founder & CEO of an entertainment company with her husband, William “Shorty” Trusty, called “RoseGarden Entertainment Enterprises, Inc.”. This is a company that provides entertainment, local and national for clubs, casinos, hotels, social events and racetracks, (but not active at this time).

In 2001, Rosa became Mrs. William (“Shorty”) Trusty. They are partners in Business and soul mates! She is the mother of 4 and grandmother of 22 and great- grandmother of 17. For additional information her email address is rosapryor@aol.com

GHISLAINE PIERRE

Ghislaine Pierre is an extraordinary woman, who is known for being one of the greatest multi-talented artists of her time. She is a singer, songwriter, poet, playwright, writer, entertainer, spiritual leader and radio anchor. She is an educator who travels the world spreading messages of LOVE, HOPE, WISDOM, and FAITH.

Within the rhythm of her creations, Pierre's humbled power captures a reader's mind through each line of her writings and every note of her songs. Her works change lives and make the weak regain strength.  She is called the voice of the voiceless. She empowers the young and the talented to live dreams that the world sees as impossible. She continues to engage in community programming and social challenges to break the walls of ignorance, intolerance and mediocrity. 

In 2011 Ghislaine started the radio show VCH and, became the Voice of the voiceless. The show is a blend of praise and worship, prayers, love songs and more: a bridge between the past and the present; every Sunday from 4: PM to 6: PM on wrcr.com.

SHARON CLARKSON 

Sharon Clarkson is a new author, professor from the College of Southern Maryland, and CEO of SClarkson Books located in Cheltenham, Maryland.  Ms. Clarkson holds an MBA in Finance from Strayer University and BBA in Computer Information Systems from Howard University.  In 2011, she released her first book of poetry called, My Dream.  My Dream is a 70-page book that is filled with poems that are going to move readers spiritually and inspire them in different aspects of their life.  Readers will quickly discover the passion in her words, and the penetrating voice that comes through in this book.  You will find an array of inspirational poems such as Give Up, My Dream, Closer, You Shall Be Healed, Moment and Forgive. 

Ms. Clarkson has received very favorable reviews of her book from all over the country.  In addition, her book has been reviewed by the White House, Tom Joyner, O Magazine and the Midwest Book Review.  In 2012, Ms. Clarkson produced and released an amazing music CD consisting of sixteen selected spoken poems, from My Dream. 

In the fall of 2013, she will release her second book poetry consisting of 200 love and inspirational poems.  Go to her website, www.sclarksonbooks.com for more information or contact her directly at mydreambook@earthlink.net.

Hattye Knight was born and raised in the Bronx and is a graduate of the esteemed Bronx High School of Science.  She attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. After her junior year of college, Ms. Knight joined the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller.  She quickly rose in rank and served as an Air Traffic Control Tower Supervisor at Roosevelt Roads (Roosey) Puerto Rico.  Unfortunately, Ms. Knight suffered a career ending injury and after serving 5 years was discharged while stationed in Norfolk, VA. Ms. Knight’s sense of adventure and her willingness to learn new things, allowed her to work in various positions.  Ms. Knight was a meter reader, an insurance specialist, an assistant to a General Manager of a large military entertainment facility, a substitute teacher, a mentor to Boys and Girls club students, and  a rater of standardized tests offered through Educational Testing Service (ETS).  She worked for several fortune 500 companies including USAA, T. Rowe Price, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Ashanti Kenyatta

I am a twenty-eight year United States Postal worker who has been blessed to be able to attend the many shows, concerts, plays, book signings, VIP parties, and other venues put on by well-known celebrities with the opportunity to meet them.

In 1988, I was determined to meet Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Then I met Stevie Wonder. I thought to myself, If I can meet Magic Johnson and Stevie Wonder, I can meet anybody. What I found out was that they are just as real as you and me. However, because of their fame, they carry a regal spirit around them. This spirit will cause you, the fan, to become tongue-tied or shocked in their presence. 

Come inside and see how a blue-collar worker from Baltimore, Maryland, met and reacted in the presence of sixty-six well-known celebrities.