REGISTRATION  FOR 2012 is Closed

SIGNATURE SPONSOR

Sylvia Hopkins , Your Neighborhood GEICO Agent.

“Serving the entire State of Maryland”

2012 3rd Annual African American Author's Expo

 Featured Author

Beverly Broadus-Green

"Real Love"

Beverly Broadus-Green is the mother of entertainer

Snoop Dogg

Beverly Broadus Green is an Evangelist and Author that is coming onto the public scene with a new image, new leash on life and a new story as she reveals an update to her life story as she releases her 2nd book, Real Love, 2nd Edition (Victorious Life Media Publishing Company). Beverly has always known Real Love and reveals several testimonials about her challenges and victories of love. Beverly will move your spirit as well as your heart as she shares with you her most intimate details about her childhood, her teenage years, her marriage, her children and her spirituality and religion. Real Love, 2nd Edition will capture your heart as this super woman and Mother of one of our nation's most notorious hip hop stars, Entertainer Snoop Dogg shares her story with you. Real Love, 2nd Edition will be released in July 2012. 

STACY LATTISAW JACKSON

"I Am Not The Same Girl:RENEWED"

Stacy Lattisaw was not yet even a teenager when she recorded her first album. Although she already had been singing since the age of six yrs old she was well on her way toward developing a vocal style of her own.

She was born and raised in Washington D.C. At the age of eleven, she sang before an estimated crowd of 30,000 people at Fort Dupont Park in South East D.C where she was the opening act for Ramsey Lewis. It wasn’t long before Henry Allen, President of Cotillion Records heard of this young sensation and signed her up posthaste. Stacy continued to on to complete a total of 12 albums during her R&B singing career.

At the age of thirteen Stacy toured with the Jackson’s in 1981. She was the opening act on a thirteen week tour. She also traveled to several foreign countries, some which included Germany, South Africa, Jamaica, London, Bermuda, Japan, and the Bahamas where she performed with some of the biggest names in the recording industry.

As Stacy began to mature in age and mind, her desires began to change. She always felt an emptiness inside that she could not quite understand. After suffering with bouts of depression Stacy began to seek God. Then one day she dropped to the floor and said to GOD “I have heard about you”. “I need to know that you are real”.  And she experienced a presence that she had never felt before. Behold, the emptiness inside had been filled. She is fully committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

She now ministers in word and song. And she often says that everything she’s been through has made her who she is today. Along with her husband Kevin, they own and operate two businesses in Maryland. Stacy is also a published author: Renewed: I Am Not the Same Girl. God has given Stacy a ministry for women; Women Walking with Authority. She also leads a Youth Empowerment program where she goes to schools encouraging youth (the next generation) in the importance of integrity and becoming leaders, not followers. Stacy says she’s a well kept woman, kept by the grace of God!  Her mission is to share her testimony about the keeping power of GOD!

TINA VICK

Celebrity Aunt of NFL Football player Mike Vick

Tina L. Vick was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia in the southeast community.  She was educated in the public school system and graduated from Homer L. Ferguson High School in 1980 and went on to receive her Bachelors of Science degree in communications in 1984 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.  In 2001 she attended the Alpha College of Real Estate.  Tina has one daughter, Teunsha Vick and son, Terrance Vick and grandsons Shamar Vick and Brandon Diggs.

Her professional experience includes Resource Specialists with the Office of Human Affairs, Marketing Specialist for the Community Arts Program, Counselor at Peninsula Marine Institute and Director of the New Orleans Marine Institute.  She later became a real estate agent for John E. Wood Realty, Inc. and the Director of Peninsula Community Development Corporation.  She is the current owner and principal broker of Tina L. Vick Realty & Development, LLC.

The Honorable Tina L. Vick was elected to City Council in 2008 and currently represents the South District of the City of Newport News. 

MILDRED MUHAMMAD

Ex Wife of Convicted and Now
Executed, DC Sniper John Muhammad. 

Mildred Muhammad is a domestic violence survivor with a story to tell the world. It is not just "a" story – it is "one of the many" stories built on the experiences of domestic violence and the depths of its terror. After her children were kidnapped and her inability to go on living without them, she began the silent struggle of looking for them, knowing that if she exposed herself, John Allen Muhammad would locate her and kill her. She was triumphant in her struggle to get through those 18 months of not knowing where her children were and re-gained full custody of them. She fled from her estranged husband and moved to Maryland with the children. She was frightened during the horrific sniper shootings, sat through court proceedings during the trial, and last but not least, began re-gaining her strength to start a 501©3 non-profit organization, After The Trauma, to assist survivors of domestic violence.

She has become a "National/International Spokesperson" for domestic violence and has been honored as being the keynote speaker, telling her story, for many conferences regarding domestic violence. She speaks to victims/survivors of domestic violence, law enforcements, advocates, judges, therapist, counselors, military facilities, medical professionals and at various universities. She is an advocate and accompanies victims & survivors to court. She is a consultant with the Office for Victims of Crime and is a board member of different domestic violence organizations.

She was interviewed on HLN Issues, with Jane Valez-Mitchell, The Tyra Banks Show, Larry King Live, Good Morning America with Charlie Gibson, Anderson Cooper Talk Show, The Huckabee Show with Governor Huckabee, appeared on several CNN documentaries, MSNBC documentary, Court TV documentary, Investigation Discovery documentary, BET, and other TV interviews. She has also been interviewed by various newspapers, internet blogs and magazine, to include the Washington Post, Redbook and Newsweek. She has spoken on various syndicated radio shows as well as blogtalk radio on the internet.

Her book, ‘Scared Silent’, was released October 2009 by Simon and Schuster. The reviews have been very favorable and supportive. Many have identified with her story and have expressed gratitude to her for sharing her personal story.

She has also written a working journal, ‘A Survivor’s Journal’ specifically for victims and survivors to help with those anxieties that others may not understand which is available on the organization’s website. The responses regarding the journal from others in the field have been spoken to the fact that this journal is unique in its own right and has the potential of unlocking the emotions victims/survivor carry around for so long. It is a great journal to have to tap into those emotions.

2012 AAAE PARTICIPATING AUTHORS

PAMELA REAVES

Pamela Reaves is the Founder and CEO of NELLA LLC, a Maryland limited liability company.  Pam is also the author of the thought-provoking and powerful book, “Is It Love…Or Merely a Sick Attachment?”  “Is It Love…” is published by the major publishing house, Tate Publishing & Enterprises.  This book has been well-received by readers as far away as Kenya.  Individuals of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and social status agree “Is It Love…” is a pager turner that offers a fresh perspective on the devastating difference between loving relationships and toxic relationships. Using real life relationships and news events that give the public insight into shocking truths, the book offers stories and lessons for everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.  The book is listed and stocked at Ingram/Spring Arbor, the world’s largest and best known book distributor, and as of July 5, 2011, is available in bookstore systems nationwide (e.g. Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.) and on Internet sites such as amazon.com; barnesandnoble.com; target.com, and many others.  Also, Tate Publishing is producing a: 30 second commercial.  The book trailer will air on national television on networks such as Lifetime, Fox News, Discovery, History Channel, Lifetime, USA Network, CNN Headline News, AMC, and Angel One.

CONTACTING PAM:

·                                             www.pamreavesnella.com  (currently under construction)

·                                             www.pamelareaves@tatepublishing.net (currently under construction)

·                                             Pamela Reaves|Facebook

·                                            pamreg01@verizon.net

·                                            For speaking engagements and professional services call (410) 902-1575 (Home Office); or (443) 691-4096 (cell) 

C.NATASHA RICHBURG

C. NaTasha Richburg has been married to her husband Melvin for over 26 years.   She is the mother of four children.  Mrs. Richburg is a preacher, teacher, and speaker positioned to bring forth illustrations in her short stories that allows us to find a reflection of peace in the middle of life's storms.

Mrs. Richburg has a Masters of Business Administration from Morgan State University and a Masters in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University. She has attended, and completed many courses at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.  Mrs. Richburg is currently attending Morgan State University in pursuit of a Doctorate in Urban Leadership Education. Mrs. Richburg professes Proverbs 24:5 (KJV) which says:

"[a] wise man is strong; yea a man of knowledge increaseth strength."

AUTHOR BERNICE LAYTON

and well-develop

a

Bernice is married, mother of one daughter and employed full-time in Baltimore, Md.

Her love of reading has lead to the publication of her first novel, Promises Made, which was published, November 2008 for Genesis Press, Inc. Indigo.

Bernice is a member of Romance Writers of America and has plans to write many more novels, with believable plots and well-developed characters for a thrilling read.

Her 2^nd novel, Crossing the Line, an interracial romantic, suspense novel was released April, 2010.

CHERYL M. WOOD

Cheryl Wood is an author, speaker, facilitator, business coach, and Founder & CEO of Moms R The Best.  Her mission is to empower, motivate, and educate women on the steps needed for living a fully rewarding life and transform fears into fearless living.  Cheryl empowers women to their dreams off the shelf and start living their dreams.  She motivates women to discover their passion, step into their purpose, and live up to their fullest potential.  And she educates women on the benefits that entrepreneurship can offer, especially as it relates to the financial freedom and independence that so many women desire.  As a wife and mother of three who was “existing” instead of “living,” Cheryl transformed her own life by pursuing full-time entrepreneurship.  Cheryl has experienced drastic transformation and growth in her business, Moms R The Best, since she launched the business in June 2009.

Author Evan Quitelle

Evan Quitelle Brockington is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He has spent over 27 years in the United States Navy and is still enlisted as a Master Chief Petty Officer.  He has his Master of Arts Degree in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University.  He currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

To learn more about Evan Quitelle , visit his website at

  http://www.evanquitelle.com/ or contact him at ceoeqb@aol.com

Author Donna Saunders

Donna & her stedaughter Aliyah just released the children's book SMOM (stepmom) & Me.  Donna M. Saunders is one of the featured authors in the anthology series Victorious Living and the 2008 We Support You!  Letters of Encouragement for Our Troops Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Donna graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Accounting.  She is a CPA and Controller for a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to help the disabled.  She has a passion for writing and helping others fulfill their dreams.  Donna lives with her husband Gary and two stepdaughters in Springdale, Maryland. 

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.

Author Joey N. Jones

 Dr. Joey N. Jones, a native of Reidsville, North Carolina has served as an award-winning educator for over 25 years, focusing on the development of youth as a middle school principal, high school administrator, technology education teacher, curriculum writer, mentor, minister, coach, and tutor. He earned undergraduate degrees from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Maryland, in College Park, Maryland. Among numerous awards and recognitions, he was selected to participate in the Washington Post’s Vincent E. Reed Principals Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C.  100 Percent The Power of Giving Your All – 31 Ways to a Better You is his first of many motivational and inspirational books. Dr. Jones is married to Kinta C. Jones. They have three daughters and reside in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Author Dorothy J. Morris

Dorothy is a proud graduate of Florida International University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and later a Masters degree in Human Resources Development from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, her current residence.  She is a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, as well as a member of the Social Security Administration' Women’s Advisory Affairs Council.

Dorothy works for the Social Security Administration, but her true passion is writing full-time.  She has published two novels, Fatal Rebounds and Fatal Vengeance, Part I and II of the Fatal Trilogy. Part III, Fatal Blowwill be released soon.

Please join Dorothy's mailing list  to stay informed of future book releases, book signings and other projects.  You may also send her an email at contactme@dorothyjmorris.com

Author Roxanne Pugh

Roxanne Pugh is an entrepreneur, well sought after motivational speaker, author, philanthropist, pastor, and family woman. She is the founder and CEO of Destiny Awaken Publications – a full service publishing company; Bawrar Generation – an outreach program addressing the needs of abused and battered women, single mothers, teens and children; Vote Ministries- a ministry based organization. She is to Co-Founder of Heavenly Delight Catering. Also, she is in the process of establishing additional businesses. 

 She is the author of “Deliverance from the Vicious Cycle of Abuse” and “The Promise is between your Legs” scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012. She has made several television appearance, conducted several radio interviews and she serves as a co-host for CAOT online talk radio blog show. 

 AUTHOR IRIS F. SETTLES

Blaque Diamond (pronounced black) is originally from Manhattan N. Y. She left N.Y in 2001 for Maryland and earned her BSW and MSW from Morgan State University. In addition, she was named outstanding student of the year for Title IV-E Public Child Welfare and was inducted into Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. She was named All American Collegiate Scholar and earned a placed on the National Dean’s List.

In this wonderful memoir, Diamond offers a vivid representation of both the crucial and vital occurrences that happen in the house where Diamond and the neighborhood grew up. Diamond shares of her memories with the house where her life was shaped and where she learned more about life. With all the things happening in the house, it opened her eyes to the realities of life and she bravely shares what it has offered to her and to others. Diamond believes IN MY MOTHER’S HOUSE has more exciting and lesson-filled occurrences to tell readers to enjoy and reflect on. 

You can visit Blaque Diamond at;Blaquediamond357@yahoo.com, or write:

Blaque Diamond

P.O Box 35068 Dundalk, MD 21222 

Octavia Carlos, 

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York.

I Graduated from North Carolina A&T State University for my BS degree and Howard University for my Masters degree (MSW) in Social Work.

I am a psychotherapist in private practice in Largo MD providing counseling services to adults.  

My book is a Self Help Stress Management Tool for busy individuals who might find themselves overwhelmed and stressed or just tired and stressed.

The book shows you step by step how to change parts of your lifestyle so the stressors have less impact. We must take care of ourselves they way we take care of everyone and everything else. This book will show you how in 3 short chapters. The first chapter defines stress. The second chapter provides 12 ways to reduce the stress and its symptoms. The third chapter shows you some lifestyle changes for permanent management.

 DeBora Wicks

Empowerment Speaker. Radio Personality. Editor. Attorney and Author of Love Addicted: One Woman’s Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, DeBora M. Ricks has an insatiable appetite for books, travel, and connecting with dynamic, interesting people. 

 DeBora is the editor of seven books, both nonfiction and works of fiction. On her most recent trip to Paris, France she realized a life long dream to do a book reading and signing. She is one of the featured speakers on the 2012 Project Consciousness Tour. She lives, loves and works in Baltimore, Maryland. Ms. Ricks is busy at work on her second nonfiction book, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss and Letting Go.

 Visit DeBora at www.DeBoraRicks.com for more information. Also visit her blog at www.DeBoraricks.blogspot.com To book DeBora to speak at your next women's conference, retreat, or event, email her at Info@DeBoraricks.com or call 410.599.2131.   

W. JAMES HARRIS

W.  James Harris, author, philosopher, and motivator has been compiling excerpts of his writings for the last 20 years. His insight into the human psyche is phenomenal. He is a self educated African-American male who was so misunderstood in his childhood that he was believed to be mentally and developmentally challenge. This journey we call life has always been intriguing to him and he has spent his life exploring the vast possibilities it can bring. As people he believes we have limited ourselves in our thinking, our understanding and striving to be all that we were created to be. The expedition that you’re about to walk through is an Arduous Journey through the depths of “Your Life and Your Mind” with Mr. Harris as your guide.

JACKIE GARDNER

Ever since the age of twelve, JC Gardner has aspired to be an author.  Writing stories became an escape, a way for her imagination to come alive on the handwritten pages of steno pads, notebooks and journals.  A closet writer for many years due to a series of unfortunate events, when it came to sharing her 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, a satchel, or just locked up in her mind.  An extrovert by nature, slowly but surely her love of writing seeped into homemade greeting cards, personalized poems for friends, song lyrics and of course, lots of stories.   JC hopes to add “inspirational speaker” to her resume to help others keep the faith and follow their dreams. Check JC out at www.booksbyjcg.com. 

SHERLYN POWELL

Sherlyn Powell is an Author and Speaker. She majored in Business Management at Northern Virginia Community College. Although Sherlyn has a business background and worked for major corporations in Corporate America she has always loved writing. Powell has started her own publishing company, Books My Way Publishing.

Though writing is her passion since childhood, Sherlyn enjoys networking, photography, and traveling, especially long cruises.

Powell is the mother of two and resides in Virginia with her husband. She is a member of Toastmasters International, James River Writers, The Riverside Writers, The Virginia Writer's Club and the Local Chapter President of the National Association of Professional Women.

LEROY McKENZIE

Leroy C. Mckenzie Jr. is a native Baltimorean and a product of the Baltimore Public and Private school systems. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He is a proud member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church where he serves as a part of the Honor Guard. He is the former Executive Director of the Black Writer’s Guild-PG Chapter, where he served for two years. He is the President/Owner of JNF(Jesus Never Fails) Enterprises, which is a Distribution and Publishing, and Business Consulting Firm located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Mr. Mckenzie has written two books of poetry, which have been featured on Heaven 600’s poetry café, a business finance book, The Customer Is Not Always Right, A Common Sense Guide To Establishing A Strong and Flourishing Business, and a book on entrepreneurship, Young & Gifted, The New Generation of Entrepreneurship.  By being a Christian based company, we will add a spiritual foundation to our business that will add instant credibility, integrity, and a general sense of courtesy to the Distribution and Publishing Industries. In this day and time businesses have missed the mark in providing exceptional products and services, and JNF is poised to bring back the basics of business.

VALERIE RICH

Valerie Yvette Rich has a creative passion for art and writing. She resides in Baltimore Maryland, and is a wife and mother of three. She has worked for the last 30 years in the window treatment business. There she had the opportunity to listen to and inspire other women. This led her to

publish a book. Window Pain Soul's Journey To Inner Beauty, is a book of poetry about a woman’s journey to wholeness.

Valerie can be found on Facebook (Window Pain) or contacted by email at

Windowpain2@yahoo.com

TONYA McQUIRE ROBINSON

Tonya Robinson is a well- known Speaker, Author, Mentor and Encourager. She is the founder of Angel’s Women in Christ -a Women’s Fellowship.  She is also the founder of Reflections of Hope, an Online Daily Devotional movement. .  On October 19, 2009 she was appointed and asked to serve as Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hampton, SC.  On November 29, 2009 she was installed as the first female Pastor to serve in the New Zion Association and Mt. Olive Baptist Church. In January 2012 she published her first book: Reflections of Hope Daily Devotional.  And she’s currently working on A Piece of My Passion-Reflection of Hope Inspirational CD and Reflections of Hope Daily Journal: 40 Days of Encouragement. 

The Lord has blessed her with a wonderful husband Mr. Ernest Robinson and the Lord has blessed them with three children: Taylor, Christian and Chelsea. She’s the proud G-Ma to little Miss Jayla.  She is the daughter of Mr. Angus & Evangelist Elise McQuire.                                            

Evangelist Robinson stands on Philippians 1:6, being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

SAVANNAH J.

Savannah J. was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware in an Italian neighborhood affectionately referred to as "Little Italy". The unconditional love and support of her family and influence of her environment fostered her love and talents in the Arts. Subsequently, during her college years, she studied music and literature, which fed her passion for writing. She is the author of “Toward the Light” and the sequel “The Prodigal Son,” and “Behind Closed Doors.” She has recently completed two additional titles, “The Drama Don’t Stop Cause a Brotha Turns 50,” and the suspense thriller, “The Prey,” to be released in the summer of 2012. She is also the founder and organizer and co-host of The Annual Authors Literary Festival, which is held yearly in the Richmond Virginia Metro Area. 

Savannah J. currently resides in Virginia with her son and family. For more information see her website at www.thesavannahjpublications.com or email her at savnhj@aol.com.  For more information on The Annual Authors Literary Festival visit the website at www.theannualauthlitfestival.com  “Toward the Light” is available at www.authorhouse.com  “The Prodigal Son,” and “Behind Closed Doors” are available through Savannah J’s website.

A.C. Moore

New to the world of fiction, acclaimed writer and communications professional A.C. Moore brings unique, exciting and tasteful stories to reading lovers.

A.C. likes to describe his writing style as fresh storytelling with a keen ability of building intimacy and interaction between his readers and his characters. As a Christian, husband, and father, he prides himself on including plenty of detail, yet keeping his stories free from obscenities and unnecessary pursuits.

Growing up and now working in the Baltimore / Washington DC Metropolitan area, A.C. discovered his dream of becoming an author early in his childhood.  A fan of creative writing courses and assignments, he flourished in school and began to apply his talent in the workforce.

Countless published writings and awards followed him throughout his education and career.  A.C. graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.  He has since worked in several writing, public relations and marketing environments.

Currently, A.C. is pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications from Johns Hopkins University.

Tamara Swan-Mason

KELVIN SMITH

Kelvin Smith is a graduate of Fayetteville State University majoring in biology, has five children and lives with his wife in New Hempstead, NY.

Since his youth, Kelvin had always been the athlete and later prided himself in the guidance of other athletes, so when told he was dying of heart failure it was truly overwhelming. After working twenty years at a N.Y. water treatment facility, a heart transplant was his only hope. Lying in the hospital for months, he began jotting down the intricate details surrounding his survival. In The Unlikely Candidate- An Amazing Journey of a Heart Transplant Patient, Kelvin chronicles the events prior, during and after the miracle on April 17, 2008 when he was afforded a new life with the gift from a stranger.

Now fully back to work at the water facility, as well as managing the careers of NFL athletes Kelvin Jr. his son, and Keith Bulluck his brother, Kelvin is an author, public speaker, business owner and very proud of his work as a volunteer at the New York Organ Donor Network. Along with these jobs, his biggest challenge to date is heading a steering committee to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Ramapo, N.Y. While serving as a mentor to these young men and women, he realizes how influential and inspirational his book will certainly be.

Nanette Buchannan

An Author with New Drama, Page after Page

Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey after graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry.  She is a proud mother, wife and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey. Nanette is employed with the State of New Jersey as a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections.

Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five yet to be published children stories as well as several unpublished novels.  Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis”.  Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book hit the market.  In October of 2009, Nanette’s murder mystery, “Bruised Love” followed by “Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door” which released in August of 2010.  The start of the summer in 2011, her latest novel “Gossip Line” made its debut. Her preferred genre’ is romantic fiction, but readers will attest to the fact that they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist.  It is her goal to become a successful author without limits; writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen” are in her future. 

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.

                                                       About the Author

Ashanti S. Kenyatta has been working for the United States Postal Service for 28 years. She is the author of two memoirs, “I Thank my Lucky Stars” and “Anointed with the Holy Spirit.” She is currently writing her third memoir, “Anointed with the Holy Spirit Vol. 2.” She resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her only child Tiara Carr who is one of God’s precious gifts to her. 

RONDA F SHARPE

Ms. Sharpe has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a concentration in magazine article writing from Temple University. She first flexed her writing muscles while working as a correspondent for the Northeast Neighbors and Bucks County Neighbors sections of the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspaper.

Poems to Ponder: The Inspirational Poetry of Ronda F. Sharpe is a volume of inspirational poetry and the first book published by Ms. Sharpe. 

Ms. Sharpe’s second poetry book, Poems to Ponder II: The Inspiration Continues, has a projected release date of May 2012.  A CD (audio book) will also be available at that time.

Ms. Sharpe is a member of a long-standing Baptist church in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a dedicated choir member.

Samuel Reynolds

The author is a person who grew up in a housing project in the Hampton roads area in Virginia. He shared so many of the same experiences as most inner city youths. He notice that so many inner city children growing up in an urban setting usually find it hard to leave behind most of the bad experiences that can lead them to many problems in life and with the law. But he started to wonder why he was able to get beyond the past and be able to make it in society without a criminal record. He also noticed that there were others who grew up in similar areas worse than what he grew up in and never experienced illegal drugs. 

GEORGE MEANS

Born1963 and adopted by Joe B. Means & Anderson Means.  I am currently a Supervisor level 1 and a former Safety Coordinator at a municipality in NYC. I grew up in South Jamaica, Queens. The city streets helped to lay the foundation for my life. Having my three kids: Maya, Eli and Jordan, gave me the strength and resolve to stay focused. They are one of the many reasons this journey is possible. What I have experienced so far has been so influential; it has awakened a spiritual side, causing me to escape visually thru photography. These observations depicted, are my expressions and the themes which were taken expressed in this body of pictures are of nature in its natural beauty. 

Enjoy this story of my joyous awakening. Everyone has a story to tell and ... “What A Crazy Weekend” is one of mine.

MELANIE BONITA

GEORGE R. ADDISON III

George R. Addison III is a New York City Technology Educator that has  taught in the city for over 20 years. He a has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and a Masters in Education specializing in Children with Disabilities from Long Island University. He is also a New York State certified Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist working in Early Childhood Intervention with Autistic children aged from birth to 3 years old.   The father of six children, Mr. Addison is a United States military veteran that served in the early 80's. Prior to becoming an educator, he wrote for several publications, including a stint as a desk reporter for the New York Voice. Inspired by his incredible experiences in the New York City public school system, he has committed to writing a series of children's books about families and how they deal with various disabilities. "What always  struck me about my students and their families is that they were just ordinary people trying to deal with life. And they had all the same hopes, dreams, anxieties and sense of purpose as anyone else. Children are adept at communicating that they want to just fit in." The author of the groundbreaking children's book,  "When Mom Came Home", Mr. Addison is working on the next book in his series entitled (This Is My Brother Simon). He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.     When Mom Came Home  

JENNIFER C. McKELVEY

Jennifer McKelvey was born and raised in small-town Attapulgus, Georgia. She graduated Georgia Southern University with a BBA in Marketing. Jennifer began her federal government career with a four-year stint in the US Army where she served her entire career at the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It was here that she was able to obtain her Master’s in Public Administration. She then embarked upon her federal civilian career of which she has spent the past ten years. Jennifer now resides in Maryland where she actively serves as a mentor and foster mom to the youth she encounters and volunteers and serves as a member of the board for a homeless shelter

JEAN GAFFNEY

Jean Gaffney has had more than 15 years practice in cardiology, both as a Physician Assistant, and  as a Registered Nurse in  Telemetry. She has further expanded her career in health education as a "Care Transitions Coach”, where she assists patient's after hospital discharge in helping them to  best maintain their health  ,thereby preventing  avoidable hospital re-admissions. During her career, she has educated families on healthy lifestyles   and good nutrition in the Baltimore area.  

 Her desire to expand her educational efforts led to the 2011 publication of her book, Eating Well to Stay Well. She has been a featured speaker on radio, in written publications, and at community centers, churches and schools in encouraging community residents to making healthier food choices.

This year, she will soon make her book available in  Spanish while working on a children's activity book featuring health and nutrition related puzzles, games, stories, and more.

For more information about EATING WELL TO STAY WELL or to purchase a copy, please visit www.joshuashost.org or visit Jean on facebook at  eatingtostaywell.com

Nicole Lanier Montez

Nicole Lanier Montez, born in Mt.Vernon, N.Y. of African-American and Mexican descent and is a poet, licensed funeral director, cosmetologist and holds a forensic psychology degree. Montez work is bold, fresh, fruitful and vibrant; questioning social, economic and religious implications that define us. Montez writes abroad and from her residence in Maryland

DAVID IMHOTEP PH.D. 

David Imhotep is the first person to hold a Ph.D. with a specialization in ancient African history. He has traveled the world researching for the last 30 years searching for relevant interesting evidence. Has appeared on television, radio, magazine and newspapers such as the New York Times. He has hosted a radio show and a newspaper column. His many slide/lectures contain cutting-edge data that are very entertaining.

TIKA BERNEDETTE

Tika Bernadette published her first book in 2003, titled Piper, which is a book of love poems.  Her next four books include a novel and three children’s books.  In addition to writing and publishing books, Tika is a homemaker and philanthropist.

DeVaughn M. Lilly

DRICA ARMSTRONG

Drica Armstrong was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. She never thought of becoming an author because she wanted to be a lawyer. A homework assignment given to her by an English teacher sparked her interest in writing. While attending high school, Drica wrote several short stories and poetry but starting writing her first novel, Beautiful Liars, during her first year of college. After graduating from Newbury College in Brookline, MA, Drica started to pursue publishing for her debut novel. Beautiful Liars was self-published in 2009. Soon after the release of her new novel, Drica finished her second novel, Hide and Seek. Hide and Seek is the first book to be published on Drica’s self publishing company, Double Take Publications, in 2012. Drica is currently publishing Beautiful Liars (coming soon) under DTP as well as working on the screen play for Hide and Seek, and completing her third novel, Quiet Storm. Drica lives in Elizabeth, NJ with her son. 

SAMANTHA  JOYNER

Samantha Joyner is originally from the Low Country of South Carolina, partly raised in Early Branch, South Carolina and then later in Brooklyn, New York. Samantha has traveled the country and lived in several areas that have contributed to her creativity and vast knowledge of a myriad of experiences that support her writing. Given her territorial residences that spread from the city lights of New York to the deep woods of Carolina, she’s a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. She now resides in Columbia, South Carolina. She is a divorcee and has one adult son.

G. Alfred Palmer

G. Alfred Palmer is a Purposeologist, a licensed counselor & mental health therapist. He is also the President of The NuHorizons Center, a non-profit agency serving Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. The NuHorizons Center offers assistance to ex-offenders in finding their life's purpose, and to effectively re-enter society. In addition, Mr. Palmer heads CrownLand Community Development housed in NW, Washington DC, where assistance in the areas of community reclaimation and renovation are offered. G. Alfred possesses over 30 years of experience in organizational and human services, and advocates for the voiceless and disenfranchised.  He has administrated and managed a number of social services programs in a variety of areas i.e. federal & state government agencies (jails, prisons, schools), treatment centers, nursing homes, mental health centers, religious centers and his own private practice. He possesses the education, experience and expertise to speak on relevent social issues of our day.

Author SHERRY BURTON WAYS

Author Sherry Burton Ways is an Interior Decorator and Interior Environment Coach who creates inspirational and supportive environments for people going through life transitions as well as those interested in reflecting wellness in their interiors. A self proclaimed “holistic” designer, Sherry helps people to understand what is blocking them in their lives by looking at the spaces they occupy and the colors they surround themselves with.

In 2004, she started her Washington, DC based firm Kreative Ways & Solutions, LLC, to help people create customized living and working spaces that overcome decorating challenges and evoke a feeling of well being.

Her first book, Feel Good Spaces:  A Guide to Interior Decorating for the Body, Mind and Spirit is about creating home and office interior spaces the way you want to live and without rules! This book provides a step-by-step guide to creating interior spaces that gives you self-empowerment, love and peacefulness. Come and explore what it takes to create an interior decor that is strictly about you.

Author  CHRISTOPHER GASKINS

Christopher Gaskins graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Howard University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.  He now lives and works in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. As an occupational therapist, Gaskins is able to fulfill his desire to help others. He hopes to participate in more humanitarian efforts to aid the impoverished and disadvantaged in the near future

Author STARR HOLLY SHYNE

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Starr began writing at a very young age. In 3^rd grade she wrote an Essay about her mom, winning her mother, Gladys Shyne, Mother of the year. Throughout high school she compiled poetry collections.

She was the Editor N Chief of A local Church Newspaper, The FBC Times in Dayton, Ohio and A Freelance Beat Reporter for The Cleveland Challenger Newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio.

Starr is currently employed at Exit Realty Professionals in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Her passion for writing started very young and has blossomed full speed ahead. She is the CEO of StarrShyne Books, a daughter entity of StarrShyne Companies, and recently published her debut Urban Fiction Novel, BROKENTRUST, published in February 2012. Her 2^nd title, Ebony’s Essence will be released Mid-Summer.

Starr’s primary focus is to combat illiteracy, to write stories interesting enough that just about anyone will desire to read them. 

Author TERRY POTILLO

Terry Catherine Potillo is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Her artistic gifts included sewing and painting, but her passion for writing emerged over the last three years during a life changing experience. She started writing blogs during her often painful journey but was encouraged by a poet friend to write the journey in poetry instead. Terry describes “Poetry Through My Journey” as truly “Me, Myself and God”. Her prayer is to encourage others to write during their trials, find peace while going through their journey, but most of all, healing.

Author BELLA GRACE

Born, in 1979, Bella Grace has arisen to become a person strategically working to make a change rather than complain. At the age of 5, she knew she wanted to be a teacher and she stuck to that. As with any child, she faced life decisions that she believes helped to cultivate her into the woman she has become. Born in Newark, NJ, Bella graduated as Salutatorian of her 8th grade class literally missing it by a point to be Valedictorian. She went on to study Drama at Newark’s Arts High School and graduated in the top 15 of her class. Bella later went on to study at Pace University with a major in Education, and minor in Child Psychology.

In 2009, Bella began to write a series of children books entitled “The Adventures of Susie and JJ.” After careful selection, she was finally able to select the method of her choice to have the books released. On July 8, 2011, her first installment, “The Adventures of Susie and JJ: The Love Policy,” was published and ready to educate the youth of today. This nine part series is sure to be a delight in your home as well as in your family’s life.

Dr. EUGENA GRIFFIN

Dr. Eugena Griffin pursued a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in the field of General Psychology as an undergraduate at Morgan State University (MSU) in 1997.  During that time, Dr. Griffin began her interests in minority health research.  Specifically, she began studying the effects of racism on physiological outcomes, including galvanic skin responses, heart rate, and blood pressure among African American college students.  As a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina (USC) in 2002, pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Clinical-Community Psychology, Dr. Griffin expanded her research interest and began studying coping typologies in response to racial stress among African American adults.

Dr. Griffin’s overall objective is to use her training as a clinician, researcher, and community programmer to educate, empower, and develop programs for African American communities in various cities and states.  Thus, she released her first book, titled, “Letters to the Black Community” which combines her minority health research and clinical intervention within the Black community.  “Letters to the Black Community”, aims to educate individuals about the multitude of ways in which internalized oppression affects the Black psyche.  Not only does Dr. Griffin point out this dilemma, but she offers solutions to combat this phenomenon which is hoped to serve as a catalyst for Black community change.