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Monica “Dr. Moe” Anderson’s debut novel, When A Sistah’s FED UP, was a national bestseller in 2006. Her critically acclaimed new release, I Stand Accused, is a suspenseful exploration of family ties from a male’s point of view. She is the also the author of two nonfiction books, a columnist for Beautiful Black Magazine, and a contributor to several anthologies. This Texasnative is also a mother of two, moe-tivational speaker, and Doctor of Dental Surgery.

For more information visit: www.drmoeanderson.com or www.myspace.com/wwwdrmoecom.

Brooks is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and also the National Black MBA Association. He enjoys public speaking, snow skiing, and running. He lives with his wife and children near Houston, Texas, USA.

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.

Born and raised in Paris, Texas, Tiffany Cherry is a self certified lover of learning. She has so far received two B.S. degrees and one Master of Science, and is currently studying Psychology in a 2nd Master’s program. She takes pride in her streak of independence that she credits for her educational pursuits as well as keeping her humble and grounded.

Tiffany’s strength of self motivation is what lead her to pursue a career in writing, despite being indirectly told that a place didn’t exist for her in that arena. After receiving rejection after rejection from agents and publishers alike, the 26 year-old decided to self publish the story she had completed years earlier, For Whomever Wants to Listen: the Story of a Nineteen Year-Old Grandmother.

The young author draws inspiration from her surroundings, namely the harsh realities of growing up in a small southern town, full of racial prejudice. Raised by a single mother, who is a known civil rights activist in her hometown, Tiffany sees a blessing in being made aware of the negative aspects of the human condition early on.

Tiffany has set her sights on conquering an industry that she feels is all too quick to overlook the talents of African American female writers. She hopes to one day own her own publishing company, and help foster the talents of those whose unique talents are needlessly overlooked.

Dr. John Codwell is a board certified Podiatrist in Houston. He has been in private practice for more than thirteen years. He is on staff at many different hospital, including the newly opened surgery center, BraeValley, which is African-American owned and in which he is an investor. Dr. Codwell specializes in diabetic footcare, foot and ankle surgery and is one of the Sports Medicine physicians for some of the local high schools and Colleges in the Houston area.
Additionally, Dr. Codwell is on the National Podiatric Medical Association Board and is very active in many local social, civic and community organizations.

Dr. Codwell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency training in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Richmond, VA.

A native of Detroit, MI, John now resides in the Houston area with his wife, Wendy Turner Codwell and their three incredible sons, John IV, Reid and Austin.

W. Eric Croomes is a writer and playwright based in Irving, Texas and a native of Phoenix, Arizona. Eric is a graduate of Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in religion and sociology and is founder and executive director of Millennium Men of Color, a non-profit black male advocacy group.

In 2002, Eric self-published Dance in the Dark, Poetic Reflections on Love and Culture, a collection of his original poems and essays on love and relationship in the African-American tradition. Three to Eight, a play examining the hours when most teens become pregnant and most juvenile crime is committed, was Eric’s first theatrical release and debuted at the 2004 Black N Blues one act play festival at the African-American museum in Dallas. Brotha2Brotha, Becoming Healthy Men from the Inside Out, a spiritual primer for men of color, was released in September, 2006. Eric’s next book, Thoughts in Black and Male, is slated for release in spring 2008.

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.

Cheryl Donovan is an acclaimed author, inspirational speaker, and compelling
advocate for personal empowerment. Her book Women What the Hell are You
Thinking remained in the top 10 of Amazons Hot New Releases during its first
two months of publication. She is the founder of A Virtuous Woman-31 whose
programs seek to help women discover their true worth.

Cheryl’s internet radio talk show Worth More than Rubies reaches thousands
of listeners each Friday and has impacted women all across the nation. Her
syndicated column of the same name can be found in both Favor and Divine
Elegance Magazines. Read More....

Nina Foxx

Nancy Gilliam

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/.

Darryl K. Johnson has been an educator, lecturer and inspirational speaker for more than 15 years. He has consulted with educational systems nationally, and has presented “The Inner-Self” model to a myriad of schools and communities throughout the country. He has a BA from Texas Southern University and an M. Ed from Kent State University. He presently resides in Dallas, Texas, administrating his leadership module. His published manuscript, The Inner-Self is his first of a seven-part series.

For more information visit: http://www.theinnerselfbook.com

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.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland currently residing in Covington Georgia, Tina wears many hats, as she balances her time between that of wife, mother, talk show hostess/interviewer and creative force behind the drama trilogy -- All That Drama, in 2004, Lawd, Mo’ Drama, 2007 and finally Fool, Stop Trippin’ – 2008. All published under the imprint of Strebor Books, a division of Simon & Shuster Atraia Books.

As an avid reader, taking in everything she could get her hands on, Tina decided to share her love of books with the world by first co-hosting a show on internet radio called Intimate With Paula Edwards and going on to do her own show called Real Talk With Tina McKinney. Tina’s show focuses on both traditional and self published authors whose voices are seldom heard. To learn more about this show, log into www.blogtalkradio.com/tinabrooksmckinney. The show airs on Wednesday nights at 7:00 EST but previous shows are available in the achieves.
Tina uses fictional characters to address real issues occurring in the world. Known for her ‘tell it like it is’ banter, Tina hopes to enlighten and entertain her reading audience. Thus far, she has been successful.

For more information visit: http://www.tinamckinney.com/

I’m Novelist M.W. Moore, a former NCAA track-and-field champion who captured the conscience of readers with my extraordinary fact-based semi-autobiographical novel about a falling star. I’m releasing the second of the trilogy that show me enter the transition into prison after robbing six banks in the Houston area during the winter of 1997.

I was a crack-cocaine and sexual addict then. I will tell how my middle-class Baptist upbringing is challenged behind bars and how my college education seemed inconsequential when you’re a felon alongside criminals of various backgrounds.

For more information visit: www.forwhatihateido.com or www.mwmoore.com.

Sydelle Richard was born, Sydelle Nicole McDonald in 1971 in Hereford, Texas. She was raised in the small rural town of Dimmitt; located in the Panhandle of West Texas. The youngest of four children and the only girl, Sydelle shares a special bond with the two older boys. Born of a mother who succumbed to a life of drug and alcohol abuse, Sydelle and her brothers were left to be raised by their grandparents. In addition to her brothers, Sydelle shared special bonds with a number of cousins and friends.

Sydelle attended schools in the Dimmitt ISD where she graduated with honors in 1989. She was very active in various extra-curricular activities including, basketball, track, cross-country, FFA (Future Farmers of America), FHA (Future Homemakers of America) and student council. During her senior year in high school, Sydelle served as Student Body President. She was team captain of the basketball team, receiving All-State honors. She focused and excelled in activities outside the home in order to keep her mind off the multitude of problems she faced at home. Read More....

Phaedra is a poet of many talents! She is the author of "Ocean of Emotions", the composer of "Journey" CD, a model for the Callie Lewis-Watson & Forty Plus Models, and a member of “Divas With A Purpose”. She is a native Houstonian, who started writing poetry in High School, mother and a wife. Phaedra launched her business, “Poems by Phaedra” in March 2000, where she creates pieces for others to enjoy and give as gifts. She is an active volunteer in her community and models annually to raise funds for scholarships.

For more information visit: www.poemsbyphaedra.com

Dreason Ruckett is the CEO of Lyrical4Cast LLC, a multi-faceted company/organization that embodies perseverance as it relates to the always evolving human to remain empowered throughout the journeys that life entails. The organization is committed to empowering the minds and lives of the community by encouraging spirituality, positivity and growth in all mankind through books, poems, images, songs and plays.

Having been reared in the small, borderline poverty-stricken multicultural town of
La Marque, Texas, Mr. Ruckett has dealt with situations such as: being raised in a dysfunctional single –parent home, battling peer pressure, and overcoming mental, physical and drug abuse. These life challenges provided him with an outward look on life prematurely preparing him for a life of transformation: his and those among him. The wealth of life experience heightened his first poetry book, “Birthed in Vanity”. The book touches on life as seen through men, women, and children and their plight with coping in a world that is full of vanity and emptiness. Birthed in Vanity has brought many perspectives to life and to the way that we as people deal with our own weaknesses while trying to maintain an upbeat spirit in a fighting world. Read More....

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/.

Her song "Thinking" talks about how she was reared by Godly feared parents instilling in her the instructions from God. Even though she received the teachings about the heavenly father, she made choices that were not of Him and had to learn from her mistakes and disobedience to the Father.

Alana's soulful voice has be compared to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples and many others that have paved the way for Gospel and R&B artist. She has also graced the same stages with many greats in the industry and has held down many audiences, bringing them closer to God.

Alana currently holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and works as a College Professor teaching the arts of Entrepreneurship and Marketing/Advertising. She is also studying to receive her PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change.

In fact, in his new book “From Poverty To Power Moves”, Dashawn tells of his road to success and gives the new generation of entrepreneurs tips on how to be successful.

Dashawn’s big break came just recently in the 2005 Reality TV Series Ultimate Hustler Show hosted by Hip-Hop CEO Damon Dash. Dashawn came in second place of the entire competition. The exposure and credibility of the show allowed Dashawn and his company to reach new business heights unseen before the show. The show originally aired on BET in October of 2005 and ran for ten weeks. Read More....

Kyle Turner, a creative and innovative artist, has warmed many hearts with the sultry musical notes on his saxophone. Kyle a native Houstonian began his career as a saxophonist at a young age. Under the direction of Algernon Jones in Middle School and James P. Mosely and Alan Beverly at M.B. Smiley High School, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young saxophonist in the Houston area. When fellow saxophonist Conrad Johnson and Kirk Whalum took Kyle on as a protege, Kyle's music took on a more serious note.

During his college years at Jackson State University and Texas Southern University, Kyle won numerous awards. Those years afforded him the opportunity to develop his natural talent and abilities for music, especially in area of jazz. The transition from college to the professional arena was an engaging but challenging phase of Kyle's career. Kyle learned to intensify his performances and let the music move through him, taking his audiences along with him on a spiritual journey.

Omar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, a 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 15 books and has sold more than 1.8 million copies worldwide. With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African-American community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and in tellectual topics. Soon to enter the world of feature film making, self-help / business books, and urban children's books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.

Tonya M. Evans-Walls, is a tenure-track Professor of Law at Widener University School of Law (Harrisburg campus) and an attorney specializing in the areas of publishing law, intellectual property (copyright and trademark), estate planning, and municipal finance. She is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Sports, Entertainment and Art Law Committee, and has served as an adjunct professor of copyright, publishing and licensing at York College of Pennsylvania.

Professor Evans-Walls is a nationally recognized speaker who presents to various audiences regularly on publishing and intellectual property law and estate planning issues and is the author of an award-winning series of legal reference guides for writers and publishing industry professionals, including Literary Law Guide for Authors: Copyright, Trademark and Contracts in Plain Language. She is also a performance poet and wine connoisseur.

For more information visit: www.legalwritepublications.com and www.literarylawguide.com for resources and information.