AALBC.com eNewsletter - March 29th 2012 - Issue #191
The African American Literature Book Club - Celebrating Our Literary Legacy Since 1997

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In This Month's Issue:
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AALBC.com Best Selling Books
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AALBC.com's 25 Best Selling Books For January 1st through February 29th 2012
http://aalbc.com/books/bestsellers.htm

I Dreamt I Was in Heaven - The Rampage of the Rufus Buck Gang by Leonce GaiterFiction

#1 - I Dreamt I Was in Heaven - The Rampage of the Rufus Buck Gang by Leonce Gaiter
#2 - Thug Matrimony by Wahida Clark
#3 - Justify My Thug by Wahida Clark
#4 - The One by Cheryl Robinson
#5 - Head Bangers: An APF Sexcapade (Strebor Quickiez) by Zane
#6 - Covenant: A Thriller by Brandon Massey
#7 - Can I Be Me? by Esther Armah
#8 - The Reverend's Wife (A Reverend Curtis Black Novel) by Kimberla Lawson Roby
#9 - The Sexy Part of the Bible (Akashic Urban Surreal Series) by Kola Boof
#10 - A Soldier's Play (Dramabook) by Charles Fuller

 

Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out by JJ SmithNon -Fiction

#1 - Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out by JJ Smith (was also an Amazon.com #1 bestselling book!)
#2 - The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors by Frances Cress Welsing
#3 - The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Godwin Woodson
#4 - Confessions of a Video Vixen by Karrine Steffans
#5 - Understanding Black Male Learning Styles by Jawanza Kunjufu
#6 - Something Like Beautiful: One Single Mother's Story by Asha Bandele
#7 - Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You're Going Through by Iyanla Vanzant
#8 - Life Upon These Shores: Looking at African American History, 1513-2008 by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
#9 - Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
#10 - Letters to a Young Brother: Manifest Your Destiny by Hill Harper

 

Check out AALBC.com's 25 Best Selling Fiction and Nonfiction Books For 2011

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Authors You Should Know
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Louis Reyes RiveraLouis Reyes Rivera (May 19, 1945 - March 2, 2012)
http://aalbc.com/authors/louis_reyes_rivera.html

Louis Reyes Rivera was an award-winning poet; an academic and professor with a specialty in African American, Puerto Rican, and Caribbean literature and history; a political activist; and a radio show host. Fondly called, the Janitor of History, Rivera is the recipient of numerous awards, including a lifetime achievement award from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1995), a Special Congressional Recognition award (1988), and City College of New York's 125th Anniversary Medal (1973).

Louis has assisted in the publication of well over 200 books, including John Oliver Killens' Great Black Russian (Wayne State U., 1989), Adal Maldonado's Portraits of the Puerto Rican Experience (IPRUS, 1984), and Bum Rush The Page: A Def Poetry Jam (Crown Publishers, 2001).

 

Charisse Carney-NunesCharisse Carney-Nunes
http://aalbc.com/authors/charisse_carneynunes.html

Charisse is the founder of a publishing company, Brand Nu Words LLC where she has sold over 25,000 books, and now concentrates on digital publishing. She is a senior officer of The Jamestown Project, an action-oriented think tank focusing on democracy; a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and a graduate of Harvard Law School, where she was a schoolmate of President Obama, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she was poet laureate.

Charisse is the Executive Producer of The Book Look, a featured blogger on the AALBC.com, News One and elsewhere. She has served as a speaker or presenter for numerous national and regional organizations, and has appeared on Inside Edition, ABC News Now, CBS’s CW Network, Comcast’s CN-8, Radio One, and American Urban Radio Networks. She resides in Washington, DC with her husband of over fourteen years, Harvey, and their daughter and son. Visit her website, www.BrandNuWords.com where you may contact her for bookings and engagements. 

 

Dr. Farrah GrayDr. Farrah Gray
http://aalbc.com/authors/farrah_gray.html

Dr. Farrah Gray was named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine. Ebony Magazine recognized him as an entrepreneurial icon, business mogul and best-selling author. Raised in the impoverished South side of Chicago, Dr. Gray defied the odds and became a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. At the age of 21, he received an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters from Allen University. This was in recognition of his ingenious economic mind and distinguished commitment to the development of values such as leadership, integrity and scholarship.

Gray is the CEO of Farrah Gray Publishing (FGP) which is distributed by HCI Books, which published the world famous #1 New York Times, USA Today and Guinness Book of World Records; best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Chicken Soup for the Soul has sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages and total retail sales of Chicken Soup for the Soul branded merchandise have topped $1.3 billion.

 

Tamika NewhouseTamika Newhouse
http://aalbc.com/authors/tamika_newhouse.html

Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010 she was inducted into Who's who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and still continues to write independent projects. In 2011 her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology as well as Tamika won for the second time Self Published Author of the Year. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. She is also CEO of Obsessive Soul Media. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more.

 

Mariahadessa Ekere TallieMariahadessa Ekere Tallie
http://aalbc.com/authors/ekere.html

Tallie is the author of Karma’s Footsteps (Flipped Eye Publishing, 2011) and Mother Nature: Thoughts on Nourishing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit During Pregnancy and Beyond (Savage Goddess, 2009).

Ekere’s writing deals with silence, sexism and racism. Her poetry and fiction have been published in journals in the United States, France, England, and South Africa. She has been a featured reader at festivals and events throughout Europe and North America. Ekere is a budding herbalist and she regularly organizes herbal workshops in NYC. You can read about her herbal adventures on The Sage Honey.  Ekere also is passionate about supporting women’s journeys into motherhood and invites all Mamas to join The Sage Mama.

 

Deborah Cardona a.k.a. SexyDeborah Cardona a.k.a. Sexy
http://aalbc.com/authors/deborah_cardona.html

Author and Publisher Deborah Cardona, better known by her ghetto pseudonym, "Sexy," began her writing career as an inmate of the torture chamber behind America's fake facade of justice. Sexy was born in New York City in 1965, and grew up in Spanish Harlem, where she was involved with gangs and drugs. She draws vivid novels from her past experiences and makes us feel what it means to be poor and proud and generous; to be streetwise and full of bravado but frightened, too; to struggle to go straight; to be ashamed of being ashamed; to dream.

A mother of three sons, Sexy had her first novel published by Iuniverse in 2002. Today Sexy offers others in her once similar position the opportunity to be published Deja Vu Publications.  In 2011, Cardona opened a book store in the hearth of Spanish Harlem called Déjà Vu Book Lounge

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AALBC.com Book Reviews (Fiction)
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One BloodOne Blood by Qwantu Amaru
http://aalbc.com/reviews/one_blood.html

No matter the genre, a good story should grab and not turn you loose until you’ve consumed all the elements of great narrative and expository writing.  It’s this mindset that delivers the timely peaks and valleys that helps to embellish writing to mass audience appeal.

Author Qwantu Amaru with his good story, One Blood, fits this billing with accolades.  Mr. Amaru dispelled all notions of failure by giving us a fine novel that merited mention with others considered superlative. The cliché "for every action there’s a reaction" runs true to form in depicting the plot, the myriad of subplots, unique settings and characters developed to fit the makeup of how each interact with each other.

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AALBC.com Book Reviews (Non-Fiction)

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Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our WorldInspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World by Crystal McCrary
http://aalbc.com/reviews/inspiration_profiles.html

As a journalist, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a number of the talented trailblazers profiled in this book. But while I might have done a decent job of capturing, say, Laila Ali’s dogged determination, Raven-Symone’s admirable maturity, or Soledad O’Brien’s sheer brilliance, those tete-a-tetes still seem to pale in comparison to the emotional depth of the material captured on the pages of Inspiration.

Perhaps that’s because the author, Crystal McCrary came up with the idea of having her contributors relate their life stories in their own unique voices. Consequently, other than First Lady Michelle Obama’s, the bios in this intimate opus are written in the first person, and each sister sounds ever so authentic whether reflecting upon what really matters most to her or about how she managed to reach the pinnacle of success in her chosen field.

 

Perfect Combination: Seven Key Ingredients to Happily Living & Loving Together by Jamillah and David LambPerfect Combination: Seven Key Ingredients to Happily Living & Loving Together by Jamillah and David Lamb
http://aalbc.com/reviews/perfect_combination.html

As producers of the hit Off-Broadway play ‘Platanos Y Collard Greens’ it makes sense that they chose to publish their sage insights in recipe form. Thus, each chapter ends with a summary of “Key Ingredients,” under headings like “Lighten up!” and “It’s about balance,” followed by sensible tips for “Cooking with Love,” such as “Plan a surprise date for your partner” and “Write a love letter to each other describing your first date.”

The precious pearls of wisdom are served up gourmet chef-style. Consider this cute recipe for finding balance in a relationship which calls for: “2 Heaping Cups of Appreciation, 1 Cup of Self-Knowledge, 1 Cup of Modesty and 1 Cup of Trust.”

 

Tuskegee Love LettersTuskegee Love Letters by Kim Russell
http://aalbc.com/reviews/tuskegee_love_letters.html

The initial entries were written when the Knightens were still newlyweds in the full bloom of youth, and exhibiting an endearing combination of bravado, exuberance and vulnerability. Though their subjects of conversation ranged from safety to racism to ambitious plans for making their mark on the world upon reuniting, every message invariably included a passionate reaffirmation of their love.

He also describes his reaction to Nazi POWs ‘enjoying better accommodations than black GIs. “It is really disgusting. It makes my blood boil to see how nice they treat the German prisoners… It really hurts.” But discrimination didn’t discourage him after the war from publishing with the help of “a talented young writer named Alex Haley” the debut issue of Essence Magazine, a short-lived precursor of the popular periodical for black females.

 

Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy CarterLessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter
http://aalbc.com/reviews/lessons_from_life_bible.html

Jimmy Carter has been teaching Sunday school all of his adulthood, even as Governor of Georgia and President of the Unites States. The difficult decisions he had to make while in office, whether about caring for the poor, finding peace in the Middle East, fighting an enemy, advancing human rights or reversing nuclear proliferation, were all influenced "by his deeply-held belief in the Bible."

After returning to private life, Carter not only resumed hosting Sunday school classes at Marantha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, but he remained “an outspoken advocate of the poor and disadvantaged.” And as a committed Christian, he has endeavored to follow Jesus' example of attending to the least of his brethren by devoting his blood, sweat and tears to a variety of worthy causes.

 

To the Mountaintop: My Journey through the Civil Rights MovementTo the Mountaintop: My Journey through the Civil Rights Movement by Charlayne Hunter-Gault
http://aalbc.com/reviews/to_the_mountaintop.html

This fascinating autobiography covers a half-dozen pivotal years in Charlayne’s life, the period from 1959 to 1965. Besides intimately recounting her personal experiences during that difficult period, the author also covers what other activists were simultaneously doing elsewhere around the country in the quest for equality, whether participating in sit-ins, freedom rides or attending the March on Washington.

The book is written in a user-friendly style designed to engage readers 12 and over, and arrives illustrated by a cornucopia of iconic black-and-white photos and newspaper reprints. Kudos to Ms. Hunter-Gault for crafting such a poignant, very personal reminder of just how hard-fought was the struggle which ultimately led to the triumphant election of our first African-American president.

 

Making Bold Moves: Creating Multimillion Dollar Success in 500 Days or LessMaking Bold Moves: Creating Multimillion Dollar Success in 500 Days or Less by William S. Parrish, Jr.
http://aalbc.com/reviews/making_bold_moves.html

If you want to follow in Mr. Parrish’s footsteps you might want to follow the lesson plan he outlines in Making Bold Moves: Creating Multimillion Dollar Success in 500 Days or Less, a combination how-to handbook and personal memoir designed with the self-starter in mind. He advises the reader to “research, cross-train and become certified in emerging technologies,” out of a conviction that the Sustainability Revolution will have as great an impact on reshaping the way we live and conduct business as the Industrial Revolution had on society back in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Distilling his innovative ideas down into one-sentence affirmations and slogans, the author closes each chapter with succinct summaries of what you’ve just learned, whether exhorting you to “Think big from the start!” or to “Be prepared to take risks and make bold moves!” I certainly consider his general info and insights to be of value, provided you have the requisite education and sophistication to put you in a position to take advantage of these extraordinary opportunities.  

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AALBC.com Videos

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Women History MonthThe Lit Bit Celebrates Women’s History Month (March 2012)
http://aalbc.com/authors/women_history_month_2012.html

Welcome to Women’s History Month. So often we African Americans complain that the preceding month of February, Black History Month, is the shortest month of the year. That may be, but I love this time of year since it gives me an annual excuse to celebrate Black women in history for both February and March. Yes, I know Black History and women should be celebrated 365, but historical markers created to celebrate special people are just the American way. Check out the videos on Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks.

 

I recently recovered a bunch of videos I thought were lost forever.  Over the next few months I'll upload them to YouTube and share them with you.  Many of the video were shot in a Brownstone I no longer own so they are particularly nostalgic to me.

Dark Matter ReadingBrownstone Reading - Dark Matter: Reading the Bones
http://aalbc.com/authors/sheree.htm#dmvideo

This video, recorded in March 14 2005, features a reading from Sheree R Thomas' speculative fiction anthology Dark Matter: Reading of the Bones.  This video is that it features ihsan bracy who reads from his work great work "ibo landing"  bracy passed way three years ago this month but we can still enjoy his work.  Also included in this video is Jill Robinson who reads an excerpt from story BLACKout.

 

Toby ReadingBrownstone Reading - The Real Lives of Strong Black Women: Transcending Myths, Reclaiming Joy
http://aalbc.com/authors/toby.htm#video

In this video recorded, January 30th 2005, Toby reads from his first book The Real Lives of Strong Black Women.  Toby would continue on to become a leading speaker and consultant working with Fortune 500 companies on issues of work life balance, managing success, leadership, and organizational change.

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AALBC.com Articles

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Nkiru Books, a Brooklyn based insititution founded in 1977, closed in 2002 Death of the Black Owned, Independent, Bookstore
http://aalbc.com/blog/index.php/2012/03/25/death-of-the-black-owned-independent-bookstore/

The title of my article may seem rather bleak, but if you look at the data this is exactly where we are headed — and fast.  I posted a list of over 100 stores that have closed over the last few years. 

I've been engaged in several conversations on this subject over the last few days.  Generally there are two schools of thought: (1) Technology has made the bookstore obsolete, or (2) bookstores are a treasure and should be preserved.  I think the two should go hand in hand.

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AALBC.com Film Reviews

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Louder Than a Bomb [2011]Louder Than a Bomb - DVD Chronicles Chicago Poetry Slam - DVD Review
http://aalbc.com/reviews/louder_than_a_bomb_2010.html

Does the hip-hop style of rhyming and its down-to-earth subject-matter about life in the ‘hood deserve the same respect as the classical couplets of Keats and other lofty lyricists whose work benefits from ivory-towered academia’s stamp of approval? The answer to that question might lie in Louder Than a Bomb, a documentary chronicling the Slam Poetry competition of the same name staged annually in the Windy City.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed watching this flick, my only worry is whether or not these accomplished poets will ever learn to speak grammatically. Sorry, but I couldn’t help but be concerned upon hearing "When we was on the stage…" and "I plan to go to college and be like a professor…" in post-performance interviews.

 

A Thousand Words [2012]A Thousand Words - Eddie Murphy Gives Audience the Silent Treatment in Ill-Conceived Sitcom
http://aalbc.com/reviews/a_thousand_words.html

Whether starring in a buddy comedy (like Trading Places and 48 Hours), a kiddie flick (ala Nutty Professor and Dr. Dolittle), a standup concert (such as Raw and Delirious), or in an animated adventure as a donkey (Shrek) or a dragon (Mulan), Eddie Murphy’s best movies have invariably featured him talking trash. Even his only Oscar-nomination (for Dreamgirls) came for playing a jive motor-mouth, a character ostensibly inspired by the equally-irrepressible James Brown.

Given the readily-identifiable thread running through that string of box-office hits, you really have to wonder how a project like A Thousand Words ever got off the ground. For, not only does the film fail to take advantage of Mr. Murphy’s trademark loquacious tendencies, it actually goes to the opposite extreme by buttoning up his lips for most of the movie.

  

The Velvet ElvisThe Velvet Elvis - Black Elvis Impersonator Moonlights as Demon Hunter in Hilarious Horror Comedy
http://aalbc.com/reviews/velvet_elvis.html

Ordinarily, the term "Velvet Elvis" conjures up images of those cheesy paintings of Elvis Presley which were popular briefly back in the Seventies. But for the purposes of this hilarious horror comedy, the phrase refers not to a tacky eyesore on black velvet but to a black Elvis impersonator outfitted in The King’s trademark pompadour, muttonchops and TCB sunglasses.

Nicknamed Velvis (Kirk Ponton), he’s been doggedly pursuing his dream of superstardom in a Hollywood which looks suspiciously like Trenton to this former resident of New Jersey’s capital city. At the point of departure, we find our hero doing his best Elvis impression until he’s driven offstage by a merciless heckler (Kurt Tazelaar), a cruel reminder of why he still pays his bills by moonlighting as a pistol-packing demon hunter.  (Note: This film may be downloaded for free)

 

Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? - Wall Street Exposé; Chronicles Systematic Dismantling of Financial Protections
http://aalbc.com/reviews/heist.html

…the United States enjoyed an unparalleled period of continuous prosperity which lasted for a half-century. That was because the government prevented the commercial banks from gambling with working-class people’s savings in risky ways inconsistent with the public good.

However, the financial industry eventually began lobbying for the dismantling of the restrictive reforms, first finding success during the Reagan administration, and continuing to press until President Clinton signed a repeal of the Glass-Steagall in 1999. At that point, it was just a matter of time before the economic collapse experienced in 2008 would transpire.  That carefully-orchestrated fleecing of the country is the subject of Heist: Who Stole the American Dream?

 

Good DeedsGood Deeds - CEO Torn between Employee and Fiancé in Tyler Perry Morality Play
http://aalbc.com/reviews/good_deeds.html

Avoiding his usual staples of comic relief courtesy of Madea and clownish support characters, Perry presents this sober soap opera in straightforward fashion.

Consequently, in the absence of his typical distractions, the story is not only perfectly plausible but remains refreshingly grounded in reality from start to finish. Along the way, veteran lead actors, Tyler, Thandie Newton and Gabrielle Union, generate a convincing chemistry guaranteed to keep you on edge right up to the surprising resolution of the unfortunate love triangle.

Another compelling, Tyler Perry parable delivering a priceless message about what really matters most.   

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AALBC.com Interviews

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Wynn Thomas with Robert DiNeroHollywood Production Designer Wynn Thomas in depth Interview with AALBC.com
http://aalbc.com/reviews/wynn_thomas.html

“It seems that black independent cinema exists strictly for the entertainment of the black intelligentsia. It’s not available for the masses. You have to go to a film festival if you want to see those kinds of films. I work in commercial filmmaking so from where I am sitting it doesn’t really exist.

On some level the problem with independent film is that there is no distribution arm to distribute those movies. We have a problem in our film community. There are plenty of artists. There are plenty of people who want to be directors. There are a handful of people who want to be producers. There are a handful of people who want to be writers. There are plenty of people who want to be actors. The problem is that we are not developing people who are interested in the business side of show business. What we really need are people who are interested in the distribution of African-American films. We need our business community to pool their financial resources to create opportunities and venues where our films can be shown. Until we have distributors and the support from our own business community the state of [independent] black cinema will remain in the sorry state that it’s in today.”

 

Len ElmoreLen Elmore - The “March Madness” Interview
http://aalbc.com/reviews/len_elmore.html

A man long associated with March Madness, Len Elmore is currently appearing on CBS for his 12th season as an analyst during the network’s NCAA Men's Basketball Championship coverage. In addition, he has served as a basketball analyst for ESPN for the past 13 consecutive years, calling ACC and Big East games, including the Big East Tournament.   Mr. Elmore is an eight-year NBA veteran, having played with the Indiana Pacers, Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks. He spent two seasons with the ABA's Indiana Pacers in 1975-76 before the franchise joined the NBA.

Elmore also earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1987 and began his law career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Born in the Big Apple on March 28, 1952, Len still resides there and was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001. Here, he talks about March Madness and about his extraordinary careers on the court, behind the microphone, and as an attorney.

 

Tyler and GabrielleTyler Perry - The “Good Deeds” Interview
http://aalbc.com/reviews/tyler_perry2.html

Tyler Perry’s inspirational journey from the hard streets of New Orleans to the heights of Hollywood's A-list is the stuff of American legend. Born into poverty and raised in a household scarred by abuse, Tyler fought from a young age to find the strength, faith and perseverance that would later form the foundations of his much-acclaimed plays, films, books and TV shows.

Here, he talks about his new film, Good Deeds, a relationship drama which he wrote, directed and stars in opposite an A-list cast which includes Thandie Newton, Gabrielle Union, Phylicia Rashad, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Beverly Johnson and Brian White.

Also check out the Gabrielle Union - The "Good Deeds" Interview with AALBC.com 

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AALBC.com Recommends
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The HUBCheck out AALBC.com's New Bookstore Database
http://aalbc.com/writers/bookstores.html

If you are looking for a good independently owned book store that serves communities of color, then check out our bookstore database — it includes maps, photos, store hours, social media links and more.  This database was created in cooperation with ABLE (The Alliance for Black Literature and Entertainment) and is available for use on other websites.

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Book Events & Related Events

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the 11th National Black Writers ConferenceThe Eleventh National Black Writers Conference - Brooklyn, NY - Thursday, March 29 - Sunday, April 1, 2012
http://www.nationalblackwritersconference.org/program.html

The Eleventh National Black Writers Conference will provide writers, scholars, literary professionals, students, and the general public with a forum for engaging in dynamic and spirited conversations, panel discussions, readings, workshops, and performances on themes related to migration, cultural memory, popular culture, and the natural environment.

Honorary Chair: Myrlie Evers-Williams

2012 NBWC Honorees: Ishmael Reed – John Oliver Killens Lifetime Achievement Award, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – W. E. B. Du Bois Award, Nikki Giovanni – Gwendolyn Brooks Award & Dr. Howard Dodson – Ida B. Wells Institutional Leadership Award

On site registration is available

 

Harlem Book Fair NewarkHarlem Book Fair in Newark - Newark, NJ  - April 28, 2012

The Vision of the Harlem Book Fair is to partner with local and national leadership organizations under the banner of literacy awareness, affirming HBF as the nation’s largest African American literary event celebrating family literacy, community empowerment, and community cooperation.

The Harlem Book fair will be on MLK Blvd from Central Ave to Warren Street (rain or shine) on April 28. Accompanying the event, will be other events that include readings, poetry, lectures and more on the 27th and 28th. Call 914-231-6778 for more information.

 

 

Bubf2nd annual Baltimore Urban Book Festival Sunday May 6, 2012 at 1pm-8pm
http://www.baltimoreurbanbookfestival.com

The Baltimore Urban Book Fest (BUBF) was formulated by Author Chris Hicks, Founder of AAMBC Tamika Newhouse and Publisher Ni'Cola Mitchell to bring awareness to our communities through reading, learning and building stronger families.

Featured authors include; Omar Tyree, Azarel, Miss KP, T. Styles, Tamika Newhouse, Chris Hicks, Ni’cola Mitchell, LaDawn Black, Jimmy DaSaint, Trice Hickman, Booker T. Mattison, K’wan, Nikki Turner, Moses Miller, J.M. Benjamin and others.

 

MahoganyBooksMahoganyBooks to Host or Co-Sponsor Great Events in the Washington, DC Area

For more information contact Derrick Young at 571-265-6828 or the MahoganyBooks office at 703-730-3873.

Nelson George is an author, filmmaker, television producer, and critic with a long career in analyzing and presenting the diverse elements of African-American culture. Oxon Hill Library, Oxon Hill, MD - Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Congressman John Lewis signs Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement The Washington Informer presents a conversation with Civil Rights Icon, John Lewis The ARC DC, 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC - Thursday, April 19, 2012, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (catered reception from 6-7pm in the lobby of The Arc)

New York Times Best Selling author Walter Mosley has written more than thirty-four books, including the wildly popular Easy-Rawlins series. He has won numerous awards including a Grammy, PEN Americas Lifetime Achievement Award, and the O. Henry Award.   Oxon Hill Library, Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 2:00 PM (ET), Oxon Hill, MD

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Writers Workshops & Services

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Manuscript Editing ServiceManuscript Editing Service
http://aalbc.com/writers/manuscript_review.html

We will critique your manuscript or completed book for problems in six key areas: Plot: The storyline should take place through a series of events that are based on cause and effect, Character Development: Believable characters are three dimensional, Dialogue: Each line of dialogue should reveal character or advance the plot, Pace: A novel should move at a certain pace depending upon genre, Theme: What specific message are you trying to communicate with your book? and Copy Editing: We will check for typos and errors in spelling and grammar. 

 

Anita DiggsNovel Writing Workshop (8 Online Sessions) - 15% Discount to AALBC.com eNewsletter Subscribers
http://aalbcnww.eventbrite.com/?discount=newsletter

Enjoy a writing workshop from the convenience of your own home! Get the help you need to begin, revise or complete your novel from a professional editor and published author. Writing a novel requires a solid understanding of all the tools that a fiction writer must use to hold a reader's interest. In this course, you will learn the basics of plot, characterization, point of view, voice, theme, dialogue, pacing and exposition. Using a combination of lectures, exercises and critiques from the instructor, you will sharpen your skills and complete the first fifty pages of your book. 

The course's instructor is Anita Diggs. Diggs has worked as a Senior Editor for Random House, Time Warner Trade Publishing and Thunder's Mouth Press. She is also the author of three novels.

Earn a 10% commission for each student who registers up using this link: http://aalbc.it/nwwearn 

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Interesting Discussion Board Conversations
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Culture, Race & Economy Discussion Forum - Cynique's Corner
http://aalbc.it/cyniquescorner

BritannicaBritannica is Dead -- Good Riddance... Right?
http://aalbc.it/britdead

I'm as technically oriented as they get, but Britannica discontinuing the publication of their encyclopedia does not strike me as a good thing. What do you think?

 

The Good Old Girls ClubThe Good Old Girls Club – Free download for a limited time
http://aalbc.it/goodoldgirlsclub

Wealthy and powerful women had come of age and Annette Harper was a master of finding a need that had not been met. Mature women of means also wanted to enjoy some of the same amenities that powerful men took for granted for years, only they needed to be more discreet. Annette and her partners launched the Good Old Girls Club.

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Book Related News

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Visit Daily to Get the Latest News in the World of Books
http://aalbc.com/book_industry_news.php

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AALBC.com Information & Housekeeping
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ABLEA.B.L.E. - The Alliance for Black Literature and Entertainment
http://huria.org/able

ABLE (the Alliance for Black Literature & Entertainment) is a group of media entities dedicated to preserving and growing black literature, entertainment, art and culture while supporting our collective and our individual organizations.  Stay tuned for information about this emerging movement.

 

New Search EngineAALBC.com's Improved Search Engine
http://aalbc.com/search.html

AALBC.com is a massive website and has been compiling content for almost 15 years.  Take advantage of all we have to offer by using our newly improved search engine which my be found on the upper right hand side of every AALBC.com page.  The results are provided by Google, but are free of ads or sponsored links.  You will also be able to find photographs as well.

 

AALBC.com eNewsletter Management

 

Where is AALBC.com's founder Troy Johnson speaking next?  Visit: http://aalbc.it/troyspeaks

 

A luta Continua,

Troy Johnson
President, AALBC.com, LLC
Toll Free: 866-603-8394
Email: troy@aalbc.com

 

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