Troy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Third World Press 7822 South Dobson Avenue Chicago, IL 60619 Contact: Third World Press Media Department Phone: 773-651-0700 Fax: 773-651-7286 E-mail: TWPress3@aol.com www.thirdworldpressbooks.com Third World Press Announces the Landmark Publication of The Diary of Malcolm X edited by Herb Boyd and Ilyasah Al-Shabazz Chicago, October 4, 2013—Third World Press announces the forthcoming publication of The Diary of Malcolm X. In 1964, Malcolm X, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, made two trips to Africa and the Middle East. During those trips, he kept copious notes. Malcolm’s transcribed notes, along with annotations and commentary by editors Herb Boyd and Ilyasah Al-Shabazz, comprise the entirety of this remarkable diary. “From the pages of his Diary,” said his daughter Ilyasah Al-Shabazz, “we hear his voice distilled and pure, devoid of outside interference, manipulation or intent. With his Diary, the entire world can now accurately assess the value, contribution and magnitude of Malcolm X.” The Diary captures Malcolm in all his complexity, reveals some of his trepidations, and above all his humanity as he encountered a coterie of dignitaries, world leaders, and ordinary people who were as mesmerized by his genius as he was in wonder of the often challenging new cultures he experienced from country to country. Readers will discover how significantly The Diary of Malcolm X complements his autobiography, at times filling in the blanks, expanding an incident, and adding context to moments sometimes only mentioned in passing in the autobiography. “One of the most astonishing revelations we learn from The Diary of Malcolm X is the possible CIA agent who was shadowing Malcolm in Africa and the Middle East,” said Herb Boyd. “In his autobiography Malcolm X believed he had discovered who that agent was but a close reading of The Diary discloses an even more surprising man who may have been the spook on Malcolm’s trail.” For several years The Diary and other priceless memorabilia—since they were rescued by the family from a proposed auction—have been stored at the Schomburg Center and the publication of The Diary is just the beginning of other projects, including his letters, photographs, and films that will further advance our understanding of Malcolm and his monumental contributions to Black empowerment and possibility. “It is, as it has always been, on us to continue the good and corrective work that Malcolm and our fore-parents prepared us for,” poet and publisher Haki R. Madhubuti said in his Foreword to the book. “The Diary of Malcolm X is a transcended document to support us in such efforts. The editors, in their deliberations, careful annotations and commentary, have given us oxygen in the actual language of our brother and leader. The only question left is: will we accept his daunting challenge?” The Diary of Malcolm X is scheduled for release on November 15, 2013. Third World Press has a book release event scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the Malcolm X and Dr. Bettye Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. # # # If you would like more information on release of The Diary of Malcolm X, or to schedule book talks with the editors, please contact Third World Press at 773-651-0700 or Patrick M. Oliver at patrickoliver@speakloudly.com

I Am Mixed by Garcelle Beauvais and Sebastian A. Jones, Illustrated by James C. Webster "I Am Mixed is an invaluable teaching tool that all children from all races can learn from." - Halle Berry (from her foreword) Jay and Nia are the children of two worlds, and as they will discover, they can enjoy the best of both. From Mommy's jazz beats to Daddy's classical piano, we will dance with the twins through a book that explores what it is to be of mixed ancestry, proving that a child is more than the sum of their parents.

Now all we gotta do is drop in a def/dope/hype/ill/stupid/fresh whatever the current term is beat and this is infinitely more profound than Kayne's lyrics. Perhaps he is synthetically stupid. A fake persona he dons to reap financial gain. While he ans his corporate owners laugh all the way to the bank at our collective, cultural expense. Unfortunately, Pioneer I think more if the world is trying to mimic Kanye that laugh at him... He is idolized and revered by many.

His use of the n-word would put a Klansman to shame so why not rep the culture completely.... Regarding the music I guess it would appeal to young people. I find absolutely nothing appealing about it. Nothing else I can add would be positive. The legacy of slavery runs deep.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfnd9DZOOhA [Verse 1] My momma was raised in the era when Clean water was only served to the fairer skin Doing clothes you would have thought I had help But they wasn't satisfied unless I picked the cotton myself You see it's broke nigga racism That's that "Don't touch anything in the store" And it's rich nigga racism That's that "Come in, please buy more" "What you want, a Bentley? Fur coat? A diamond chain? All you blacks want all the same things" Used to only be niggas, now everybody playing Spending everything on Alexander Wang New Slaves [bridge] You see there's leaders and there's followers But I'd rather be a dick than a swallower [Verse 2] I throw these Maybach keys I wear my heart on the sleeve I know that we the new slaves I see the blood on the leaves I see the blood on the leaves I see the blood on the leaves I know that we the new slaves I see the blood on the leaves They throwin' hate at me Want me to stay at ease Fuck you and your corporation Y'all niggas can't control me I know that we the new slaves I know that we the new slaves I'm 'bout to wild the fuck out I'm going Bobby Boucher I know that pussy ain't free You niggas pussy, ain't me Y'all throwin' contracts at me You know that niggas can't read Throw 'em some Maybach keys Fuck it, c'est la vie I know that we the new slaves Y'all niggas can't fuck with me Y'all niggas can't fuck with Ye Y'all niggas can't fuck with Ye I'll move my family out the country So you can't see where I stay So go and grab the reporters So I can smash their recorders See they'll confuse us with some bullshit Like the New World Order Meanwhile the DEA Teamed up with the CCA They tryna lock niggas up They tryna make new slaves See that's that privately owned prison Get your piece today They prolly all in the Hamptons Bragging 'bout what they made Fuck you and your Hampton house I'll fuck your Hampton spouse Came on her Hampton blouse And in her Hampton mouth Y'all 'bout to turn shit up I'm 'bout to tear shit down I'm 'bout to air shit out Now what the fuck they gon' say now? [Outro: Kanye West & Frank Ocean] I won't end this high, not this time again So long, so long, so long, you cannot survive And I'm not dying, and I can't lose I can't lose, no, I can't lose Cause I can't leave it to you So let's get too high, get too high again (Too high again, too high)

I was previously unaware of Boggs myself. I was impressed by her, which is why I shared the video here. I'm looking forward to seeing the film.

There is a documented bias toward executing Black men at a greater rate, than white people, both inside and outside the criminal justice system. Amazing yes, surprising no. I don't believe in the death penalty -- even for the monster Guy Heinz. If they lock him up in one of those Super Max prisons 23 hours a day, he'll be praying for death...

NYC PREMIERE What does it mean to be an American revolutionary today? Grace Lee Boggs is a 98-year-old Chinese-American woman in Detroit whose vision of revolution may surprise you. A writer, activist, and philosopher rooted for more than 70 years in the African- American movement, she has devoted her life to an evolving revolution that encompasses the contradictions of America’s past and its potentially radical future.

If you know a veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan Wars please forward them this link. Prashanti Press is seeking submissions for a 2014 Anthology. They are looking for personal accounts/stories/poetry/photos Thanks! Milton Allimadi, Publisher/CEO The Black Star News http://www.blackstarnews.com/us-politics/justice/book-publisher-seeks-submissions-from-veterans-of-iraqafghanistan-wars.html

Well they killed the straight white one... a Black gay one did not stand a chance. I'm sure this was in the south, right?

Both math and music are very creative forms of expression. As far as it being a art and mathematics being a "fiction of the mind" I have no idea what that means, but I have not read up on "embodied mind theory" maybe I'll look up a youtube video this evening...

I never heard of this. Of course this is all about money...

Maybe we should ignore sociopaths and those brainwashed by cults. Sure there are many millions of these people -- perhaps billions but, in either case, they have mental defects from birth or through experience. Now for the rest of us, I do believe mathematics is universal. It can be used to communicate very clearly across cultures. There is an mathematical order to everything we do and patterns in everything we see -- even if they are too complex for us as individual to identify. Music is just a creative expression of mathematics, harmonies, rhythms, frequencies, pitch. There are patterns they "naturally" discordant and others that are soothing. Even unsophisticated listeners can identify a singer who sings off key -- even if they don't have the language to articulate the problem -- they know it is just bad singing.

Courtesy of our friends from the Book Look:

Power List of Best-Selling African-American Books Releases Fall 2013 List October 28, 2013 New York, NY Contact: Troy Johnson: troy@aalbc.com Gwen Richardson: grichardson@cushcity.com Ron Kavanaugh: ron@mosaicbooks.com The Power List, the quarterly compilation of best-selling books written or read by African Americans, released its Fall 2013 list today. The Power List is a joint project of AALBC.com, Cushcity.com and Mosaicbooks.com, three Web sites which have promoted African-American literature for more than a decade. The Butler by Wil Haygood, the book upon which the successful summer film, “The Butler,” was based, was #1 on the hardcover non-fiction list. Sales of the book were, no doubt, bolstered by the film’s popularity. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride and Who Asked You? by Terry McMillan were #1 and #2, respectively, on the hardcover fiction list. A number of authors who have consistently released best-selling books for at least a decade also had one or more titles on the Fall 2013 list. Those authors include: Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosley, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, Carl Weber and Sister Souljah. Other notable information about the Fall 2013 list: Dreams of My Father, the memoir written by President Barack Obama, was #6 on the paperback non-fiction list. The Rejected Stone by the Rev. Al Sharpton was #4 on the hardcover non-fiction list. Oprah’s book pick, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, continues to show solid sales since its release in December 2012, and was #6 among hardcover fiction bestsellers. Several non-fiction paperback titles that were published two or more years ago continue to be bestsellers, including The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. Books by celebrity authors Steve Harvey, Tyrese Gibson and Ian K. Smith were also included on the list. The Power List is compiled by collecting data from online book sellers, random samples on relevant Facebook pages, and a quarterly survey of 1,200 African-American book clubs. The list is released on the fourth Monday in the month following each calendar quarter. The Fall 2013 lists may be viewed at the Power List web site: www.powerlist.info. Updates are included on the Power List Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information, contact one of the individuals listed above.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OCTOBER 1988 - OCTOBER 2013 We can hardly believe it! Twenty-five years ago we started Just Us Books as a fledging children's book publishing company. Full of enthusiasm, zeal, a sense of purpose, but limited capital, we set out to address the need for more books for children and young adults that presented stories and characters drawing from Black culture, Black history and Black experiences. Along the way, we think we have made a difference. When we first began our publishing efforts, very few books for children that featured Black characters, or that had their settings in Black environments, were being published. Those that were being published did not often find their way onto the shelves of books stores, libraries and other outlets for books. This sad state existed for other people of color as well. The percentage of multicultural books being published today is still severely disproportionate to the diverse population of our country and our world. Getting those books that are being published to a wider market continues to be a challenge with enormous hurdles. Yet, we cannot overlook the fact that there are significantly more multicultural books being published and made available today than when Just Us Books started 25 years ago. Much still needs to be done to address the many inequities in the industry we have come to love. But we are committed to continuing the coming years with the same enthusiasm, zeal and sense of purpose that motivated us in 1988. And we know we are not alone. Over these 25 years, we have met and become friends with so many others - authors, illustrators, publishers, librarians, educators, community leaders, and parents, who share our vision of a truly diverse and representative body of literature for our children and young adults. --Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson, October 10, 2013 JUST US BOOKS FLASHBACK - 1985 The start of it all - the AFRO-BETS Kids. Before founding Just Us Books, Wade and Cheryl Hudson created the AFRO-BETS Kids, six characters who twisted and turned to form letters of the alphabet. The AFRO-BETS Kids were first featured on Cheryl's handmade nameplates, then on t-shirts, posters, and ultimately, The AFRO-BETS ABC Book, the first book in Just Us Books' catalog. Pictured: Stephan Hudson and Kaylan Moore modeling the t-shirts in 1985. We.will continue share memories from our past years as we celebrate this major milestone. Share the Stories with Wade and Cheryl Hudson Meeting the authors and illustrators who create their favorite books can be an exciting experience for children and adults alike. Many Just Us Books authors and illustrators are available for school visits, workshops, panels and other special events that help make books come alive. With dual roles as publishers and authors, Wade and Cheryl Hudson offer unique perspectives into the world of children’s literature, education, diversity, publishing and entrepreneurship. Their expertise spans many areas, including: The ABCs of Children's Book Publishing, Creative Children's Book Writing, Marketing and Distribution, Building a Curriculum of Diversity, Multicultural Children’s Book Publishing, Building a Business and Marketing to an Under-Served or Niche Market. To arrange a school visit, community event or speaking engagement, please contact Katura Hudson @ katura_hudson@justusbooks.com or call (973) 672-7701. http://www.justusbooksonlinestore.com http://justusbooks.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Publication Date: November 2013 Publicity Contact: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, Tel.215- 877-2012 vlloydsgam@aol.com Lathea Williams, Tel. 212-553-4206 E-mail: Lathea_Williams@Harlequin.ca New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author BRENDA JACKSON CELEBRATES HER 100TH NOVEL A Madaris BRIDE FOR Christmas Brenda Jackson, in many ways, has become an extended family member to her countless loyal readers and fans. They regularly interface with Jackson online at Facebook, Twitter, and her Web site. Jackson keeps readers abreast of what’s happening with new books and other projects via her popular e-newsletters. She rewards them through contests which coincide with Jackson’s publishing milestone triumphs and this November Jackson will hit another milestone as she’ll publish her 100th book — A MADARIS BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS (Harlequin Kimani Arabesque Press; November 2013). In her New York Times and USA Today bestselling series of novels featuring the Madaris family, Brenda Jackson has chronicled the lives, loves and losses of three generations of an accomplished African-American clan and its notoriously charming men. A MADARIS BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS is a novel that features one of Jackson’s most unforgettable Madaris heroes yet. Lee Madaris, the owner of one of the hottest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, knows his grandmother has pegged him to be the next Madaris to marry; and he intends to beat her at her own game. He refuses to let her play matchmaker and sets out to claim his destiny by finding a woman of his own. When Lee Madaris meets Carly Briggs at his hotel, there’s an undeniable urge between the two of them that makes Lee want more — forever. Now Lee only hopes the hotel’s gorgeous new pastry chef will accept his proposal of a marriage based solely on passion and convenience. About the Author Brenda Jackson is a prolific writer of contemporary multicultural romance novels is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the first African-American female romance writer to become a USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling novelist. Jackson continues to reach new milestones as A MADARIS BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS is her 100th original work. She has lived her entire life in Jacksonville, Florida, and has been married to her childhood sweetheart, Gerald, for forty-one years. Visit her at www.brendajackson.net ABOUT KIMANI PRESS Kimani Press is an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. Kimani Press publishes women’s African-American fiction and non-fiction under the Arabesque, Sepia, New Spirit, Kimani Romance and Kimani Tru banners. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world’s leading publishers of women’s fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 28 languages and sold in 114 international markets. The company produces 110 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,100 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Harlequin’s Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 18 countries, including offices in Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com A MADARIS BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS On-sale November 2013; Mass Market Paperback & Trade paperback by Brenda Jackson ISBN 13: 978-0373091430-2; Price: 6.99 U.S. & 978-037309143-0; $14.99 U.S. Publisher Imprint: Harlequin Kimani Arabesque Press, a division of Harlequin Enterprises Limited For more information about A Madaris Bride for Christmas or to set up an interview with the author, please contact Lathea Williams at 212-553-4206| Lathea_Williams@harlequin.ca Or Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati at (215) 877-2012| vlloydsgam@aol.com ###

I would like to link all of the Power List best-selling books, to an independent, publisher of book reviews that has reviewed any of the Power List Best-selling books. I can only link to one site for each book, but it is a good way to help with SEO and build traffic to your website if you are a publisher of book reviews. The Fall 2013 Powerlist list will be published on Monday (Oct 28). So visit http://powerlist.info on that day to see what we need. You will be able to easily determine which books need reviewing because it will be missing a link to a book review. In example shown, I need a review of Men We Reaped and I already have one from Surviving and Thriving. Again, the link must be to an independent source. Links to reviews posted on sites like Goodreads, etc will not be used. The goal is to help increase the exposure of those who take the time to generate critical reviews of our work. Please spread the word.

Cynique the perspective of someone like you is what I'm looking for first and foremost. And that is a perspective we are sorely lacking. I REALLY appreciate you sharing it here. I hope folks realize how rare this really is. Now It is easy to find some child, in the media, going on about some inconsequential issue dealing with a celebrity. But a well articulated opinion on a substantive book, by a female Black elder is almost nonexistent -- short of coverage in a scholarly journal written for academics, but invisible to the general public. Your perspective is valuable and important. Thanks again. Now let me get on to "Miss Annes" Cunard and Codgate :-)

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK STORYTELLERS, INC. TO MEET IN HAMPTON, VIRGINIA ON NOVEMBER 6-10 CONTACT: Festival Director: Dylan Pritchett, 757-561-6658 aesop@widomaker.com Adopt-A-Teller Director: Bunjo Butler, 443-622-0273 bunjobutler@gmail.com www.nabsinc.org -- Another First under the Emancipation Oak -- Featured storytellers, Karima Amin and Sonia Sanchez Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Hampton, Virginia will be the center of the Black Storytelling world! On November 6 - 10, 2013, The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS) will present the 31st "In the Tradition..." Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference" at the Hampton Crowne Plaza - Marina and throughout the Hampton community. A festival highlight is the Brother Blue Circle of Elders Ceremony at the Emancipation Oak on the campus of Hampton University. It was under the shade of the young oak that the first classroom was held for newly freed men and women. It was standing above the roots of the oak that the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place. It is under the massive branches of the oak that the adult grand prize winner of NABS’ first online Storytelling Contest "In Response to the Trayvon Martin Tragedy and the Culture of Violence in our Community" will continue the tradition. Just as the oak kept growing, Karima Amin of Buffalo, New York will share her story and tell us to "Keep it Moving." Co-Founder Linda Goss wrote an official response to the ongoing violence and injustice in our community. This call to action prompted the use of creative force by eliciting relevant stories on video from across the nation. Screen showings of the collection will be another first at the festival. The premiere "In the Tradition..." Festival of Black Storytelling was held at Morgan State University in Baltimore in 1983 and, thirty years later, it is coming to Hampton for the first time and only the second time ever in Virginia! In honor of our Ancestors and in encouraging preservation of our traditions, this year’s theme is "Connecting With Our Youth: One Voice, Many Stories!" Featured Storytellers including Sonia Sanchez will share performances in eleven formal storytelling concerts. Other Master Storytellers from around the country, as well as, beginners, storytellers with instruments and storytellers who dance, storytellers of all styles will be on hand to entertain, inspire, educate and enliven myths, recite poems and recount the history of a people. Local Hampton youth as well as adult storytellers and other national artists will participate in celebrating the Black storytelling legacy in Virginia, the nation and throughout the world! The National Association of Black Storytellers is proud to present this one-of-a-kind event to the wonderful city of Hampton and throughout the community! Thousands of youth and adults, schools and libraries, will experience - "In the Tradition..." - the spirit of Black Storytelling. The Hampton public and attendees from all over the country are invited and encouraged to participate and attend. Complete information can be found at www.nabsinc.org Other highlights are: PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT: Featuring Hampton’s finest young and some "not-so-young" performers of spoken word, storytellers, musicians, dancers and a whole lot more!! Being held on Wednesday, November 6th at the Crowe Plaza Hampton-Marina at 7 pm. FREE and open to the public! ADOPT-A-TELLER: Storytellers available to perform in local schools, libraries and for organizations all week long. WORKSHOPS: For the teller, for the youth, for the teacher, for the librarian, for the spiritual leader, for the community service provider covering varied interests in and levels of storytelling. OPENING GALA, STORYTELLING CONCERT & MARY CARTER SMITH LOVE CIRCLE: Traditional opening with stories, music & dance at Hampton University’s Ogden Hall. AFRICAN AMERICAN MARKET PLACE/KARAMU CORNER: Cultural clothing, instruments, jewelry and more! Storytelling, demonstrations, games and culture "talk" sharing as would be occurring at any marketplace. VILLAGE STORYTELLING CONCERT: Our fourteen Affiliates from across the country will share their unique regional and cultural flare as they weave their stories throughout the Hampton University Museum. A crowd pleaser! YOUTH & ADULT LIARS’ CONTEST: Festival Favorite! Members and the Hampton community non-members can compete...sharing their fantastic fabrications. ZORA NEALE HURSTON AWARD AND STORYTELLING CONCERT: An evening storytelling concert and recognition of excellence in the Black storytelling community! UNITY CIRCLE: Sacred stories and traditional closing bring the weekend to an end. About NABS: In 1982, nationally renowned storytellers, Baltimore’s first officially appointed Griot - the late, great Mary Carter Smith of Baltimore, Maryland, and esteemed Linda Goss of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - founded the "In the Tradition..." National Black Storytelling Festival. These visionaries then created the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc., to promote and perpetuate the art of Black Storytelling an art form, which embodies the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans. Since the first Festival and Conference in Baltimore, NABS has traveled around the nation; most recently, New Orleans ('04), Tampa ('05), San Diego ('06), Atlanta (’07), Cincinnati (’08), Little Rock (’09), Minneapolis (’10), Atlanta (’11), Baltimore (’12) and now, for the first time, Hampton Virginia! For more details, visit www.nabsinc.org Linda Goss's Butterfly

Pioneer, of course only people who qualify should be allowed into college. But we have to do a much better of of preparing folks. Black men are kept out of college because of cost and poor preparation at FAR higher levels than ability. I did not say "free" housing. I wrote "affordable". In places like NYC I see luxury high rises going up everywhere -- the VAST majority of people who live here can not afford those places. People working lower wage jobs don't have very many decent options that are affordable.

Cynique we know Black folks forgive everybody Obama and Clinton can do no wrong in our eyes. However, do you think white folks would have been as forgiving of Obama as they were of Clinton if Obama was busted with Flowers or Lewinsky? Do you think they would have survived Whitewwater or travelgate? Sure Americans, apparently, love a scandal, but I think Black people suffer more, than white folks, as a result of their impropriety.

Agreed on all your points Hickson but my perspective if a but different:. Social is a way of promoting and connecting -- I just happen to have gotten the process down to a couple a few minutes a day rather than several hours. If you don't have strong online presence you won't survive -- I just believe we, especially as Black people, have to invest in our OWN properties those who use social as their main platform are making a mistake from my perspective. Use social to drive traffic to your site. I never believed online should, or even could, replace the physical experience. The online is a terrific supplement or compliment, but not a replacement -- this coming from someone who makes their livelihood online. Hickson, the vast majority of new authors will never generate enough sales to afford your service -- or even mine -- based upon book sales alone. There is a great deal of competition, a glut even, of books. The only way to raise above the noise is to spend the money on promotion, before a single book is ever sold. This investment is not one that many author can afford or are unwilling to make. Sure social media can potentially make up for a lack of financial resources for advertising, but most authors don't have the time or technical expertise to take advantage of social media. Further as social media focuses more on revenue generation the ability for one to benefit from social media will be based upon their ability to afford to by and ad (ie. "promoted" Tweets, Post or now Pins). Hickson, I think the business of publishing is going through some very, very profound changes. As you pointed out we are losing physical platforms left and right the ability to use these channels to sells books are drying up. Black folks suffer the most. Since I started my website we have lost HUNDREDS or Black owned store -- but just importantly, we have lost scores of Black book websites! While social is certainly a tool we should utilize, collectively, investment in social is not the answer long term answer for us.

Cushcity.com Media Release October 24, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2013 NATIONAL BLACK BOOK FESTIVAL ATTRACTS THOUSANDS TO HOUSTON HOUSTON, TX – More than 100 African-American authors and thousands of book club members and readers will converge in Houston this weekend at the 6th annual National Black Book Festival, held at Fallbrook Church Gymnasium, 12512 Walters Rd., Houston, TX. The national event is one of the largest indoor gatherings of African-American authors in the world and participating authors from 30 states, Canada and the Virgin Islands will be on hand to showcase, sell and sign their books. Featured authors for the event include "Love & Hip Hop" star Winter Ramos; mainstream fiction authors Carl Weber, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, J. D. Mason; Miami Herald columnist and author Leonard Pitts; Christian fiction author Victoria Christopher Murray; and urban fiction author Miss KP. In addition, highlights of the Festival include: · Welcome to Houston Reception – Thursday, Oct. 24 @ 7:00 p.m. · Get Acquainted Breakfast - Friday, Oct. 25 @ 8:00 a.m. · Networking Breakfast - Saturday, Oct. 26 @ 8:00 a.m. · Entertainment · Workshops and seminars · Spoken Word Poetry Slam The National Black Book Festival is sponsored by a Houston-based company, Cushcity.com, the world’s largest African-American online retailer with over 20,000 products online. General admission is FREE to the public and includes all author exhibits, featured author sessions, workshops/seminars and entertainment. The above events were food is served require ticket purchase at the door. For more information, visit the Festival web site: www.nationalblackbookfestival.com or call the National Black Book Festival headquarters at 1-800-340-5454. Contact: Gwen Richardson, National Coordinator info@nationalblackbookfestival.com 1-800-340-5454