Dallas Black Dance Theatre to salute its longtime venue

By Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News

As she gives an informal tour of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s new Arts District headquarters, founder Ann M. Williams points out the geometric designs on the floor. The shapes echo dance movements, which she felt would benefit her company members as they walked around the building.

That kind of attention to detail has kept the troupe going for 32 years, the city’s oldest continuously operating professional dance company. Last year, after renovations were completed on the old Moorland YMCA, the company moved in a few blocks from where it will begin performing this fall, the new Wyly Theatre at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.

From Undiscovered to Rediscovered, an Artist Battles On

by Patricia Cohen, New York Times

Morgan Monceaux drew his first portrait of a black American president in 1990.

It was Warren G. Harding.

“I had heard he had black ancestors,” Mr. Monceaux said, sitting in the cluttered living room of his row house here. He has drawn every one of the presidents, using oil pastels with found objects like campaign buttons, lace, neckties and coins. A handful, including Abraham Lincoln and Rutherford B. Hayes, are drawn as African-Americans or multiracial. (Ronald Reagan’s copper-colored skin is just a tan, Mr. Monceaux explained.)

Tamala Jones joins ‘Up in the Air’

by Stacy Dodd, Variety

Tamala Jones (“Castle”) has booked a role in Paramount comedy “Up in the Air.” George Clooney stars for writer-director Jason Reitman. Filming is under way in St. Louis. Jones will next be seen in Dimension laffer “Janky Promoters.”

Herbie Hancock joins L.A. Phil

by Michael Speier, Variety

Herbie Hancock has been named the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s creative chair for jazz and will begin a two-year tenure starting with the 2010 season.

Hancock will succeed Christian McBride, who has held the post since 2006. He will oversee jazz programming at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

The Bowl also rounded out its summer season at Monday’s announcement, filling in some of the TBA dates.

A Modest ‘Honor’: Jessye Norman’s tribute to African-American music

by Justin Davidson, New York Magazine

In the first days of Honor!— Carnegie Hall’s three-week festival of African-American culture—the robed and turbaned soprano Jessye Norman stood near the altar of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and, with priestly pomp, flung the gilded phrases of Duke Ellington’s sacred music toward the echoing nave. Ellington and God were the evening’s ostensible honorees, their glory magnified by an impressive cast of jazz musicians, choristers, dancers, and string players. But this was Norman’s night and Norman’s festival, and she was not about to let anyone forget it. When a diva says Honor!, it’s followed by a silent “me.”

African American Museum names new director

by Eagle Staff, Kansas.com

An assistant to the curator of the Southern Art Conservation in New Orleans was named Thursday as the new executive director of the Kansas African American Museum.

L’Oral Evans Birden, who also sits on the board of directors of two New Orleans art institutions, is scheduled to assume leadership of the nonprofit organization later this month.

Birden holds a master’s degree in museum studies from Southern University in New Orleans, and has extensive experience in museum administration, programming and artifact conservation, according to the museum’s board of directors.

The museum at 601 N. Water St. is dedicated to identifying, acquiring and preserving documents that are reflective of African American life and culture.

E. Faye Butler is finding her voice

by Ericka Blount Danois, Special to Baltimore Sun

For E. Faye Butler, it’s still a little surprising when she belts out songs onstage and receives the audience’s warm response. She’s a classically trained actor who built her career on musicals, but singing was never part of the plan.

The Chicago native was more interested in performing Shakespeare classics, but after graduating from theater school, Butler found jobs for black actors were limited. She was often offered parts as maids and washerwomen, roles that she wasn’t interested in. So she began singing in musicals, the bread-and-butter of the theater industry, and hasn’t looked back since.

Butler is starring in the title role of the Center Stage production of Caroline, or Change, a Tony Award-winning musical that opens Wednesday and continues through Jan. 18. She plays Caroline Thibodeax, an African-American housekeeper for a Jewish family. The musical, written mostly by Tony Kushner, takes place in November of 1963 and mixes blues, gospel and Jewish melodies. Butler says she owns this part, even though it is the role of a housekeeper, something she would have turned down when she started her career. But she says the story is a reflection of the times – the turbulent ’60s – when the country was on the precipice of change. It’s a theme that Butler says she can relate to the present day.

Black Paris Tour Guide Only African-American In Obama-Themed Art Show In Paris

SOURCE: Black News

Expatriate painter Ealy Mays, who is also a guide for Walking The Spirit Tours of Black Paris, is the sole African-American artist featured in the wildly successful Obama in Paris exhibition.

“I was astonished more than anything that there was no representation by African-Americans beside myself,” comments Texas-born Mays. “The gallery owner is missing the point.” While Paris’ African-American community numbers upwards to one thousand, less than a handful survive as full-time artists.

The exhibition began as a fundraiser for the presidential candidate on October 6th at Dorothy’s Gallery in the trendy Bastille district. Due to its popularity, and Obama’s win, an extended exhibition continues until January 26, 2009.

Obama chooses his poet

by Marjorie Kehe, Christian Science Monitor

There was no poet at the inaugurations of George W. Bush but Barack Obama is returning to the tradition started by John F. Kennedy who famously asked Robert Frost to share the stage with him in January of 1961. Obama’s choice for inaugural poet: Elizabeth Alexander.

Alexander may not be a household name but in the world of poetry her credentials shine bright. Today many in the literary world are reacting positively to Obama’s choice.

Alexander, who was born in Harlem in 1965, teaches at Yale. She has published four volumes of poetry, including “American Sublime” which was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 2006. She is also the author of two collections of essays. Last year, she won the $50,000 Jackson Poetry Prize.

Why African-American Art Is So Hot

by Susan Adams, Forbes Magazine

Hanging in Robert Johnson’s den is an oil from the 1930s by an African-American artist named Palmer Hayden. The painting depicts a black American businessman getting his shoes shined.

The subject is nattily dressed in suit and spats, a little like Johnson himself, who is sporting a crisply pressed blue shirt and a shiny yellow tie.

“That painting represents pride and dignity,” says Johnson. “I identify personally with this work.”

Johnson may be known for the low-budget comedy routines and booty-shaking music videos that drove the success of BET, the cable channel he founded that turned him into America’s first black billionaire in 2001.

But in his private moments he is moved by art that documents the struggles and achievements of black people in America. Since the early 1980s Johnson, 62, has assembled some 250 pieces by 19th- and 20th-century African-American artists.

African-American women’s clubs support students

by Sue Ellen Ross, Post-Tribune

Joyce Martin of East Chicago is proud to be associated with the nation’s oldest African-American women’s organization.

The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc., developed in 1896, is the umbrella organization for many offshoots.

There are two clubs based in East Chicago — the Women’s Improvement Club and the Ladies Excelsior Art Club.

Martin belongs to the latter.

Award-winning Poet to Speak at KU on African-American Literature

by infozine

Keith Gilyard, an award-winning poet, biographer and distinguished scholar in English studies at Penn State University, will deliver the 2008-09 John F. Eberhardt Lecture at the University of Kansas.

Gilyard will speak on “Literacies of a Lifetime: Literature, Ethnicity, Code” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct 6, in Alderson Auditorium at the Kansas Union. The public lecture is free and is sponsored by KU’s Department of English.

African American Repertory Theater debuts with a strong tale from WWII

by Lawson Taitte, Dallas News

A Soldier’s Play holds up very well 26 years after winning Charles Fuller the Pulitzer Prize. In fact, its story of a black man who lunges toward his goal despite extreme opposition seems remarkably timely.

Seen at a special Thursday performance honoring veterans, police officers and firefighters on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, this is the first production by an ambitious new company, African American Repertory Theater. Veteran stage and movie actor Irma P. Hall is the artistic director; her co-founders are William (Bill) Earl Ray and Regina Washington. The venue is the Corner Theatre in DeSoto’s town center.

THEATER: Beaty’s ‘Resurrection’; Playwright shows black men’s trouble

by Jenny Mayo, Washington Times

The last play Daniel Beaty brought to town was “Emergence-SEE!” (now called “Emergency”) a one-man show that focused heavily on the importance of black Americans maintaining connections with their past.

Now he’s back with the world premiere of his first ensemble production, “Resurrection,” a work that looks more intently at the problematic present experienced by many black men while also delivering a formula for a more promising future. It’s the season opener at Arena Stage, a venue that has nurtured this play since its first public reading at the District’s Busboys & Poets restaurant last summer.

The Making of “The Black List Vol. 1″

New documentary looks at shifting U.S. black culture

by Christina Kearney, Washington Post

Even as the United States has the opportunity to elect its first black president, prominent American author Toni Morrison says black college students today are not as focused on racial issues as their predecessors.

“In racial division, they are not interested. They are sort of bored with it,” said Morrison, the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and a Princeton University lecturer. “They don’t even want to talk about it.”

Morrison and other leading black Americans talk about black culture in a new HBO documentary airing on U.S. television this week, called “The Black List Vol.1,” featuring interviews with 23 successful black Americans from varied backgrounds.

GENEALOGY: Gullah Geechee embody unique African American culture

by Tamie Dehler, TribStar.com

The Gullah Geechee people embody a unique African American culture made up of the descendants of West African slaves. They occupy the islands and coastal regions of the eastern United States from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida. The largest groups live in South Carolina, where they are called Gullahs, and in Georgia, where they are called Geechees. Their culture and language represent a unique blend of African and American elements.

African-American portrait exhibit debuts

by Marla Miller, MLive.com

Even art exhibits need a test run.

And, thanks in part to a Muskegon Museum of Art board member’s connection with the Mott Foundation in Flint, the Muskegon museum is serving as a launching pad for an exhibit of African-American portraits that will tour nationally.

That means those who view “Looking Ahead: Portraits from the Mott-Warsh Collection” will be the first in the country to see the exhibit of 26 works portraying the African head in representational and conceptual portraiture. This area’s reaction to the exhibit will help tailor the works that tour the the country.

African-American art, cultural festival returns

By Erin Albanese, The Grand Rapids Press

Candace Guyton brought her four children to the Madison Square Unity Street Fair on Saturday afternoon for a good time collecting freebies and jumping on Spider-Man and Dora the Explorer inflatable jumpers.”I think they should do this all the time because there’s nothing for the kids to do except get in trouble and do stuff they have no business doing. Plus, it’s fun. It’s a good opportunity for the kids,” said Guyton, a Southeast side resident, as her 2-year-old son, Demarcus Smith, clad in bib overalls, danced next to her.

Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival

by Brooks Robards, Martha’s Vineyard Times

The Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, now in its sixth year, was launched in 2002 by Run and Shoot Filmworks (RSF), the husband-and-wife team Stephanie Tavares-Rance and Floyd Rance III. Their company statement explains: “We wanted to create a haven where filmmakers of color could convene, share ideas, and showcase their works in a beautiful setting.”

Black Womanhood Film Festival

July 16

6:00-8:30 pm
Dartmouth College
Hanover
Hood Museum of Art

Located in the Arthur M. Loew Auditorium.

The Hood presents a special evening featuring three significant films that explore women’s identities and self-image in Africa and its diasporas. Intermission refreshments provided by Tastes of Africa.

“Fantacoca” from “Africa, Africas” by Agnes Ndibi presents the disturbing cultural phenomenon of skin bleaching in Cameroon and the challenge it poses to notions of black pride and identity. (23 minutes)

“Perfect Image?” by Maureen Blackwood exposes stereotypical images of black women and explores women’s own ideas of self worth. (30 minutes)

“Black Women On: The Light, Dark Thang” by Celeste Crenshaw and Paula Caffey explores the politics of color within the African American community. (52 minutes)

Offered in conjunction with the exhibition Black Womanhood: Images, Icons, and Ideologies of the African Body, on view through August 10, 2008.

Co-sponsored by the Fannie and Alan Leslie Center for the Humanities, the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding, the 2008 Summer Arts Festival, and the Allen and Joan Bildner Endowment for Human and Intergroup Relations.

Contact info:
Sharon Reed

Related links:
http://www.wmm.com/filmCatalog/pages/c570.shtml
http://www.wmm.com/filmCatalog/makers/fm12.shtml
http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/makers/fm437.shtml
http://www.wmm.com/filmCatalog/pages/c479.shtml
http://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/

African-American artists flourish at City Park festival

by Annette Espinoza, Denver Post

Vincent Bursey listened intently Saturday as artist Barrett Ohene explained the meaning of the Adinkra tribe symbol “Gyenamy” that Ohene used in one of his silk thread art pieces at the Denver Black Arts Festival.

After hearing that the West African symbol meant “I fear no one but God,” the Bursey family bought a large, intricate, brown, white and beige silk piece that depicts African women with hands outstretched holding various symbols.

Family Day at Museum of the African Diaspora

by Eve Kushner
San Francisco Chronicle

In the 19th century, photography inflicted a certain amount of pain. Cameras were expensive, so few people owned one. Those who wanted portraits had to sit in studios for long periods with their heads clamped so they wouldn’t move. No wonder people were rarely smiling in old-timey portraits.

Photography has come a long way, and the Museum of the African Diaspora is focusing on the big picture. The museum’s current exhibition displays early photographs, such as tintypes and daguerreotypes, as well as photographs on linen, wood and felt. The 90-plus images in the exhibition include depictions of slavery, 20th century civil rights conflicts, African American soldiers and family life.

African American Pavilion at BookExpo America Celebrates the Success of the Pavilion’s 2008 Exhibitors and Events

Black News

The Fifth Annual African American Pavilion at Book Expo America 2008 was recently held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California (May 30 – June 1).

The highlight of the weekend’s events was a special presentation Saturday morning by world-renowned NBA champion and Chairman/CEO, of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Mr. Johnson spoke about his new book Urban Magic: 32 Ways to Succeed in Business that will be published by Crown in January, 2009 and developing strategic programs and supporting services that address the educational, health, social, and spiritual needs of our ethnically diverse, urban communities. Magic Johnson Enterprises is comprised of a portfolio of companies that include: Starbucks, Best Buy, Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds, Burger King, 24-Hour Fitness, SodexoMagic, T.G.I Fridays and the AMC Magic Johnson Theaters. Magic Johnson was presented with The 2008 African American Pavilion at Book Expo America “Reginald F. Lewis Vanguard Business Leader” Award.

BookExpo America, one of the largest book trade exhibits in the world provides independent African American book publishers, self-publishers, authors, black interest imprints at major publishing houses, distributors, literary agents, publicists, librarians, and bookstore owners with exposure to more than 50,000 book buyers and book sellers from across the globe.

The African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, co-founded in 2004 by Executive Director Tony Rose (Publisher/CEO, Amber Communications Group, Inc.), Adrienne Ingrum, Adrienne Ingrum, LLC. (former Associate Publisher, Black Issues Book Review) and Niani Colon (former Associate Publisher, Genesis Press), showcased more than 300 African American exhibitors, authors, self-publishers and publishing houses and a pavilion attendance of over 6,000 book industry professionals, in the 5,000 square feet of joint exhibit space and 1,000 square feet of pavilion main staging area.

This year’s theme was “Celebrate with the Stars” as a high-powered entourage of celebrity speakers lit up the stage and shared positive messages to the standing-room only audience of book publishing professionals.

Heather Covington, CEO, Disilgold.com, National Best-Selling Author, Literary Divas: The Top 100+ African American Women In Literature, NAACP Image Awards Nominee for Outstanding Literature (Biographies) and her new title Tekila Nika: The Forbidden Bronx Video Diary Tales, was the witty and charming host for programs at The African American Pavilion at Book Expo America. Miss Covington was named the 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA “Self-Publisher of the Year.”

The pavilion events began Friday, May 30th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Omar Tyree, NAACP Image Award Winner and New York Times National Bestselling Author of Flyy Girl and A Do Right Man. The 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Gordon Parks “Renaissance Artist” Award was presented to Mr. Tyree.

Internationally renowned artist and writer Synthia SAINT JAMES unveiled her new art, which featured “Precious” a Collaborative Mixed Media Painting by Synthia SAINT JAMES and Charles BIBBS. The 2008 African American Pavilion at Book Expo America, Romare Bearden “Vibrant Artistry” Award was presented to Synthia SAINT JAMES.

Pras Michel, founding member of the Fugees showed his award-winning film documentary “SKID ROW”, after which he spoke about the perils of homelessness, and the spiritual and economic means that we need to battle this dilemma. Pras Michel was presented with The 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Octavia Butler “Humanitarian” Award. Pras was accompanied by his manager Maxwell Billieon of The Billieon Group.

Keynote Speaker, Max Rodriguez, Founder, The Harlem Book Fair hosted a Special Preview presentation of The Harlem Book Fair (HBF), embarking on its Tenth Year Anniversary, July 19th. Max Rodriguez was presented with The African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Sonia Sanchez “Legends” Award. Other speakers for the HBF program included: Mary Monroe, Essence and New York Times National Best-Selling author; Gwynne Forster – An award winning author of over 30 novels; Michelle Gipson – Publisher/Founder, Written Magazine; Troy Johnson – Founder, AALBC.com; Omar Bradley – Former Mayor of Compton and author, The King of Compton.

The Welcoming Reception, which took place Friday afternoon was exciting and enlightening with a myriad of guest stars and awardees. Kevin Wayne Johnson, Founder/Publisher, Author, Writing For the Lord Ministries began the program with an invocation.

The featured guest speaker Denise Nicholas, NAACP and Emmy Award Winning Actress, National Best-Selling Author of Freshwater Road was presented The African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Maya Angelou “Legends” Award.

Keynote Speaker, Terrie Williams, National Best-Selling Author, Founder and Youth Advocate, The Stay Strong Foundation; President, The Terrie Williams Agency and author of BLACK PAIN: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting received the 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Toni Trent Parker “Author of the Year” Award.

Other speakers at the AAP at BEA Welcoming reception included: BEA Remarks: Steve Rosato, Director of Industry Development, BookExpo America; Melody Guy, Senior Editor, Ballantine Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group; Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes, Founding Artistic Director, The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative, Writing at Arizona State University (ASU), and National Best-Selling Author, Douglass’ Woman; Donna Hill, National Best-Selling Author, Wicked Ways, Rhythms, An Ordinary Woman, and On the Line; Curt Matthews, Founder/CEO of Chicago Review Press and CEO, Independent Publishers Group; Cevin Bryerman, Associate Publisher, Publishers Weekly; Pam Perry, Chief Visionary, Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc., the nation’s foremost experts in the African American Christian Public Relations market and President of Chocolate Pages; Dr. Philip S. Hart, National Best-Selling Author of African Americans and The Future of New Orleans: Rebirth, Renewal & Rebuilding an American Dilemma; Dante Lee, President/CEO, Diversity City Media/BlackNews.com, Best-Selling Author of 2007-2009 African American Scholarship Guide For Students and Parents and Ken Hudson, author of A Tree Stump In the Valley of Redwoods: Achieving Success In Sports & in Life.

Saturday afternoon began with a salute to exhibitors as seventeen self-published authors took center stage and gave a synopsis of their new titles, including: Naija, author of Spanish Fly; Mark Lacy, poet and author of Rock & Fire; Abiola Abrams, author of Dare; Na’kisha Crawford, Publisher/author of So Good It Hurts – The Pain, The Fight, The Love; Sherri Glover, author of Expressions of My Own Heart; Robin Ayele, author of Broken; Joy Marie, author of The Straight Up Truth About The Downlow; Dr. Rhonda Byrd, editor of Invitation To Love: Celebrating The Love Poems Of Paul Laurence Dunbar; Elaine McChard, author of Playin’ In Someone Else’s Yard; Denita Hedgeman, author of The Guidelines To Starting and Maintaining A Church Dance Ministry; Didi Tillson, author of A Need For Love; Elaine Abrams, author of What Crack Is Cracked Up To Be; Monda Webb, Author of 7:33am; Lonnie Henderson, author of NEVA~EH: Prince of Black Angels; Freedom Speaks Diaspora, author of Manjani; West Coast Biz, author of Be Like That Sometimes; Sherrance Henderson, author of The Ten Year Date and numerous other pavilion exhibitors, authors and self-publishers.

A wonderful and welcome visit to the pavilion was made by the stunningly beautiful Omarosa, television personality (The Apprentice) and author of the new title, The Bitch Switch: Knowing How to Turn It On and Off. She was accompanied by her mother, graciously signed autographs, and posed for pictures with authors, exhibitors and pavilion attendees. Omarosa spoke about her association with Donald Trump, her new book and up-coming television show.

Carol Mackey, the legendary Editor-In-Chief, Black Expressions Book Club, stopped by to say a few words to the pavilion exhibitors and attendees while scouting new titles in the pavilion for the book club.

The Saturday afternoon Awards Presentation was nothing short of spectacular, featuring Keynote Speaker George C. Fraser, best-selling author of CLICK: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships and Success Runs In Our Race: The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community. Mr. Fraser was the recipient of the 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, James Haskins “Pioneer” Award.

ZANE, Publisher, Strebor Books International, LLC/Simon & Schuster, National Best-Selling Author of several New York Times and Essence Best-Selling titles, including: Addicted, The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth, The Heat Seekers, Nervous, The Sisters of APF, Shame On It All, The Sex Chronicles 2 and Skyscrapers offered great advice to the many new and established authors and publishers in attendance; and Suzanne De Passe and ZANE spoke about a new television collaberation between ZANE and the Depasse Entertainment Company. Zane was awarded The 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Audra Lorde “Gambia Adisa” “Distinctive Voice Writer and Publisher” Award.

Mary B. Morrison, New York Times and Essence National Best-Selling Author of Sweeter Than Honey, Who’s Loving You, He’s Just a Friend, Some Bodies Gotta Be On Top, Never Again Once More, She Ain’t the One, When Somebody Loves You, and author as Honey B., of Sexcapades. Mary shared her experiences as a beginning author and now as a highly notable author role model. Mary B. Morrison is the 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America, Ntozake Shange “Legendary Writer of The Decade.”

Other program speakers included: Cheryl D. Woodruff, President and Associate Publisher of Smiley Books; Judith Curr, Executive Vice President, Publisher and Founder of Atria Books a division of Simon and Schuster; Wade Hudson, President/CEO, Just Us Books, The nation’s largest African American Children’s Book Publisher; Darrell Miller, Miller and Pliakas, LLP, (client list includes: Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance, Outkast and Ludacris); Tonya Evans-Walls, Publisher, Legal Write Publications and author; Dr. Kenneth Edelin, Publisher/Author, Pond View Press; Na’kisha Crawford, Motivational Speaker and Essence Best-Selling Author and Beverly Black Johnson, Publisher/Author, Gumbo For The Soul Publications.

The 2008 African American Pavilion at Book Expo America Awards Ceremony concluded with several top honors being presented:

The 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America Glenn Thompson “Lifetime Achievement ” Awardee was Lerone Bennett Jr.. Mr. Bennett, the author of the National Best-Seller, Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America, has received numerous honors and awards including the prestigious Literature Award of the Academy of Arts and Letters. He is an Alumnus of Morehouse College.

Tavis Smiley, the author of eleven books/editor of The New York Times #1 Best-Seller, The Covenant with Black America, was the recipient of the 2008 African American Pavilion at BookExpo America Glenn Thompson “Lifetime Achievement’ Award. He has received numerous awards and honorary doctorate degrees and is an alumnus of Indiana University. The African American Pavilion was honored by Mr. Smiley’s gracious and memorable acceptance speech.

THE 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA, “Book of the Year” Awardee was Senator and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama for New York Times Best-Seller, Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance.

The 2008 “Haki Madhubuti” Independent African American “Publisher of the Year” was W. Paul Coates, Founder and Director of Black Classic Press, which specializes in republishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent.

The African American Pavilion”BEA Trailblazer” Awardee is Kassahun Checole. Mr. Checole is the President and Publisher of Africa World Press/Red Sea Press; Crystal Lacey Winslow is the 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA, Chester B. Himes “Street Lit” Publisher Awardee. Crystal Lacey Winslow is CEO of Melodrama Publishing founded in 2001 by the award-winning author; The 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA “Christian Book Publisher of the Year” is Denise Stinson, CEO, Walk Worthy Press; The 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA, “Children’s Book Author Emeritus” is Irene Smalls, an award-winning Author/Storyteller/Historian; The 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA “Distributor of the Year” awardees were Brother Nati and Tabia Kamau-Nataki, Co-Owners, Afrikan World Book Distribution; The 2008 African American Pavilion at BEA “Book Stores of the Year” were: Crystal Bobb-Semple and Walston Bobb-Semple, Co-Owners, Brownstone Books; James Fugate and Tom Hamilton, Co-Owners, Esowon Books; Gwen and Willie Richardson, Co-Owners, Cush City.com and Naomi Webb, owner of the Windsor Hills Christian Book Center.

Tony Rose, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the African American Pavilion at Book Expo America stated, “I am elated at the overwhelming success of the pavilion and it’s programs. ‘Thanks ‘ are pouring in from many sources � publishers, sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors, authors, self-publishers and attendees � who networked, made deals, sold books, signed new book deals, acquired distribution and in their words ‘had a remarkable time!’ In turn, I thank all those who participated, our wonderful speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers, as well as my co-founders Adrienne Ingrum and Niani Colom, and my staff, including: Yvonne Rose, National Director; Lynnette McMillon, National Director of Publicity and Promotions; Heather Covington, Host, and National Director of On-Line Promotions; Cheryl Crosby, Associate Director of Sponsorships; Therez Fleetwood, Exhibitor Relations; Philip Herbert, Exhibitor Relations; Kristen Willis, Assistant, Exhibitor Relations; Darnell Smith, Exhibitor Relations and Kamali Minter, Videographer. I’d like to also thank Steve Rosato, Mike Carlucci, Lance Fensterman and all of our partners at BookExpo America.”

Mr. Rose, highly commended for producing and co-founding the hugely successful African American Pavilion at Book Expo America, received several awards. Steve Rosato, The Director of Strategic Accounts and Industry Development for BookExpo America, presented The 2008 BEA “Founders” Award. Mr. Rosato stated, “We honor your extraordinary contributions, service and commitment to the African American Book Publishing Industry.” Cynthia Exum, Founder and Director of the 2nd Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair and Bernard C. Parks, Councilmember 8th District, Los Angles, presented a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles and the State of California, which stated: “For your extraordinary contributions to the literacy legacy of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the United States”, Charles L. Chatmon, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo presented a “Certificate of Appreciation” which stated: “Presented to Tony Rose, in honor of your outstanding contribution in promoting Black Literature.”

Tony Rose acknowledged, “The fellowship shown to us, the receptions and honors given to us by the community, the people of Los Angeles through The Leimert Park Village Book Fair and The los Angeles Black Book Fair, was tremendous and supportive. We look forward to our continuing friendship and work with Cynthia Exum and Charles Chatmon as we, along with Max Rodriguez, Founder of the Harlem Book Fair, continue to strive to keep literacy at the forefront of our African American communities.”

Preparations are underway for the 2009 African American Pavilion at Book Expo America being held at the John Jacob Javit’s Convention Center in New York City from May 28th to May 31st. To register, contact Mike Carlucci, Director of Sales, Book Expo America, 203-840-5625 or email: mcarlucci@reedexpo.com. For further information, contact Tony Rose, Executive Director/Co-Founder, The African American Pavilion at BEA at 520-568-6692 or email: amberbk@aol.com or visit: WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM (The African American Pavilion 2008 link).

The sponsors for the 2008 5th Annual African American Pavilion were: Amber Communications Group, Inc.; Adrienne Ingrum, Adrienne Ingrum, LLC.; QBR The Black Book Review; Diversity City Media, Inc/ BlackNews.com; Written Magazine; Disilgold.com; AALBC.com; MosaicBooks.com; Sheridan Books, Inc.; Scholastic Inc.; Oxford University Press; Amber Books and BookExpo America.

THE 2008 AFRICAN AMERICAN PAVILION AT bea PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE AT: www.amberbooks.com/modules/extgallery/public-album.php?id=3

OR GO TO WWW.AMBERBOOKS.COM AND CLICK ON THE ACGI IMAGE GALLERY

Black Women in Film Honored at the 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival

Press Release

On Saturday, June 7th, 2008
AMBI(R) Skincare will present the "Black Women in Film" program at the 9th
Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverly Hills, California. The
exhibition will feature independent film projects that celebrate the unique
talents of gifted female filmmakers, artists, writers and executives of color.

"This program is an incredible forum for discovering and celebrating
female talent that so often goes unrecognized," states Denna Singleton,
Product Director of AMBI(R). "We are proud to celebrate the outstanding talent
that exists in this industry, and empower women to achieve their professional
dreams."

The "Black Women in Film" program is one of the events being held in
celebration of black cinema at this year's Hollywood Black Film Festival.
Beginning June 3rd and running through June 8th, 2008 some of today's biggest
stars and industry tastemakers will descend upon Hollywood to celebrate black
cinema and the triumphs of established black filmmakers, popular film and TV
stars, writers, producers and directors. The 6-day Festival will offer a
well-deserved spotlight to up-and-coming talent in independent filmmaking by
showcasing their work among hundreds of industry influencers.

Tanya Kersey, Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Black Film
Festival states, "In the spirit of celebrating the creative vision of the
Black film community, we pay homage to the voice women of color have lent to
Black cinema, and we are pleased to have the support of AMBI(R) in honoring
these visionaries."

The "Black Women in Film" program at the Hollywood Black Film Festival
will begin at 5pm at the Writers Guild Theater located at 135 South Doheny
Drive in Beverly Hills.  The following films will be screened during the
showcase:

-- "Mista Nice Guy"
 -- "A Baby Way Jamerican"
 -- "An Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl"
 -- "Love Conquers All"
 -- "Steep"
 -- "Murdering Mama's Boy"
 -- "Whistle Lesson"

The showcase of films will culminate with a reception at Siren Studios at
9pm, located at 6063 West Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. For more information
about the Hollywood Black Film Festival, or to RSVP as a media guest, please
contact Cecy Galvan at Bleu Entertainment PR at (310) 558-1696 or
cecy@bleuentertainmentpr.com. For more information about AMBI(R) Skincare,
please contact Danielle Weingarten at Rpr Marketing Communications at
(212) 317-1462 or danielle.weingarten@rprny.com.

About the Hollywood Black Film Festival

HBFF, dubbed “The Black Sundance,” is an annual, six-day celebration of
Black cinema, serving as a forum to showcase the talents of Black filmmakers
and enhance appreciation for Black filmmaking. HBFF’s mission is to foster and
develop the vision of independent filmmakers by bringing their projects to the
attention of the filmmaking industry, media and mainstream audiences through a
public exhibition and competition program. For more information visit
www.HBFF.org.

About AMBI(R)

AMBI(R) Skincare, one of the brands of the Johnson & Johnson Consumer
Products Company, a division of the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies,
Inc., is developed specifically for women with rich skin tones to help achieve
beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Women of African, Latin, and South Asian
heritage often face unique skincare challenges in keeping their skin clear and
even in tone due to the melanin in their skin. Therefore, it is important for
women with melanin-rich skin tones to have a line of skincare products that
reduces breakouts, clears dark marks, and keeps skin even, clear and radiant.
For this reason, women trust AMBI(R). Carefully developed and specifically
designed with their skin types in mind, AMBI(R) has been a trusted skin care
brand for women with melanin-rich skin tones for over 40 years. For more
information visit www.ambiskincare.com.