Award-winning journalist and talk show host Tavis Smiley will be discussing and signing his latest book, My Journey with Maya Angelou at this year’s South Florida Book Festival July 17-18 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC).
Continue reading “Tavis Smiley to Appear at South Florida Book Festival”
Category: Books
Author Alice Walker wants you to wake up
It’s been 30 years since Alice Walker wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Color Purple,” but its impact lives on through a hit movie and a Broadway musical, which is now set to hit the stage in London this fall. But Walker is not one to rest on her laurels. She continues to write novels — two of which feature characters from “The Color Purple” — children’s books, poetry and essays.
With the release of her two latest books, “The Cushion in the Road” (New Press, $26.95), a collection of essays on politics and spirituality, and “The World Will Follow Joy” (New Press, $21.95), a book of poetry, Walker wants her readers to do one thing: “Wake up” to what’s going on around them.
Click here for more.
BeBe Winans celebrates friend Whitney Houston
The simple girl with an enormous gift.
That is how gospel singer BeBe Winans describes his friend of 28 years, Whitney Houston, who was found dead Feb. 11 in the bathtub of a Los Angeles hotel.
In his recently released book, “The Whitney I Knew,” Winans relates some of the moments he shared with the world-renowned singer, including an unforgettable experience with Houston at a movie theater.
Click here for more.
Ex-hoops star turns his focus to farming
The son of African-American sharecroppers, Will Allen left his family’s farm to play professional basketball. He returned to his roots when he purchased a 100-acre farm outside of Milwaukee, Wisc.
In his new book, “The Good Food Revolution,” encourages urban farming and healthy eating.
“It is so important to understand where our food comes from and not just eat any kind of food because people put it in your neighborhood,” he says.
Click here to learn more about how Allen has caught the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama and has partnered with her to eliminate food deserts.
Common details life, Erykah Badu in memoir
Rapper and actor Common is currently in his hometown of Chicago promoting his memoir in which he opens up about his break-up with soul singer Erykah Badu.
Continue reading “Common details life, Erykah Badu in memoir”
Jet Mag Feature: Whites four times wealthier than Blacks
Check out the article that I’ve written in Jet magazine available on news stands now. The article examines a recently released study that found that Whites have become four times wealthier than Blacks within the last 25 years.
Jet Mag Feature: Home healthcare agency provides quality care to patients
Check out the article that I’ve written in the Money section of Jet magazine available on news stands now. The article features six business and medical professionals that began a home healthcare agency to provide quality care to patients.
Tyra Banks to write ‘Modelland’ novels
Tyra Banks will add author to her growing list of job titles. She is writing three novels in the “Modelland” series about the world of modeling, reports the New York Daily News.
“It’s a work of fiction that honors my love of books and fantasy, and also lets me poke fun at things I’ve seen in the real world,” Banks says of the tomes, which are about a fantasyland where characters called Intoxibellas rule and have superpowers and “edgy, sexy, exciting adventures.”
“So, yes, many of the characters will be inspired by some of the models I’ve known – both nice and ‘ice,'” she added. “And many of the people I’ve met along the way, from the fashion world, my TV shows, even people I’ve met in restaurants and on the street.”
Ex-assistant sues Wayans Brothers over book
Keenan Ivory, Shawn and Marlon Wayans are being sued by former personal assistant, Jared Edwards, who claims the brothers stole his idea for a book and then published “101 Ways to Know You’re a Golddigger” in May.
According to papers filed Thursday in a Manhattan federal court, Edwards quit his job in 2006 after the Wayans brothers told him his book, “You Know You’re a Golddigger When…” didn’t have a chance of being published.
R. Kelly to write autobiography
The self proclaimed “Pied Piper of R&B” is penning a memoir, which will detail his musical career, the death of his mother and the child pornography case he faced. R. Kelly has collaborated and written songs for well-known musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion.
“I’m writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly,” said the 42-year-old singer. “I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”
The book will be published in 2011 by SmileyBooks, a publishing company founded by host Tavis Smiley.
“We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” Smiley said. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”
I might have to check this out. Would you read his book?