~Shedding Light On Life~


	Beverly Black Johnson ~ creator of Gumbo for the Soul Publications Beverly Black Johnson conceived Gumbo for the Soul Publications in November 2003. She originally wanted to produce strictly inspirational anthologies but the concept lacked depth and originality. "I needed something that addressed the concerns of the community", commented Ms. Johnson. "I remembered how some of our church youth struggled to read, and the child held back a grade that used to come over after school with my kids to study at my kitchen table. When I looked into the literacy problems that plaqued our youth, I found an alarming 50% high school drop-out rate!" Beverly redirected her plans aiming the vision's focus on literacy. It didn't take long to realize Gumbo's first of a series of anthologies that would speak to the concerns of the community. Focusing on humanitarian issues like education, health and spiritual wellness, Gumbo for the Soul Publications is paving its own path having released two books with more underway. Enlightening the community is one of Beverly's many passions shared through informative and interactive community workshops. To bring Beverly to speak in your community, email gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com For bio, appearances and interviews visit www.beverlyblackjohnson.com Contact Toni Beckham of PR et Cetera, Inc. for media requests. toni@pretcetera.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bruce George~Gumbo's Director of Business Development Def Poetry Jams' Co-founder, Bruce George, joined the family as Gumbo for the Soul' Director of Business Development in 2007. George adds his own savory touch by bringing to the Gumbo, professor, poet, Nikki Giovanni and Sheron "Umi" Smith, mother of rapper Mos Def. All this talent blended to culminate Gumbo For The Soul: Celebrity Moms-the first of many more gems we expect to see coming from Mr. George. His vision for Celebrity Mom's gave birth to Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor~Special Pink Edition; drop date: October 2010. We are so happy for the addition of this talented poet, visionary, entrepreneur and community activist!! Visit Mr George online: You Tube The book, The Bandana Republic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Synthia SAINT JAMES~ Gumbo's official book cover designer "Gumbo for the Soul" publications embraces the bold and beautiful artwork of world renown Synthia SAINT JAMES, fine artist, author, songwriter, and designer of the widely popular Kwanzaa postage stamp. You'll find her work on over 50 book covers (which includes books by Alice Walker, Terry Mc Millan, Iyanla Vanzant and Julia Boyd), and on many licensed products. The United States Postal Service commissioned her to create the first Kwanzaa Stamp, made available on October 22, 1997 with the first issue day ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Toni Beckham~Gumbo's media rep Toni Beckham of PR et Cetera, Inc. PR, et Cetera is an experienced public relations and marketing communications firm that serves the communications needs of small public, privately held and non-profit organizations. Specializing in written materials and custom e-marketing documents, we can address all of your business and personal communications needs - from press releases to personal biographies. PR, et Cetera, Inc. also represents and promotes authors, entertainers and motivational speakers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sharon Stinson Gray, M.P.A. ~Gumbo's editor Sharon Stinson Gray, M.P.A. is *Co-Founder & Moderator of Essentially Woman, Editor, Eve’s Literary Services, Bahiyah Woman Magazine and Styleology Magazine.* Sharon Stinson Gray has a Bachelor's of Art Degree in English from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach , Florida and a Master's Degree (M.P.A.) from Nova Southeastern University . With her passion for words and love of children, she entered the teaching profession in 1998. She currently teaches High School English and Reading and Adult Education courses. Sharon is also a corresponding Editor of Gumbo for the Soul and has served as Senior Editor of Bahiyah Woman Magazine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lorraine Elzia~Gumbo's co-editor Lorraine Elzia is a paralegal, editor and author. Her work has been published in Chicken Soup for the Single Mother’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul and she is a contributing author in the anthology, Surfacing...Phenomenal Women on Passion, Politics and Purpose. Lorraine is Co Moderator of Essentially Women Writing Group. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shawnda Tate~Gumbo's editor-at-large Shawnda Tate editor-at-large of Gumbo for the Souls' PERSPECTIVE from 2007-2010, online. A gifted writer, Ms. Tate brought interviews and thought provoking articles that sparked the brain! Ms. Tate did an outstanding job and we regret the discontinuance of 'Perspective'. We are happy that Ms. Tate is involved with other Gumbo projects and doing her own thing! Be sure to visit her at www.giftdink.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Proverbs10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge,but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. www.gumboforthesoul.com www.gumboforthesoul.net www.facebook.com/bblackjohnson www.myspace.com/gumboforthesoul http://twitter.com/gumboforthesoul Gumbo for the Soul Publications and logo are registered trademarks of Beverly Black Johnson. All Rights Reserved.