Our Family - ~SHEDDING LIGHT ON LIFE~

Meet the Visionaries...

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 inspirations but the concept needed 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 my child's playmate held back a grade that used to come over after school to study. When I looked into the literacy problems that plagued our youth, I found an alarming 50% high school drop-out rate!" Beverly redirected her plans, aiming the vision towards 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 three books with several more underway. Enlightening the community is one of Beverly's many passions shared through informative and interactive community workshops. Request Beverly for your event: gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com

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~ Director of Business Development

CEO of Bruce George Media, co-founder of the Peabody Award winning, HBO | Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam, Bruce George, joined the family as Director of Business Development and an executive consultant 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~ Oct. 2010 and Gumbo for the Soul: Men of Honor Jan. 2012. We are so happy for the addition of this talented poet, visionary, entrepreneur and community activist!! Gumbo for the Soul sponsorship includes Mr. George's services. Restrictions apply.

Also view Bruce George (entrepreneur) on Wikipedia.

and the Vision Makers...

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Synthia SAINT JAMES ~ Artist

"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 McMillan, 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.

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Rachel Berry aka Lady Serenity ~ Gumbo for the Soul Radio Hostess

Rachel Berry is the CEO of Kimathi Enterprises, an author, poet, entrepreneur, and radio show host of "From the Heart & Soul" radio. She is also the founder of Black Pearls United and The Vow Network, a soon to be launched global network of professionals that provide inspiration and life information. Visit her online at http://rachelberry.webs.com/

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Toni Beckham of PR et Cetera, Inc. ~ Media Expert

PR, et Cetera, Inc. 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. Visit PR et Cetera, Inc. webpage and Press Release Page

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Shawnda Tate ~ Senior Editor

Shawnda Tate, formerly the editor-at-large of Gumbo for the Souls' Perspective column from 2007-2010, online. A gifted writer, Mrs.Tate brought interviews and thought provoking articles that sparked the brain!
Mrs.Tate did an outstanding job and we regret the discontinuance of 'Perspective'. We are happy that Mrs.Tate is involved with other Gumbo projects, doing her own thing and now stepping up in her new role as of November 2010 as our new Senior Editor.

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Zaji ~ Design and Editorial Consultant

Zaji is the founder and CEO of Creative Ankh, a literary company for authors. Through Creative Ankh, Zaji provides authors with extensive graphics and editing services. Zaji earned her B.A. in English from Iona College where she graduated with honors in her major, and was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. She received her M.S. in Journalism with honors from the same institution and will soon begin studies towards her Doctorate in Writing and Philosophy. She has worked with Oprah Magazine, Essence, Black Enterprise, Black Voices, Black Issues Book Review, Fierce, The Source, Kuji: The Lifestyle Guide to Self Enrichment, BlackNews.com and BlackPR.com, just to name a few. Please be sure to visit her online: http://www.thezaji.com (personal) or http://www.creative-ankh.com (business)

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We thank Eve's Literary Service, the combined talents of the beautiful and gifted

Sharon "Shaye" Gray and Lorraine Elzia for five stellar years of support and dedication.

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Proverbs 10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.