"Gumbo for the Soul" dares to call it like it is. This serving of Gumbo is a must-read for every parent, teacher, mentor, and all who believe it is important that our children can read and comprehend the English language." — Tavis Smiley, Author, Television and Radio Host
"Gumbo for the Soul" tells African-Americans exactly what the recipe for a good life is…It is inspirational, uplifting, and recommended for people of all ages, colors and aspirations." — Alice Holman, The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
San Francisco Bay Area parent and adult tutor Beverly Black Johnson has taken steps to address the dismal statistics of the high school drop-out rate amongst Black students. She founded Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program to implement solutions to black students' declining GPAs, and to improve the scores of college-bound high school seniors by developing a literacy program. Johnson shared her vision for the literacy program with some of the nation's best-selling and first-time African-American writers, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, community leaders, laypersons and students. More than 100 talented individuals generously contributed to the anthology titled Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit development of Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program – a 501(c)(4) public service initiative. The anthology is available online at www.BarnesandNoble.com
Johnson commented, "We as parents, educators and village leaders have to step up and place higher demands on the education system so that our kids get the quality of education to which they are entitled and deserve." She continued, "We cannot afford to simply stand by the wayside and allow our kids to slip through the ever-widening cracks. We must take action."
Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community is the first in a series of compilations of delicious poems, essays, quotes, personal reflectional accounts of contributors' respective educational and occupational experiences that address adversity, obstacles, perseverance and determination, as well as assorted gumbo recipes. Under development for more than two years, and in print for less than two weeks, the highly-anticipated anthology is already the buzz in literary circles.
Popular author, television and radio host Tavis Smiley said, "Gumbo for the Soul" dares to call it like it is. This serving of Gumbo is a must-read for every parent, teacher, mentor, and all who believe it is important that our children can read and comprehend the English language." Member of the highly-respected RAWSISTAZ Reviewers Alice Holman's R.A.W. Rating of "5 out of 5" accompanied her broad review that included, "This collection of writings is inspirational and uplifting. I can't think of a better book to read when depression and a sense of meaningless in this world overtakes your soul."…"Gumbo for the Soul"…succinctly brings out our stellar history in this country. The inspirational pieces are beautiful stories that let us know God is with us no matter what. The gumbo recipes begged to be tried for dinner."
Gumbo for the Soul proudly includes among its 106 talented contributors: Toni Beckham, president & CEO, PR, et Cetera, Inc.
Heather Covington, NAACP Image Award nominee; author of Literary Divas; host, the Black Family Channel's "Literary Living"
Nathasha Brooks-Harris, Emma Award winning author of Panache
Delores Thornton, "Queen of Marketing" Marguerite Publishing
Niambi Jarvis, founder & CEO, Hiyaah Power, Inc.
Michael Henderson, Morehouse College Alumni
Kim Robinson, author of The Roux in the Gumbo
James W. Lewis, contributor, Chicken Soup for the Soul
Synthia Saint James, award-winning artist, author, songwriter, and illustrator of the widely popular Kwanzaa postage stamp
Vecepia Towery-Robinson, CBS "Survivor" winner
Keyanna Bean, Rapper
Kyeisha D. Johnson, Student
Beverly Black Johnson, founder, Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program; compiler, Gumbo for the Soul anthology series
THE BOOK:
Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community
Compiled by Beverly Black Johnson
iUniverse, Inc./Gumbo for the Soul Publications, April 2007
(ISBN:0-595-42907-6, ISSN:1934-3590, Paperback, $24.95 U.S., non-fiction)
Book cover by Synthia Saint James; foreword by Heather Covington
Available for purchase now at www.BarnesandNoble.com
THE LITERACY PROGRAM:
Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit development of Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program – a 501(c)(4) public service initiative. To learn more about the program, and how you can support it, please visit www.gumboforthesoul.net. Corporate and organizational sponsorships are welcome. Please email gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com or call 209-947-4743.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Next in the Gumbo for the Soul anthology series is Gumbo for the Soul: Here's our Child, Where's the Village? Submission deadline: June 16, 2007 | both electronic (heresourchild@yahoo.com) and hardcopy required. Mail to: GFTS-Village Child, P.O. Box 5193, San Jose, CA 95150. Sponsor ads are available. For more detailed information about submission requirements for the next anthology, please visit www.gumboforthesoul.com
CONTACT:
Toni Beckham
PR, et Cetera, Inc.
408-499-3664
Toni@PRetCetera.com
