ABOUT GUMBO FOR THE SOUL Gumbo for the Soul is a savory blend of anthologies that focuses on humanitarian issues effecting communities worldwide. From education to adoption and everything in between, we bring inspirational and informative publications that promise to spark change, heighten awareness and offer resources and resolutions to the issues we outline.��

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The 4th YOUnity Guild of America names Gumbo for the Soul-The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community, "Most Outstanding Anthology of the Year!"

Blackrefer.com 3rd Annual Reviewer's Choice Awards names Gumbo for the Soul-The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community, "Best Anthology of 2007!"

Gumbo for the Soul ~P.O. Box 2522~Los Banos~CA~93635~ gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com

www. gumboforthesoul.com

ABOUT BEVERLY JOHNSON

Creator of Gumbo for the Soul PublicationsBeverly Black Johnson hails from the San Francisco Bay Area, born in the liberal city of San Francisco, raised in East Palo Alto from the age of six. The youngest of four, if asked to define her child hood she would say in one word-lonely. By age 17 Beverly would experience the death of her step-father, the suicide of her only brother and would barely graduate high school in 1977. Between 1977 and 1980 she made several attempts to attend college only to drop out yielding her destiny to a booming electronics industry where she would learn the trade from laser’s to electrodes and everything in between. This trade would prove valuable for over 20 years with bouts of drug and alcohol abuse intertwined. In 1982 she gave birth to her first child, a very healthy baby boy. In 1984 Beverly, after falling deep into the crack epidemic, gave birth to an under weight, crack addicted baby girl. By age 3 and 5 the kids were brought into the "system" by her father unbeknownst to her mother and sister's who fought tirelessly to keep the kids together -as Beverly's bout with drugs continued. Years later after going in and out of drug programs, jail and the streets, Beverly moved to Oakland to assist in her father’s general contracting business and to “get clean.” Beverly became active in the reunification process to have her children returned to her as she began to clean up her life. That was short lived because Beverly would be forced by a child welfare system to move back to San Mateo County or risk her children being moved to a foster home in the county of Oakland. To prevent the uprooting of her children, Beverly hesitantly moved back to East Palo Alto, "the old hood and the old friends", only for the drug cycle to begin again. In December 1991 she gave birth to a baby boy who tested positive for crack and wasn’t allowed to leave the hospital with her. A change would come that would allow her to make a vow to turn her life around. She never looked back. Beverly did complete the reunification process and did regain custody of her children. She was told she would never get her baby boy that tested positive. She regained custody of him when he was 18 months old. Her story will be told in a full biographical account of her life’s trials and tribulations. Now with 18 years “crackfree” Beverly has returned to her first love, writing. She is the publisher of the award-winning book, Gumbo for the Soul: The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community which garnered an endorsement from talk show host, Tavis Smiley. She continues

to aspire with writing, releasing a 2nd Gumbo book, Gumbo for the Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's The Village?" Gumbo for the Soul Publications continues to produce a series of books and will release Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor: Special Pink Edition heightening awareness of Breast Cancer and honoring women that have made a difference in the lives of the anthology submitter's. Beverly has found her true gift in writing poetry with gospel lyrics being her passion. Life has been no cake walk but now that Beverly has turned hers around she has much to be thankful for. She lost her mother in 2007 but not before thanking her for her relentless fight to keep her first 2 children from being separated by the system prior to her regaining custody of them. They are now grown and have their own story to tell. Beverly gave birth a fourth time to a beautiful girl, now 14. Beverly continues to work volunteering her time in the areas of health and education awareness. She is also available to conduct workshops for church events, community fundraising and speaking engagements. Her testimony bears truth that All Things are possible through Christ Jesus. Contact: Beverly Black Johnson: prophecy616@yahoo.com Website: www.beverlyblackjohnson.com

MEET THE GUMBO FAMILY

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: late 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 Publicist

Toni Beckham of PR et Cetera, Inc. 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.

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, former editor of both 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 an Editor, Award Winning Author and Ghostwriter. With stories in seven anthologies, two novels, several co-authored/ghost written books, co-owner in Eve’s Literary Service and co-moderator of Essentially Women; a writing group for African American Women, all to her credit on her writer’s resume of five years; Lorraine is proving herself to be a breath of fresh air in the literary field. Her debut novel, Mistress Memoirs released in 2009 by Peace in The Storm Publishing, received stellar reviews and allowed Lorraine to be the recipient of the AALAS Break Out Author of the year award. Ask Nicely and I Might is Lorraine’s sophomore novel and is a continuance of her desire to present stories to the world that not only entertain, but have a message to tell as well. Visit Lorraine at www.lorraineelzia.com.

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, 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 and doing her own thing! Be sure to visit her at www.giftdink.com

PRESS RELEASES

November 2006 Tavis Smiley Comments on "Gumbo for the Soul" Anthology April 2007 "Gumbo for the Soul" Literacy Program Benefits From Highly Anticipated Anthology June 2007 "Gumbo for the Soul" Creator to Speak at Los Angeles Leimert Park Village Book Festival July 2007 Kwanzaa Postage Stamp Designer is Official Book Cover Artist for "Gumbo for the Soul" Anthologies August 2007 Bruce George and Sheron 'Umi' Smith Join Gumbo for the Soul Publications August 2007 Tee C Royal pens foreword for Gumbo For The Soul, anthology #2, Here's Our Child, Where's The Village September 2007 Nikki Giovanni pens foreword for Gumbo For The Soul, anthology # 3, Celebrity Moms August 2008 Beverly Black Johnson discusses Gumbo For The Soul on "Black Renaissance" with Dr. Brenda Wade November 2008 Gumbo For The Soul drops book #2, proceeds to benefit African Cradle, a local adoption agency June 2009 Gumbo For The Soul announces Young Writers Division August 2009 Call for Submissions~Gumbo For The Soul: Women of Honor-Special Pink Edition June 2010 Call for Submissions~Gumbo for the Soul: Men of Honor-Special Cancer Awareness Edition September 2010 Julia Hare, PH.D. comments on forthcoming anthology, Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor~Special Pink Edition

"Gumbo for The Soul: The Recipe For Literacy in the Black Community"

Bookcover ©1990 "With Honors" by Synthia SAINT JAMES Foreword by Heather Covington, author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature and NAACP Image Award Nominee. "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

Read full press release: http://photos.imageevent.com/pretc/tonisholdingsite/TavisSmileyComments.png "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. " Rawsistaz Reviewer rates Gumbo 5 out of 5. Reviewed by Alice Holman, RAWSISTAZ.com Gumbo for the Soul was created by Beverly Black Johnson, to heighten awareness of the growing high school drop-out rate in the Black community. A portion of the proceeds from this anthology will go towards funding the Gumbo for the Soul Scholarship Program. Gumbo for The Soul conveys accounts of educational, occupational and personal experiences dealing with adversity, obstacles, perseverance and determination eloquently portrayed in the form of poetry, personal stories, quotes & reflections. These pages are penned by Essence bestsellers, first time writers, professionals from all walks of life, laypersons, parents, teachers and students. Be sure to get your copy! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit Gumbo for the Soul Scholarship Awareness Program.

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Gumbo For The Soul: Here's Our Child, Where’s The Village?

November 2008 Edited by Beverly Black Johnson Foreword by Tee C. Royal "Here’s Our Child, Where’s The Village?” conveys that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish as happy, thriving and free spirited people regardless of race and the displacement factors governing their lives. The question isn't “Here’s Our Child, Where’s The Village?” The question is whose village will you be? ~Beverly Black Johnson “We must bear each others burdens. Though the village has been replaced by concrete and Roe v. Wade, there remains innocent children

deserving of love and a safe haven. They may be parentless, but they are not Godless…” ~Bruce George, Co-Founder of Def Poetry Jam "Connecting kids to permanency is paramount.” ~Stacia C. Hammond- Executive Director/Founder Adoption Support & Consultation Services of Florida, Inc. (ASCS) Rawsistaz Reviewer rates Gumbo 4.5 out of 5 Read full review reviewed by Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ.com —- Dawn Reeves is a Program Coordinator for a public school system and is an avid sports fan. In addition to participating in on-line book clubs, she is the manager of a local book club. ~Book cover art: Grandmother Spirit© Synthia SAINT JAMES’ A portion of the sales of this book benefits African Cradle, a U.S. adoption agency.

Drop date October 2010-Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Gumbo for the Soul: Women of Honor~ Special Pink Edition (ISBN: 978-0-9790479-1-6 Compiled by Beverly Black Johnson) An anthology of savory literary offerings honoring women and supporting the fight against breast cancer. Writers from around the world converge with inspiring essays, and poetry with quotes from Synthia SAINT JAMES dispersed throughout. Proceeds benefit Sister's Network Inc. San Francisco Chapter, a non-profit African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization on behalf of Chapter President Gail D. Bishop-a breast cancer survivor.

In loving memory of Hilda Rose Noel 09-19-1924 to 07-12-2007

Drop date October 2010-Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I am utterly ecstatic to read about all of the strong, loving, creative, and determined women who are being honored in this book. Each story, poem and ..." Dr. Julia Hare.

You'll see Dr. Hare's full heartfelt quote when you get the book! Dr. Julia Hare, a licensed clinical psychologist, is the National Executive Director of The Black Think Tank, headquartered in San Francisco, CA. In its May 2008 issue, EBONY Magazine named her among "The EBONY Power 150: The Most Influential Blacks in America." Just $11.95 plus $3.00 s/h per book. To order by mail send check or money order in US funds only payable to: Beverly Black Johnson. Mail to GFTS: Women of Honor P.O. Box 2522, Los Banos, CA 93635 Book Clubs and fundraisers ordering 20 or more receive ½ off!! Email gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com to place your order and receive your discount!

Interview with Beverly JOHNSON

What prompted you to do the Gumbo for the Soul series? 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 plaques 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. Was it difficult to compile all of the stories for the Pink Edition from the submissions you received? It was only difficult in the sense of allowing enough time for solicited submissions to come in. People I personally asked to contribute due to knowing the woman being honored and her plight with cancer. The other difficulty I would say is getting through the heartfelt, sad and often triumphant stories without crying. Have you or someone you know been affected by Breast Cancer? Sadly, I do. My own mother had breast cancer in the early 1980’s. I speak of her in my submission, ‘Quiet Soldiers’. Some of my friends have submitted either honoring a woman or telling the breast cancer journey of one. Tell us more about the charity organization that some of the funds will be allocated to.

Sisters Network® Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.

Sisters Network® Inc. addresses the breast health needs of African American women, through its affiliate chapters, and partnerships with existing service providers. The San Francisco chapter is organized by local breast cancer survivors who are committed to establishing the

much needed community breast health services

Being a native of San Francisco and the fact that my mother went through her ordeal without any support services really gives me the honor to assist such a worthy organization. I wish such an organization existed when my mother had her ordeal.

How do you determine which charity to use for the books in the series? I research their mission and how it matches up with our book. I feel it in my spirit based on a couple of factors. I like to choose an organization that is making a direct impact in the community. One that may need some help because they have a great mission but a little charity and attention always helps. There’s no set formula for me. The Holy Spirit is in control. I’m just a willing vessel. What's next for Gumbo for the Soul? Our special cancer awareness edition, Men of Honor. Again the focus is heightening awareness of the common cancers affecting our men i.e., lung and prostate cancer while honoring men that have made a difference in our lives. Where can readers purchase copies so they can support the organizations? All the major booksellers carry Gumbo for the Soul or just visit us online at www.gumboforthesoul.com How can writers find out how to submit to one of the future books in the series? www.gumboforthesoul.com