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CONTACT: -- The success of "Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community" has resulted in awe-inspiring interest in the anthology series. The deadline to submit contributions for the next book "Gumbo for the Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's the Village?" has been extended to August 31st. -- San Jose, CA (BlackNews.com) - Fresh on the heels of the announcement that award-winning artist, author, songwriter, and Kwanzaa postage stamp designer Synthia SAINT JAMES would be the "official" book cover artist for the Gumbo for the Soul anthology series, Bruce George and Sharon 'Umi' Smith also agreed to take on major roles with Gumbo for the Soul Publications. George, a talented poet and writer, entrepreneur, activist, Def Poetry Jam co-founder, and Peabody Award winner, recently signed on with Gumbo for the Soul Publications as Director of Business Development. "Ms. Beverly Black Johnson of Gumbo For the Soul Publications has demonstrated to others and myself her strong sense of vision, faith and wherewithal towards her never ending fight of fostering literacy in the 'inner cities' across America," George commented. "I'm most excited about our new-found partnership in which we are on a mission to raise the consciousness of the youth as well as adults within the African Diaspora by utilizing the publication of books and literacy programs as a cultural apparatus towards the end-goal of self-determination." Already, George's vision and creativity have led to the development of a special third anthology that will celebrate mothers, for which Sheron Smith will take on the role as lead compiler by obtaining literary contributions from mothers of celebrities. Affectionately known as Umi, Smith is founder of and executive consultant to EETN (Ebony Energy Talent Network) celebrity moms, a renown motivational speaker, spoken word poet, co-chair of the NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, Inc.) 2007 International Women's Leadership Summit, and mother of rapper/actor Mos Def. "I am honored and excited about my new-found friendship and partnership with Beverly Black Johnson, representing Gumbo for the Soul Publications and the anthology that will celebrate mothers," Smith remarked. "When I was a young girl, my mother taught me that God says 'Charity begins at home, then spreads abroad.'" Smith continued, "Our goal is for celebrity moms to share their most heartfelt stories and experiences through this anthology. We want to help strengthen and enhance the quality of how we treat our families (and each other)." "I pray this project continues to be blessed by those who help develop it, and by those who read and relate to the stories to uplift themselves and those around them," she concluded. Beverly Black Johnson is founder of the Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program and compiler of the recently published, inspirational anthology Gumbo for the Soul: the Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community (iUniverse, Inc./Gumbo for the Soul Publications, paperback, 308pp., $24.95). "I am overwhelmed by the amount of attention my book and literacy program have generated," Johnson said. "I am overjoyed and indeed proud that Bruce and Umi believe in this important project, and will lend their respective talents to publishing bestselling anthologies to benefit the Gumbo for the Soul Literacy Program." Gumbo for the Soul anthologies are compilations of delicious poetry, essays, quotes, and personal reflectional accounts of contributors' respective educational and occupational experiences that address adversity, obstacles, perseverance and determination, as well as assorted gumbo recipes. Author, television and radio host Tavis Smiley endorsed the first in the anthology series The Recipe for Literacy in the Black Community and Alice Holman of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers gave the work a 5 out of 5 "RAW" rating. The book is highly recommended for youth. It is available online now at www.BarnesandNoble.com PUBLISHER SOUGHT: THE LITERACY PROGRAM:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2007
Toni Beckham
408-499-3664
Toni@PRetCetera.com
"GUMBO FOR THE SOUL" ANTHOLOGY SERIES GAINS MOMENTUM AS BRUCE GEORGE (CO-FOUNDER OF DEF POETRY JAM) AND SHERON 'UMI' SMITH (MOS DEF'S MOM) TAKE ON MAJOR ROLES WITH GUMBO FOR THE SOUL PUBLICATIONS
BRUCE GEORGE - Poet, writer, entrepreneur, activist, Def Poetry Jam co-founder, and Peabody Award winner 
SHERON 'UMI' SMITH - Renown motivational speaker, spoken word poet, and mother of rapper/actor Mos Def 
ANTHOLOGY SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Due to awe-inspiring interest, the deadline to submit contributions for the next anthology Gumbo for the Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's the Village? has been extended to August 31st. Both electronic (heresourchild@yahoo.com) and hardcopy submissions are required. Mail to: GFTS-Village Child, P.O. Box 5193, San Jose, CA 95150. Sponsor advertisement space is available inside the book. For more detailed information about submission requirements for the next anthology, please visit www.gumboforthesoul.com
Gumbo for the Soul: Here's Our Child, Where's the Village? is open to publishing house proposals. If interested in bringing the sure-to-be bestseller to fruition, and sharing in its certain success, call 209-947-4743 or email heresourchild@yahoo.com.
Proceeds from the sale of the books benefit 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; call 209-947-4743 or email gumboforthesoul@yahoo.com.
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