(Dallas – January 31) Dallas author Shella Gillus’ first novel, “The Loom”, has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the “Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author” category.

The suspenseful, historic romance tale of a slave who passes for white and uses the wisdom of the elders to achieve her freedom is gaining national attention because its an engaging, well-written page-turner rich with colorful detail and crisp dialogue.  The NAACP Image Award winners will be announced at its annual gala in Feb. 17 in Los Angeles.

Gillus, a former pageant winner, a member of the Screen Actors Guild and two-time guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, has received a top rating from RT Book Reviews, the popular book industry magazine, which gave the novel an impressive rating of 4.5 star. The reviewer noted, “Gillus’ strong characters may be broken in spirit, but they trust that God will rescue them and show them freedom on the other side.”

The Loom (Guideposts 2011, paperback $14.99) is the story of Lydia, a woman who knew that her life as a slave on a Maryland plantation would end at the loom room – the place on every plantation where slaves, particularly after years in the tobacco and cotton fields, spent their days weaving and making clothes for their masters’ family.  Gillus smoothly weaves her own tale, integrating the harsh, revealing truth of this nation’s troubled racial past with the broader, universal themes of love and freedom.

To set up an interview with Ms. Gillus or set up a book signing, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, LLC, neil@neilfoote.com, 214.448.3765.  To order bulk copies of the book, The Loom is published by Guideposts (www.guideposts.com) and is available wherever books are sold, including Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loom-shella-gillus/1102606482.

(DALLAS – January 13)

As part of the Monday’s festivities, Joyner also will host a special screening and panel discussion of “Red Tails”, George Lucas’ new movie based on the legendary accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. Joyner’s dad, Hercules, was part of the Tuskegee Airmen program, and his mother worked in the airmen’s office.

The schedule will feature Joyner’s speech at 12:30 p.m., a screening of the movie and afterwards, a panel discussion with some former airmen and actors, including and Anthony Hemingway, the movie’s director, Terrence Howard as Col. A.J. Bullard, Nate Parker as Marty ‘Easy’ Julian, David Oyelowo as Joe ‘Lightning’ Little, Tristan Wilds as Ray ‘Ray Gun’ Gannon, Elijah Kelley as Samuel ‘Joker’ George.

“I’m proud to go back home to speak at my university’s MLK Day celebration,” Joyner said. “It’s particularly special because we’ll also be viewing and discussing the movie about the famed Tuskegee Airmen who played a huge role in Tuskegee’s and this country’s history.”

Red Tails is an action drama based on the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American World War II U.S. service members who faced segregation during the war. They were called into duty under the guidance of Col. A.J. Bullard. As the war in Europe continued to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass moved forward with the development of untried and untested African-American pilots in the experimental Tuskegee training program. Against all the odds, the intrepid young airmen took to the skies to fight for their country. The movie stars Academy Award winner, Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrence Howard, NeYo and others. The official release date for the movie is Friday, January 20, 2012.

To interview Mr. Joyner or learn more about the event, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, LLC, neil@neilfoote.com and 214.448.3765.

(DALLAS – January 5) Chef Falan Taylor is kicking off 2012 with the re-launch of her popular ‘Housewife Cuisine’ online cooking series just in time for the 2012 Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day.

 Taylor, a native Harlem, NY, is known for her popular online video series (http://www.youtube.com/falantaylor) that feature her affable personality coupled with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.  Simple, easy recipes on a budget is Chef Falan’s approach to making tasty, healthy meals for today’s busy person. In recent years, she’s been concentrating on raising her family, and rebuilding her life after surviving a horrific experience with domestic abuse.

“I’m ready to take the world by storm again,” said Taylor, who has a developed a base of more than 375,000 followers via her YouTube and Facebook pages and has a best-selling cooking, ‘Housewife Cuisine’. “I know how it is to cook for a family. So my approach all along has been how to help the everyday cook bring a gourmet touch to their meals. Over the years, I’ve received so many wonderful comments from my followers who have been grateful for my cooking tips and recipes.”

Taylor followed in the footsteps of her mom and grandmother who were both professional cooks. She began her formal culinary training at Ashworth’s Gourmet Cooking and Catering Program, and then studied at the internationally acclaimed Texas Culinary Academy‘s Le Cordon Bleu program. She also was Food Service Director at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.

In 2012, Taylor says she’s taking on any opportunities to work as a private chef or cater special events anywhere in the country. “I love what I do and want to share great food with people so they can eat well and eat healthy,” said Taylor who is in the midst of writing a new cookbook. “I’ve got plenty recipes and great food to share.”

You can learn more about Chef Falan at her website, housewifecuisine.com. To interview Chef Falan or book her for an event, please contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, LLC, 214.448.3765 or via email at neil@neilfoote.com.

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WHO:  
Sybil Wilkes, co-host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, and OLD SCHOOL 94.5 will broadcast live from the MLK Family Clinic on Friday, September 30th to culminate Tom Joyner’s national community health initiative.  The ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day’ campaign will feature a FREE health fair with several interactive activities for TJMS listeners.  Wilkes herself has served as a national ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise campaign for the last three years, which is a platform to raise breast cancer awareness by advocating preventive measures targeted at African American women.  Recognizing this, the Komen on the Go “Little Pink” mobile unit will be on site to equip attendees with vital tips and information.

In addition, Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach Darrell Armstrong will make an appearance at 9:30 am.  Coach Armstrong champions against issues that disproportionately affect the Black community by advocating for health through the Darrell Armstrong’s Foundation For Premature Babies.

WHAT:  
The ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day’ campaign will host activities in Dallas, TX.    Sybil Wilkes will be on location in the city promoting personal-health awareness targeted at the African American community.  The ‘Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day’ events will showcase music, diabetes testing and maintenance education, interactive nutrition and wellness seminars, and tons of giveaways for TJMS listeners.  Plus, this year’s collaboration with the Ohio State University Medical Center will allow listeners in any city to receive health and wellness advice from African American physicians during that morning’s broadcast by calling 1-866-Joyner-6.  Other participating sponsors include the Alzheimer’s Association, Bayer, CVS, Susan G. Komen FOR THE CURE, Novo Nordisk, and Rx Outreach.

More information can be found on the official micro site for the campaign located on BlackAmericaWeb.com: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/drday/.

WHERE:
MLK Family Clinic
2901 Pennsylvania Street
Dallas, TX  75245

WHEN: 
Friday, September 30,  2011
5:00a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST

To learn more about the other ‘Doctor Day’ events around the country, go to http://prlog.org/11672493.

For more information and interviews, contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, LLC, neil@neilfoote.com, 214.448.3765.

 This marks the first time the one-year-old Abyssinian Fund has received a grant from the global organization mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights around the world.

 “We’re very grateful to have been chosen for this grant,” said Rev. Nicholas S. Richards, president of the Fund. “This kind of grant is extremely helpful to us during this very critical time. These funds will allow us to begin training another 100 farmers next month.”

 The Fund provides new technologies and distribution networks to ensure Ethiopian coffee is competitive in the global marketplace. Rev. Richards said the fund recently completed its first round of training with the farmers, and is actively working to identify new partners.

 Unlike traditional organizations that are working with Ethiopia, the Abyssinian Fund does charity, differently.   Through its community partnerships, the Fund will build the first high school in the community, construct a modern clinic with a full time staff and provide 100% access to clean water..

 For more information about the Abyssinian Fund (http://www.abyfund.org), contact Neil Foote, Foote Communications, 214.448.3765

(Dallas – April 20, 2011)  The Tom Joyner Foundation has awarded a dozen scholarships to students at several black colleges in the country as part of its on-going effort to assist these students to complete their degrees.

Since January, the Foundation has recognized students from Talladega College in Talladega, AL, Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC and Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS.  The scholarships are awarded each week to students attending the Tom Joyner Foundation’s “School of the Month” program, which raises money from alumni, friends and other supporters from around the country.  The winners are announced on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, which is heard every morning in more than 100 markets around the country, reaching more than eight million listeners.

The Hercules Scholarship is named after Joyner’s father, the late Hercules Joyner, who was a strong supporter of higher education. To be a candidate for the scholarship, students must be male, attend a Foundation “School of the Month”, have a grade point average of at least 3.0, and be a campus leader involved in the community with a career goal toward making a difference in the quality of life for his race. The scholars each receive a scholarship grant of $1,500 that is paid directly to their school to help offset their college expenses.

Tom Joyner, a graduate of Tuskegee Institute, said that the scholarships are greatly needed.  On average, the percentage of black male students enrolled at HBCUs is about 37 percent. Joyner wants to help increase that percentage significantly.

In January, the four Talladega students were:

Evan Reddick, a junior biology student from Gadsden, AL. Mr. Bridges is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, serves as the junior class president and is a member of the Student Government Association. After graduation, he plans to become pharmaceutical sales representative. His life’s philosophy is guided by a Frederick Douglass quote: “It is better to be part of a great whole than to be the whole of a small part.”

Emmanuel Pina, a junior biology major from Queens, NY. Mr. Pina is a member of the college’s basketball team, the student government association and is a tutor at a local community center and a peer tutor in biology.  After graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist.  His life’s philosophy is guided by a Malcolm X quote: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

James Escortt, a junior public administration major from Chicago, IL.  Mr. Escortt is a member of the Talladega College Choir, the Public Administration Society and serves as president of the Student Government Association.  During his summers, he volunteers at a center for the elderly and mentors young people at a Chicago church.  His life’s motto is: “I ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around.”

Christopher Mosley is an Anniston, AL senior majoring in mathematics with a minor in business management. He is a member of the Society of Black Engineers, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and serves as a Talladega College Ambassador.  After graduation, he plans to become a chemical engineer.

In February, the Johnson C. Smith University Hercules Scholars are:

Anthony Cureton, a sophomore computer science major with a minor in biology, from Warren, MI.  Mr. Cureton is a member of the Men’s Cross Country Track Team, served as the tumbling coordinate of the cheerleading squad and is a student ambassador. After graduation, the Honor student plans to become a reconstructive plastic surgeon. He also volunteers with Focus Hope, a tutoring and mentoring program. His daily message is “Say Strong.”

Charles Hauser, a sophomore visual and performing arts/graphics design major, is from Winston Salem, NC.

He volunteers at the International House of Charlotte, works as a production assistant for the Johnson C. Smith broadcast station and is a volunteer for the campus’ theater troupe. After graduation, he plans to get a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. He lives by the motto, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Howard Estell, a senior social work major, is from Niagara Falls, NY. He mentors other adult students at Johnson C. Smith University, volunteers with the local American Red Cross, works with the Sickle Cell Network and coaches his three daughters’ T-ball teams. After graduation, he plans to work as a social worker and educate people about sickle cell anemia.  His life’s philosophy: “Live life victoriously.”

Levi Williams, a Wilson, NC freshman majoring in sports management, plans to become a sports agent, representing professional athletes.  He serves as “Mr. Freshman”, is active with the Pre-Alumni Council, is a peer tutor and plans to study in West Africa this summer.  He lives by the motto, “Anything I see, I can be.”

In March, the Tougaloo College Hercules Scholars are:

Jervarius Prescott, a senior majoring in political science, is from Cleveland, MS. Mr. Prescott mentors at a local elementary school, is vice president of the Pre-Law Society, a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and is a member of Alpha Mu Gamma Honor Society.  He’s also active in the student chapter of the NAACP.  After graduation, he plans to become an attorney.  He believes in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”.

Jamal Perkins, a sophomore mathematics major with a minor in business, is from Greenwood, MS.  He is involved with The Jackson Heart Study program and is member of the tennis team, the Pre-Alumni Council, the student chapter of the NAACP and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.  He plans to become an attorney.

Aaron Light is a Detroit native who is junior majoring in political science.  He is a peer tutor, a member of the Tougaloo Pre-Law Society and has interned with the Mississippi State Legislature.  After graduation, he plans to become an attorney and political leader. He lives by the philosophy, “Leave the world a better place than you found it.”

Windell C. Blount, a junior majoring in political science, is form Madison, MS.  Mr. Blount is involved in numerous activities on campus, including the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.  The future lawyer says he was greatly inspired by the election of President Barack Obama. He lives by the motto, “The Grass is Me,” which is a line from a poem he wrote in Eighth Grade.

In addition to these there ‘Schools of the Month’ , the remaining schools are: Miles College, Fairfield, AL (April), Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN (May), Wiley College, Marshall, TX (June), Benedict College, Columbia, SC (July),  Xavier University, New Orleans, LA (August), Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS (September), Central State University, Wilberforce, OH (October) and Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL ( November).

About the Tom Joyner Foundation:

Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has focused on its primary mission of helping to keep students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The Foundation has assisted more than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs, raising more than $60 million.  Throughout the week, the Foundation announces scholarship winners on the nationally syndicated radio show hosted by its founder, Tom Joyner. Each week, separate financial awards are focused on students who are single parents, high achievers, and distinguished male students at the ‘School of the Month’. The organization’s largest annual fundraiser is its “Fantastic Voyage”™, which is a seven-day, six-night cruise that raises more than $1 million a year.

Here’s a link to his story:

Abyssinian pastor’s new fund helps lift Ethiopian java farmers out of poverty

During a signing ceremony in the Savery Library, where the murals are housed on Talladega’s campus, the college’s President Dr. Billy Hawkins joined Phillip Verre, the High’s chief operating officer, to sign an agreement that will lead to the deinstallation, restoration and a world tour of the murals, painted by Hale Aspacio Woodruff 73 years ago.

Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest privately own historically black school, has been the home of one of the nation’s most treasured, but little known art works – The Amistad Murals.  Back in the 1930s, Talladega’s president commissioned a talented young artist –Woodruff – to create a work that would commemorate the building of the Savery Library and capture the history of the famed Amistad revolt. The colorful massive panels have attracted international visitors over the years who have admired the works and studied them.   In fact, Academy Award winning director Steven Spielberg used the murals as inspiration for his 1997 movie, “Amistad”.

Deinstallation of the murals will begin in March and take nearly a year. At that time, Talladega and the High Museum are planning an exhibit that will showcase the murals throughout the U.S., France and other countries.

Talladega, with help of the Tom Joyner Foundation, has been on a major campaign to raise funds to restore the murals and the college, located about an hour southeast of Birmingham.

Here’s some recent coverage:

MyFoxAl.com -

Here’s the story: Talladega murals coming down for national tour

Here’s a link to the video: Talladega murals

From The Daily Home: Down Come the Murals

From The Associated Press:  Preparation starts for Amistad murals from Talladega College to tour nation

Visitors to the celebrated art show at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, will be able to view and purchase the art work, produced by emerging Ethiopian artists who rarely get a chance to showcase their impressive contemporary images outside of Ethiopia. The works are by artists are associated with Makush, one of the largest commercial galleries in Addis Adaba.

The exhibition hours of the art show are 6 p.m. to Midnight, February 25th, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., February 26th and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. February 27th.

All proceeds from sale of artwork will be used to further the work of the Abyssinian Fund in the rural farming community of Chaffee Jeneta and to promote economic development in Ethiopia.

To learn more about The Abyssinian Fund, go to www.abyfund.org. To purchase tickets to the Harlem Fine Arts Show website go to www.hfas.org to learn more about the show.