Black and Missing, Inc (BAM)

Black and Missing, Inc (BAM) has been established as a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color; provide vital resources and tools to missing person's families and friends and to educate the minority community on personal safety.

Founded in 2008 by a veteran law-enforcement official, BAM will create public awareness campaigns for public safety and provide parents and loved ones of missing persons with a forum for spreading the word of their disappearance, with pictures and profiles of missing individuals. BAM will use a variety of media, including print, television, and the internet, to help locate missing persons of color for this severely underserved population.

BAM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Website:Black and Missing, Inc.

Inspired Sistah

Gifted to inspire, Tangie Henry has spent years encouraging others to rise above their circumstances and soar to new heights.  As a Registered Nurse and Certified Life Coach, Tangie has an opportunity to "minister" to all types of women at times of great vulnerability.  

She has a heart for women who are broken and bruised and those challenged by life's obstacles.  Offering Inspiration with a Flair, anyone needing a little motivation is inspired by her to move past their setbacks and go to the next level.  Using her life experiences, a little sistah savvy and a lot of Godly wisdom, Tangie encourages women to be their better selves.  

She is the founder of InspiredSistah LLC, a faith-based company dedicated to "Inspiring Women to Live on Top of the World."  Tangie currently lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband, Jessie.  She is available for workshops or speaking engagements catering to the needs of women.  

For general inquiries or booking information, visit her online at www.InspiredSistah.com

Latisha N. Patterson

A force to be reckoned with in the urban literary world, Latisha N. Patterson comes onto the scene with years of writing under her belt. The author of Airing Out Dirty Laundry, Patterson pushes through the door of opportunity with her motto, “can’t stop, won’t stop”, and hasn’t ceased to impress with her no-nonsense writing style.

Patterson’s debut fictional novel, Airing Out Dirty Laundry, eases the reader in and out of erotica by intertwining real-life situations with love-hate characters who are forced to face skeletons in their closets. Inspired by events in her own life, Patterson’s Airing Out Dirty Laundry describes the effects of long-term relationships riddled with secrets.

Born, raised and living in Richmond, VA, Patterson began writing in high school, with a focus on poetry and short stories.  A passion for turning her imagination into literature for the world to see, has led her to launching a career in 2007, which promises to earn her the title of “It Girl” among her novel-writing peers. She still makes time for formal education, having already earned an Associate's Degree in Business Management, and currently pursuing a bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.  Patterson is the doting mom of two daughters, Mikiya age 13 and Tayanna age10.

 Synopsis of Airing Out Dirty Laundry:

Skye Jordan seems to have it all together but when she gets fed up with her long time boyfriend, Omar, things quickly spiral out of control. Omar lets his insecurities get the best of him and instead of saving his relationship he pushes Skye away. Feeling rejected Omar seeks attention elsewhere which leads to a whirlwind of problems.

Damisha “Mimi” loves her single, kid-free life until she meets Jerell. He is the man of her dreams except for one thing -- he refuses to turn in his player card. Sick of the games, Damisha seeks comfort from Chris, who is the total opposite of Jerell. Will she fall in love with Chris or turn into the exact thing she ran away from?

Kori “Coco” owns a hair salon and is married to Jerome, a real estate agent. They try to make their blended family work, but there’s a problem. Jerome’s ex girlfriend Shameka uses their daughter to create drama within his marriage and Coco’s hot temper sure doesn’t help. Naïve to Shameka’s tactics Jerome falls into a compromising situation that is hard to explain. Who should Coco believe her husband or his bitter ex?

Jamyya “Jay” is a devoted wife and mother of four. Bored of the housewife routine Jay sets out to spice up her life with a new career. Just when her life is at its best, Jay’s mother is released from jail and moves in with her, turning her house upside down.

Jasmine “Jazz” starts a new romance with Shawn and is completely swept off her feet. Living out her dreams, Jazz is having the time of her life. When secrets surface about Shawn, Jazz has to decide if she can deal with the man that she no longer knows.

Laugh, cry and feel these sistas as they go through experiences that come close to home for many. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel or does a relationship of uncertainty leave one on a rollercoaster of darkness forever?

www.latishapatterson.com

THE MINISTRY OF FRIENDSHIP

Some of us are trying to find and use the gifts God has given us and we search and search not knowing what they are or how they will be used. I submit to you that the ministry of FRIENDSHIP is one which God has given to each of us and we must strive to be good stewards over this gift. Rather than casting our pearls before swine and then questioning the divine as to why things don't work out for us, let us instead embrace, cultivate, and enhance the relationships he has blessed us with already. The ability to uplift, encourage, and support others with no strings attached is a MINISTRY. It is that unconditional agape love which allows others to see the GOD in us and for us to spread God's love through our actions.

Ministry comes in various forms and is not confined to a text book or dictionary definition. Your ministry can be as small or as broad as your capacity to love and forgive take you. So as you live out your ministry of friendship know that no man is an island unto himself. There are gifts God has given you and work for you to do that can be accomplished by only you. There are blessings God wants to bestow on you through others and friendship/relationship is the vehicle he uses to accomplish some of these things. The ministry of friendship gives each of us an opportunity to set an example of humility, loyalty, and reconciliation for the world to see. Now your ministry could have its fair share of haters so don't be surprised when the devil gets busy trying to mess up your ministry. Just remind yourself that God is NOT the author of confusion. You'll also have your share of false friends trying to infiltrate the ranks of your ministry. Pray for the power of discernment rather than leaning on the tendency we all have to be judgmental. Some things do bear out over time. Remember, someone else's experience does not have to be yours. God's word tells us you will know them by their FRUIT. So what kind of FRUIT are you bearing and what kind are you harvesting? Why are you in that strawberry patch when you know you are allergic to them? Get over there with those peaches and harvest them instead. The fruit you need to give or receive may be up high rather than down low. It may require your ministry to traverse some rough terrain but the blessings and the benefits make it all worth it.

Finally remember that everyone who you receive under the ministry of friendship may not be of a mind or heart to reciprocate in like manner. Minister anyway! Some seeds are just for you to plant...not for you to see them grow. Some seeds are just for you to water or fertilize. Some seeds are for you to harvest and share.

We are all called to be apart of the ministry of friendship! Embrace your calling and allow God to use you!

© ENNA A. BACHELOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2009

Hand Works by Trish Williams

What is the name of your business?

Hand Works by Trish Williams

How long have you owned your business?

I have been creating my art for the past 12 year under the name Hand Works, but have been an artist all of my life.

What was your ultimate goal when you decided to open your business and have your goal changed?

My ultimate goad is/was to share my art with the world and no my goal has not changed.

What does your business provide its customers?

Hand Works provides a one of a kind collectable than spans the range of dolls (Darling Divas/Friends), unique art quilts, some lap/bed quilts, home deco items (pillow, table-runners, etc), and wearables.

How do you set your business apart from the competition? I don’t compare my art to others because, I feel that  art should speaks to ones heart or spirit and if my creations do not speak or touch the heart/spirit of the viewer, than that item was not meant for that person collection or environment.

Does your business have an ecommerce site?

I do have a website www.handworksbytrish.com that has been in existence for a decade.

What percentage of your business comes from your web site?

The percentage of business that comes from my website is small, but it has afforded me the opportunity to provide an artistry presence in parts of the country/world that otherwise I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to visualize Hand Works by Trish Williams. Because of my web presence I have had some of my pieces to exhibit not only in the Chicagoland area but and other parts of the country, and to me that exposure is priceless.

What advertising methods do you use?

My business is advertised primarily by word of mouth and by other standard ways of advertising i.e. business cards, brochures, occasionally postcards and my website.

What kind of promotions do you do?

My promoting not vast due to the fact that I’m not a business in the traditional format.  I don’t at present have gallery representation, but I am a member of several art and quilt organization that promote it’s members by allowing us to post our exhibits/venues on our websites.  I also participate in art fairs and some craft shows.

How important is it to recognize loyal customers?

Without loyal customers/collectors it would be difficult to get exposure to others or new collectors.  Some of my collectors belong to a group of collectors (Diaspora Rhythms) that participate in home tours.  This group allows others to see how they can live with art and learn the importance of support local artists.

What percentages of your customers come from your local community?

75% of my customers/collectors are local, but I do have collectors in California, Texas, and Hawaii. 

What community events or charities do you support or sponsor?

For several years I’ve made donations of my art to Bethel New Life, Inc., Muntu Dance Company, Oak Park Art Council and many others local organizations.  For the first time last year I participated in Ruinart Champagne-Art Basel fund raiser that supports art communities of children.

Skeletons in Her Closet

LMignon, takes pride in bringing the girl next door character to reality for her readers, creating a story that many can identify with in some fashion. In her first novel, Skeletons in Her Closet she introduces us to McKenzie Johnson.  Over the years McKenzie has become so involved in work she neglects having a social life.

As a New Year begins, McKenzie is convinced by her friends to trade in her conservative business attire for some sexier club attire and finally let her hair down.  All work and no play is never any fun. Not knowing when she will get out again she is determined to make the most of this night. Unbeknown to her, not only will she enjoy a fun night with the girls but also meet the man she would soon marry, Milton Williams. Ordinarily, she would never go for a man that she met in a club, but there is something different about Milton once she takes the time to get to know him. He is everything she always wanted and felt she needed to make her life complete.

But as with all things in life, McKenzie's journey with Milton is not an easy one. L'Mignon leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end wondering how this story will play out.

The Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc.

The mission is very simple: To reunite as many African families torn apart by the slave trade as possible.

They encourage the combined uses of traditional genealogy resources with technology to achieve our objectives including but not limited to forensic science.

It is therefore their intention to collect, gather and disseminate data that will support the efforts of the African Diaspora to find that intrinsic place called “home.”

http://www.caagri.org/

Edible Blessings Bakery

Edible Blessings bakery, established since 2001. They specialize in homemade cakes and desserts for all of your celebration needs. No matter what the occasion, a birthday, an anniversary, your beautiful wedding, or your joyous festivities; they would love to provide a dessert that compliments your theme.

Owner, Chef Peggy  is a certified pastry chef, who strives to always produce a product that you would be proud to serve your guest.

When you desire an enjoyable treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or to share with the special people in your life, Edible Blessings bakery is here to create your vision. Personalized service and attention to detail is our focus in serving you.


http://cakesbyedibleblessings.com