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"Never What it Seems" the novel is now available on Kindle & Nook

Posted by Diane Martin on November 26, 2012 at 5:36pm

Never What it Seems is the story of Dee Wellington and AJ Madison, two women who were born in Chicago, and much like the city; their lives are anything, but ordinary. Dee grew up in a dysfunctional household that by today’s standards would be considered completely ‘normal’. Trying to cope with life’s complexities, Dee contributes all of life’s changes to God’s will. Throughout the changes in her life, she resists the urge to disrupt the balance of things unless she really has to.
On the other hand, there is AJ Madison who is a rambunctious, intelligent, and outgoing character who lives by her own standards and believes that you get what you give. Both, Dee and AJ grew-up trying to maneuver in systems created to breakdown the human spirit. Readers will find a familiarity in their struggles, their desires, and their will to overcome.

Reader's Reviews:

“I’m reading ‘Never What it Seems.’ It’s a page turner. I found myself wanting to find out what happened next as I ended each chapter. I’m on chapter 48 (pretty good for a day and a half)…where the girls' former loves have now re-entered their lives. The story line is impeccable, well-written, and I am suggesting this book to all of my friends and family who loves to read. I’m going to read this book again.” –JoMonique Whiteside

“’Never What it Seems’ is truly never what it seems. I found myself drawn into the story. I couldn’t put it down! The chain of events continued to grab me. The author is very consistent about several things, but what warms you the most is that the two main characters, Dee & AJ, are amazingly strong. I love and admire their courage. The author displays a relationship of real unconditional friendship between these ladies - such a relationship rarely seen or experienced today; the one that ultimately facilitates their success. This is an awesome start for a first novel. I so look forward to the next!” – LaKessa Murphy

"I've just gotten back to Chicago and while I was away I completed 'Never What it Seems'. All I can say is SUPERB, EXCELLENT, and OUTSTANDING! That book was one of the best books I've ever read and I'm encouraging everyone I know to get a copy. Let me tell you, it had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. This is definitely a book for everyone, so check it out!!! That being said, I have got to get a copy of 'Autumn Leaves', if it is anything like 'Never What it Seems.'" - Ana Mar'e (Pink Diamond, Inc.)

"I think this book is phenomenal. It takes us into the lives of two young women that basically go through what all women experience growing up in this day and age from childhood to adulthood. It also points out that not all men are deceiving, but willing to take chances when it comes to true love. It was wonderfully written, and I look forward to the next novel witten by Diane Martin. " - Marjorie Billenger
"Diane Martin's vividly, entertaining tale of friendship between two women was a true testimony of trial and triumph. An anthem for every woman who has ever loved, lost, and regained the true meaning of an unedifying spirit of hope. For every page read, I was drawn deeper and deeper until I was left wanting more." - Elise Burkes

"Girl, let me tell you! I finished reading your book earlier today and it was excellent! Your book was a trip. Let me just say that the ending was not what I expected. I was out done! Your novel [Never What it Seems] was a well written and a very intriguing piece or work [written] by a vivid and creative mind! Congratulations and much success on all of your endeavors to come!" - Michelle Moorer (Author of Shhh...Don't Tell)

"I purchased your book and once I completed it…WOW! This was a great book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I passed the book on to my daughter-in-law and she thought the same thing. Keep up the good work. I’ll be looking for more to come.” -Beverly Price

How can you ignore 1 Trillion Dollars of Spending Power!!!!!

Posted by Rickey on January 29, 2010 at 4:14am

One of our community shared this powerful info. What I appreciate is not only was an marketing issue brought forth but an viable option is presented. click to start your financial legacyDon't Bypass African-AmericansMarketers Make Mistake by Failing to Expressly Target Nearly $1 Trillion MarketBy Marissa MileyPublished: February 02, 2009NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- In 2008, the country's top marketers tapped Barack Obama as Marketer of the Year. Many of those same marketers also cut spending directed at the African-American market.Najoh Tita-ReidWith advertisers chasing after niche markets such as mommy bloggers on tools such as Twitter, a "niche" worth $913 billion would seem the sort of market companies would be stumbling over each other to get to. Yet the African-American market has to continually make the case that it's a segment worth understanding, and one worth a dedicated portion of the ad budget.click to start your financial legacyAfrican-Americans -- and the African-American market -- were surpassed in the past five years by the growing Hispanic sector, leading many marketers and the media to focus intently on the "next big thing" in the minority sector. According to Nielsen, total spending in Spanish-language media in the first three quarters of 2008 was $4.3 billion, up 2.7% from the year before. Total spending on African-American media in that time period was $1.8 billion, down 5.3% from the same period in 2007. (Procter & Gamble was the largest spender in both categories.)click to start your financial legacyBLACK HISTORY MONTHFirst in a seriesStill, the African-American segment has buying power of $913 billion, according to 2008 data from the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. That's why African-American marketing experts are flummoxed that there is an implied question floating around the C-suites in the U.S.: Why bother targeting the demographic specifically? Sales to be madePutting aside high-minded issues such as diversity and multiculturalism, the simple answer is: to make money."It makes sense to address 40 million people who are African-American if you want to capture their consumer behavior," said Alfred Liggins, president-CEO of Radio One, pointing out that marketers frequently target niche consumer segments such as new moms, outdoor enthusiasts and foodies. "Why is it an issue when you say that black people are a niche?"click to start your financial legacyThe justifications marketers use are many, particularly in a recession: Targeting African-Americans costs too much; it takes dollars away from general marketing; it does not add value. On a recent industry panel, Steve Stoute, founder-CEO of consulting/branding firm Translation, suggested some brands do well with African-Americans precisely because they don't market to the segment and are therefore seen as aspirational. (Mr. Stoute declined to participate in this story.)Another justification: "They speak English, don't they?" mocked Pepper Miller, president of Hunter-Miller Group, an African-American market research and consulting firm. She said marketers typically have this reaction because of the significant growth of the Latino market over the past couple of decades."That growth has become a catalyst for corporate America to embrace language as a cultural identifier, not race," she said. It's easier, she said, to make the case that a group speaking a different language deserves a unique type of marketing.African-Americans, on the other hand, because they share a common language with white America, are assumed to share the same culture and same interests. Why bother with the research and expense when you can just recycle general-market advertising and maybe throw in a couple of black actors?click to start your financial legacy

AAC breaks the "Code" to the Financial Failures In the African American Community.

Posted by Rickey on January 16, 2010 at 8:26pm

JUNIQUES MULTICULTURAL CONNECTIONS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CONNECTION E COMMERCE. HERE IS LETTER FROM THE CEO OF E BUSINESS SOLUTIONS"Epiphanysoul"Black Visionary and Activist; Charles Bowlds breaks the "Code" to the Financial Failures In the African American Community".Introducing the AAC's EBusiness Solution's CEO; Carolyn Simmonshttp://www.jusmcc.org click here to check out AACBorn in Beaufort, SC to a single mother who was the first black school bus driver in the county and a woman who always put education first, I was anointed and blessed to have such a strong-willed,powerful and loving women who gave me everything.My mother left Beaufort at an early age to better herself and to pursue her education. She moved to Portland, MA and she sent for me four years later. My mother was determined to show me that independence would carry me many days in my life. I can say that I truly had the best and went to the best public schools.My mother involved me in music at an early age as well as many other activities. Although we lived in the north, economic slavery and discrimination were still very real for most Blacks. Even though my mother faced a lot of racism, she never brought her sorrows and frustrations home to me. She was and still is today the strongest women I know even with her disability. As a small child I never knew what discrimination was even though there were days when incidents would occur. It wasn't until moving back home to Beaufort in the seventies did I begin to realize what the great migration to the north was about.We Blacks have always been last in having the freedoms, rights, justice, and the so called "American Dream". So my life trials and pains of watching and understanding what my family and others have went through for so many years, molded me and gave me determination to a lifelong dream of empowering my people. I have always had a love for and always sought to find the vehicle that would help us break the generational curse of poverty, hopelessness and financial death. After going through and being in many different companies, groups, organizations that I thought would break the "Code", of financial disparity in the black community and watching the collapse of Wall Street, I had received a call from Charles about the company I watched him grow five years ago.That vehicle is the African American Connection. http://www.jusmcc.org click here to check out AACWe often complain about and debate about the forty acres and a mule and why blacks our always last to succeed but no one really broke the "Code". One thing we as blacks must realize is that for to long we have looked to others to in some way confirm who we are as a people. We've measured ourselves not by the characteristics of who we are and what God has blessed us with but we believe we are not worthy unless other cultures validate us. Not only am I humbled and grateful but I'm truly excited about the capability and the sureness of this company to be one of the pillars that will help us through the toughest of times.Charles has showed that in the AAC we don't have to be politically correct and we should be proud of our Afro Centric Views and Values. The African American Connection in my opinion demands and requests the true spirit and values of the Black community. It stirs in us a sense of pride, strength and worthiness’, as well as empowers the entrepreneurial spirit that is a part of our DNA. It allows us (without penalty), to learn the value of having our own business.It is the vehicle to which the prerequisite is to be accountable for your culture, your children and your legacy. It is one of the most powerful visions that has been brought to life by a man not just seeking a monetary fix but a long-lasting legacy that will reshape our destiny as African Americans.Understand this, the energy that will fuel this vehicle is the solidarity of the Black community and the responsibility we have to lift up all black businesses and admonish our owners who choose to with (courage and a strong sense of urgency), take their place in history.I encourage you all to partake of this wonderful opportunity to embrace our economic power, build our financial freedom and secure entrepreneurship for the future. Know that it is then and only then that we will assure the survivability of our children for generations.Welcome all to the African American Connection's E-Business SolutionsSincerely,Carolyn Simmons CEOE-Business Solutionshttp://www.jusmcc.org click here to check out AAC

Get Your Holiday Shopping On!

Posted by Zhana on October 24, 2009 at 8:30am

Looking for gifts that reflect you culturally?We have loads of great gift ideas for all the family:• African American books for young children, older children, biographies and more• Music – CDs, DVDs and mp3 downloads• Toys, games and activities• Electronics• Game consoles• Michael Jackson musicAs well as articles, ideas for free online family fun, and lots more.Looking for Kwanzaa crafts you can make?How about African Christmas recipes?Click here to download your copy now.

Models Plus International introduces the MPI365 Affilate program.

Posted by Rickey on February 22, 2009 at 7:29am

Now you can be part of the Plus Size modeling industry. MPI is one of the industry leaders for plus size models, headquarted in Phoenix AZ.Now, anyone who would like to be involved with the plus size industry can now acquire a no cost affiliate program offered by Models Plus InternationalModels Plus International is one of five , licensed and bonded, modeling agency in the southwest.Models Plus International is the number 1 agency for plus size models in the southwest.Go to http://www.mpi365.orgcontact : Rickey@mpi365.orgjuniques@yahoo.com

What goes on Behind the Scenes for the Modeling Agent

Posted by Rickey on February 26, 2009 at 4:46am

25 FEB 09I want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent…by Pamela Young ,CEO, MODELS PLUS INTERNATIONAL LLCWWW.MPI365.ORGI want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent, I am booking modeling/acting jobs. As you are probably aware by now, MPI is the largest and most successful model and talent booking agency in the Southwestern United States of America, representing Plus-sizes for PRINT MEDIA, FASHION, RUNWAY, TV AND FILM PROECTS.WE ARE LICENSED AND BONDED AS AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY.To help you put that into prospective, or to help you better understand, exactly, what it is we do, when we go to work booking modeling/acting jobs for you, think of it like this.Models Plus International, is just like an employment agency, again we are licensed and bonded as an employment agency, the only difference is when you think employment agency you think of filling temp positions on a clerical staff, at MPI we provide "temp positions" in the Entertainment Industry.First of all , we have 14 years of positioning and placement of ourselves as leaders in the Entertainment industry for providing quality plus people! So we are literally at the fingertips, in any resource guide or internet directory, for any client in the Entertainment industry who needs to hire Plus sizes, for their projects.Therefore, our day might start out with a phone call from a client who simpy says, "WE ARE LOOKING FOR 4 OR 5 MODELS, SIZES 12-18, FOR OUR BRIDAL EXPO BEING HELD AT THE MAGIC SHOW IN LAS VEGAS."That's when the excitement begins, I pull out a form known as a "Booking Assignment Form", this way after all the blanks are filled in, I pretty much know what this client wants and which of my Models/Actors to call, to hopefully fill the position.I go on to ask the client, the dates, the times, the locations, the job description, and exactly what is expected of the model/talent to make the booking assignment a complete success! I make it goal to become a friends with this client, so they will call MPI the next time they need anything in the entertainment industry. We have serveral clients who come to Phoenix each year, several times a year and call MPI, such as Catherine's Department Stores, Torrid, The Avenue, Fashion Bug, Dress Barn, just to name a few.Additionally, If travel is involved, most of the time, I persuade the client to pay the airfare. There have been a couple of times, however, THEY WILL NOT PAY THE AIRFARE BUT THEY AGREE TO PAY DOUBLE THE RATE I WOULD HAVE ASKED! SO THEN, THE AGENCY PAYS FOR THE AIRFARE AND WILL REIMBURSE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MODELS PAY. ALL OF THIS IS DISCUSSED WITH THE MODEL.Once the terms are agreed upon, I BEGIN TO CALL MY MODELS (this is why it is imperative to keep your phone number & all information current with your Agent)! and hope I can find a MATCH! IF I CANNOT, I BEGIN TO ADVERTISE, LOOKING FOR THE MODEL WHO CAN FILL THIS POSITION.More times than not, WE ARE SUCCESSFUL and fill the position, (The client has the final say in choosing the Model/Actor). Once that's done, WE CALL THAT A WIN, WIN SITUATION. THE CLIENT WINS, THE AGENCY WINS AND THE MODEL WINS!These client phone calls, emails or walk-ins, happen as few as 4 times a day, and as many as 10 times a day, depending on the season. For example Summer time in Arizona leads to very few calls for outdoor magazine photo shoots, or TV/Film projects for that matter (which is why we encourage you to update your photos and enroll in training workshops during the Summer, so you can be ready for "Job Bookings" in the upcoming season).It's During the Fall and Spring seasons, some Magazines, shoot all of their catalog layouts for the rest of the year, in Arizona, because it may be and most likely is, snowing in their city!I sincerely hope this helps you see a different side of the business!Best Wishes,Pamela A. YoungCheck out www.mpi365.org Where Plus Size People Have Plus Size Fun

Emancipation from public education

Posted by BlackHomeSchoolers on February 11, 2009 at 5:30pm

As parents we must make tough decisions in regards to our kids. The decisions we make will impact their lives even after they are all grown up. Just imagine for one moment that a decision that you made ruined or deeply impacted your child’s life in a negative way. How will you deal with knowing that your decisions may have harmed your child.Well, believe it or not the decision to send children to public school has proven to have some major negative ramifications. Many children pick up some very bad habits and ways from being in public school. Many of our young people are exposed to drugs, alcohol, sex, homosexuality, violence and more just from going to public school. Some children face the pressures of bullying and not being able to keep up among other things. All of this is the result of being in an unstable and hostile environment.When a child is in a hostile environment they are unable to function properly. There is no such thing as telling your child to merely concentrate and ignore what‘s happening around them. A statement such as that , suggest that you don’t have an answer for your child and therefore can only put the situation on the back burner. Many parents find out the hard way that this decision may ultimately harm their child’s future. The instability in the public school environment has helped lead to the rapid decline in academic achievement in our schools. This is why there is such a huge increase in home education. The public school system has failed our children.Home education has such a rapid increase, especially amongst African Americans, which is primarily due to the insufficient educational process of the public school. It is estimated that more than 2,000,000 American children are home schooled. This number will continue to increase as parents awareness is sparked. More and more parents are taking the plunge into home schooling as they realize that they can better educate their children.Black home schoolers are especially motivated to take on the role as parent-teacher seeing that African American children have a higher dropout rate than any other race. The only way to protect your child from becoming a part of this dropout statistic is to become and early dropout through emancipating yourselves from the state institutional education. Please understand that I’m referring to having your child drop out of a failed institution and reviving their learning through home education. We here at The Black Home Schoolers Association would like to help in every way we can. Please feel free to contact us or visit our website at: www.BlackHomeschoolers.com

How African-American Women Entrepreneurs Can Capitalize In The Business World Now that We Have The 1st African American First Lady As An Example

Posted by Patricia Kagwiria Makhulo on February 23, 2009 at 9:10am

As a Black Woman Entrepreneur, Marketing Consultant & Coach, who works with women of color who are struggling to establish their presence in the business world both online and offline & struggling to attract more customers in order to build successful business both online and offline. I would like to share ideas on what other African American Women Entrepreneurs (any woman) can begin to do now to accomplish her goals in 9 simple steps!It is widely known, to the detriment of many capable african american and black women owned business that there exists a concrete ceiling that is difficult to shatter. That coupled with the glass ceiling effect that many women in general have encountered, throw in race and gender, a Black business woman might as well have a quadruple by-pass surgery and call it a day.Barriers facing African-American women in business include and are not limited to negative, race-based stereotypes, more frequent questioning of their credibility and authority; and a lack of institutional support. Experiencing a "double outsider" status -African-American business women report exclusion from informal networks, and conflicted relationships with white women, among the challenges they face. These results beg the question is there any use in trying to break through the ceilings?

Well if recent events, that being the election of the first American-American president and the First black lady are not enough to persuade you that “yes you can” then perhaps there is no reason for you to venture. The real issue is a lack of focus and strategy.

To help you rise up to the occasion and claim your birth right and focus on living a more fulfilled life, career, and business goals, I have created a simple system, which I call “9 Pillars To A More Fulfilled You.” Here are the 10 key tips:1. Honey, Child You Gotts To Let It Go: I have always loved that song by Toni Braxton, herself Black woman and astute woman entrepreneur herself, Let It Flow. You cannot possibly begin to receive the good that before you if you are still hanging on to the pains and fears of yesterday. The day has finally come for the fulifilment of this prophecy “I have a dream that one day our children will not be judged by the color or their skin but by the content of their character! Pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King. I recommend that you make thesong let it flow your anthem!2. Find a mentor/coach: Numerous studies, both private and government funded have been conducted to understand the barriers facing women and minority owned businesses The most common recommendation that has been made in favor of the up ward mobility of African-American women is the need, the inclusion and the establishment of mentoring programs and mentorship. The game is often won before you get onto the field, If you are going to play the game you had better find on your side a really savvy business coach and consultant3. Become A Visionary: Now we all know black folk go to church, I also know that you will be very familiar with this phrase, Where there is no vision, the people perish. In other words what are you looking to get done at the end of the day? Quit your job? Retire your husband? Spend more time with your children? Paint? Learn to cook? Long walks on the beach? What do you value the most? What is it that you most desire?4. Create a 90-day plan: With recent vision boards craze, I encounter many heart-broken people who wonder why they have been able to materialize their dreams of MacMansions, bling and whips! It is very simple A goal not written is merely a wish. A goal without a plan is a ticking time bomb. It spells nothing but failure. Make a list of the life areas you want to work on such as: spiritual, physical, financial, career, relationships, etc. Next, write out your goals for each area. Then, put your goals into a 90-day plan. Planning in 90-day cycles will help you accomplish twice as much in half the time.5. Make it Your Business to Be in the Know- Read a book: Another major obstacle to the advancement of the black woman owned business is Limited Access to Critical Information and Business Networks, when you don’t have the right information, it is difficult to compete. You are as successful as the last book you read. It is very important you become very selective about the material you allow yourself to absorb. Just like it is true that you are what you eat, As a [woman] thinketh, so is [s]he. My people perish for lack of knowledge. As the risk of beating a dead horse, knowledge is power!6. Get A Website: Bill Gates, you know the owner of Micro-Soft and 3rd richest man in the world? He says “there are two types of businesses, those with websites and those that are out of business! Studies show that about 75% of people go online to find out more about you and your product. The preferred site to do this is Google. Of these 50% of these people will purchase a product from you online, but only if you have online presence!7. Track your results: Those that loose weight and keep it off the longest are those that keep a record of their activities. You see it is very difficult to know where you are headed if you haven’t a clue where you came from. It is also easy to beat yourself up when you don’t have proof of how far you have come or how well you are doing. Journals are highly recommended, track progress, document every little success. You see success is nothing but a series of compounding events with a big pay off, Compound interest anyone?8. Pace yourself: Success is not a destination but a journey. Multi-tasking is so 2008! Stop and smell the roses and remember it is not a race to the finish line9. Take time for you: You know Bono of U2 sang it best when he crooned

And you give yourself away And you give yourself awayAnd you giveAnd you giveAnd you give yourself away

Women we are the worst at this be they stay at home moms, professional business women and/or small business owners. At the end of the day we have given it all with nothing left for yourself. Is it a wonder you have no energy left to make the changes that will bring you happiness? Even Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohammed took a time out. What is it that the Bible say? 6 days He created the earth on the seventh day He rested? Half an hour a day to yourself for 15 minutes deep breathing is a must and 15 just to enjoy the silence.10. Reward yourself: On a weekly basis, review the progress that you are making on your goals. With every accomplishment take time to recognize your achievement and pop in Kool & The Gang

Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate)There's a party goin' on right hereA celebration to last throughout the years.

You must get into the habit of seeing the good you have to offer. Women of color are just not very aware of what they capable of today. Bring out the inner Harriet Tubman in you, The Rosa parks and The "Madam C.J." Walker. You have a rich history and heritage. Those women fought long and hard for such a time as this and you get to live do them justice, do yourself justice. Get it together and bring it back to me!To Your Success,Party Plan PatMarketing Consultant, Speaker & Coach

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.