Black History Month Literary Weekend 2020

2020 BLACK HISTORY MONTH NEW ORLEANS LITERARY WEEKEND

Celebrating Our Literacy and Our History!

FEBRUARY 28-29, 2020 HOSTED BY MEET THE WORLD IMAGE SOLUTIONS

Authors VANESSA J. ROSS A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Eyes www.vanessajross.com

DIANA RILEY Cooking on Purpose: Life Lessons Learned in the Kitchen

RAYMOND MANSON

www.dianakitchentable.com

Bamzybaby's First Day of School www.bamzybaby.com

TERIECE CHERELL Live, Learn, Love: With An Open Heart Life www.teriececherell.com

KESH NICOLE Every Goodbye Ain't Always Forever www.keshnicole.com

LATRACEY DRUX 10k in 10 Days for Black Authors

www.instagram.com/blackauthorsrock

ELDER ROSALIND WOODFOX My Story, My Testimony, My Deliverance www.reachingsisters.com

SHELIA GOSS The Joneses www.sheliamgoss.com

ASTON WILLIAMS

The Righteous Seeds: 7 Principles Towards Success www.astonwilliamsbrand.com

Guest speakers Brian W. Smith

DAY 2

Author, Publisher, Professor

Brian W. Smith is the award winning, bestselling author of 28 novels and short stories. His novels have earned spots on the following best sellers’ lists: Dallas Morning News, Amazon, Black Expressions, and Target Retail Stores. Brian is a 16-year veteran of the publishing industry. He has owned a publishing company, and is currently signed to Simon & Schuster. When Brian is not writing novels, traveling to literary events, and meeting with book clubs nationwide, he serves as an adjunct professor of Creative Writing at Collin College and Dallas Community College (Richland Campus). Brian’s educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science, Social Science. Brian is a native of New Orleans, La., and currently resides in McKinney, TX.

Min. Bobbye Matthews II Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Who is Bobbye Mathews II? An energetic orator, devoted family man, budding entrepreneur, and minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A graduate of Southern University A&M College’s School of Engineering, Bobbye has always had a passion for inspiring others and building a legacy for the next generation. To further his dream, Bobbye went on to earn his MBA from the University of Phoenix and focus on endeavors in the marketing and sales industry. Bobbye is owner/CEO of The BAMCo. Group, an entertainment and management company; BAMCo. ATMs, a full-service ATM distribution company; and BAMCo. Vending, a full-service vending company. Bobbye has been married to his college sweetheart, Jamila, for more than eight years, and they have a 2-yearold son, Noah. Bobbye is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Program Welcome Introduction of Emcee A history of Dooky Chase Restaurant Introduction of Authors

Brunch is served!

A conversation with Brian W. Smith Introduction of Speaker Bobbye Matthews II Enjoy the sounds of Strate Notes Oliver "OT" Thomas, emcee

About the Play

Twylite Knight has always thought of herself as a cut above the other girls who attend her New Orleans Catholic school. She makes excellent grades, has an angelic singing voice, and an older boyfriend who drives her around in his fancy car and showers her with gifts. Her family sees Peanut for what he really is—an abusive, manipulative criminal who will bring their daughter nothing but trouble. Once Twylite begins to see Peanut through her parents' eyes, she leaves him, but Peanut isn't ready to let go so easily. When his quest to get her back ends in a brutal rape, Twylite begins questioning her entire outlook on life.New to New Orleans, Isis Reynolds is a sexual assault victims' advocate and has just been assigned to Twylite's case. Having had a troublesome teen life herself, she immediately identifies with her client—so much so that she doesn't realize she's in too deep until she smacks rock bottom face to face.Dr. Alexis Duplessis has been Twylite's doctor for as long as she can remember. Twylite sees the doctor as a big sister, so when she is raped, it's no surprise that Alexis is the first person she runs to. Alexis, who traditionally only looks out for herself, now finds herself in the middle as she watches both Isis and Twylite self-destruct in their own ways.Will any of these women find their way back to sanity, or will they get lost in an issue that they find is much bigger than themselves? Is there really a light after the storm?

Experience the whole story.

Download the book

Cast of Twylite BEAUTIFUL LAWSON Twylite Knight Beautiful Lawson, 2017 National All-American Miss New Orleans and Clark Atlanta University theater sophomore, has appeared in such television shows as NCIS New Orleans, Claws, and Queen Sugar, as well as the movie Happy Death Day 2. She began acting in Belgium at the age of 12 in such stage productions as The King and I, Alice in Wonderland Jr., and Godspell. She made her U.S. acting debut in Trinese Duplessis' Mama Tee's Christmas and Sweet Willie's Cotton Club. Now, this young actress is a role model for young girls who are afraid to come out of their shells. Currently, she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization at CAU that emphasizes being the person you were created to be, AUC Vybz, which celebrates cultural awareness of the Caribbean, and the AUC African Students Association.

ERIC BLANKA Calvin "Peanut" Cooper Eric Blanka an up-and-coming actor from the Lower 9th Ward with dreams and aspirations of being an actor since a kid. He seems to have gotten his wish, appearing in films such as A Quiet Storm and TV shows like Queen Sugar. Eric seems to only know one way, and that is up! Eric Blanka is living proof that when you believe and chase your dreams, anything is possible.

CATHERINE "IRIS P." POREE Isis Reynolds New Orleans native Catherine Poree, is also known as Iris P New Orleans, which stands for “ I reached. I survived. “ She received her first instrument, the violin, at the age of 7, and began her singing career at her high school and Mt. Zion Baptist Church before Hurricane Katrina, and in 2008, she began to write her own songs and performed at open mics around New Orleans.In 2012, she won Vocalist of the Year at the NOLA Hip Hop Awards for her first R&B single, “Issues”. In 2014, she won Best Female Vocalist of the Year for the NOLA Music Awards. She has starred in stage plays as Billie Holliday, Etta James, Ms Celie's Blues, and performed at the House of Blues, Howling Wolf, Industry Influence, and Q93 Fanfest.

MARILYN MONROE Dr. Alexis Duplessis New Orleans native Marilyn Monroe is making her acting debute! She is an entrepreneur and founder of Next Step Health Services, Milestone Community Resources, Blessed Life Health Services (Co-Owner, administrator), formally Louisiana Specialized Coordinated Care, Great Magnolia Transportation, and Culture 101. She is a former award-winning stylist and owner of Sade’s Amour Beauty Salon, with a business degree from the University of Phoenix. Marilyn is a wife and mother of three who loves traveling, and is an active member of The Mystic Krewe Of Femme Fatale.

Cast of Twylite, cont'd MICHAEL FOREST Cain New Orleans native Mike Forest has made a real name for himself as an actor and performer. New to acting, Mike made his debut in the spring of 2019, starring as Walter Lee Younger in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun.” He has continued to work tirelessly at his craft.

Soon after his debut, Mike was cast in “Le Code Noir,” written by Tommye Myrick, as well as starring in the hilarious stage play, “The Wedding Party” by Dominique McClellan.

GREGORY WILLIAMS Jamar Duplessis Gregory Williams aka Greg Will, is a thespian with 17 years of theater, film, and television. He has performed in lead and supporting lead roles in hit television shows and films such as The Pastor Secrets, Preaching To The Pastor, Lifetime original movie Racing For Time, HBO Ballers, Showtime original Enemies Among Us, The Z Effect Onto Netflix originals and DVD released movies. He has had stunt performances in Ballers, The Wrong Side of Town, Knuckleheads, Saints, and Sinners just to name a few. He believes his faith in God will one day lead him to book that life-changing role and become a great and Influential force in Hollywood.

LAMONT DOUGLAS Earl Knight Lamont Douglas is truly proud to be in his first Meet The World Image Solutions production! Lamont’s latest role was that of Principal Morris in Trinese Duplessis’ "Chalkboard Bullying." He has also appeared in the Duplessis Entertainment productions "God’s Tears on My Window Pane," "The Evil Mistress," and "Let’s Stay Together." Lamont is a Parent Advocate who encourages parents' engagement and involvement in their children’s education and formative years. An alumnus of PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute) NOLA COHORT 4, Lamont is also an education blogger whose latest work can be appreciated at www.medium.com/@ljdouglaswrites.

YOLANDA CEPHUS Adele Knight Yolanda is a New Orleans native who has been seen on stages across New Orleans, most notably playing the role of Mama in A Raisin in the Sun. She was also featured in the Anthony Bean productions of Living All Alone: The Phyllis Hyman Story, Can I Get an Amen, Sanctified, and August Wilson’s Fences. She is also a talented singer, who won the Star Spangled Banner competition to sing at a then-New Orleans Hornets basketball game.

Cast of Twylite, cont'd LATOYA DERRY Yasmine A New Orleans native, LaToya is a mother of two beautiful children. She came from three generations of talent. She grew up singing in church choirs and made it her business to be a part of any acting, dancing, and/or singing opportunity that presented itself. LaToya first debuted in the 2007 film “Flakes” as a backup singer, and was recently a cast member in “The Vagina Monologues 2020.” By day, she’s a medical assistant and licensed cosmetologist. As an aspiring entrepreneur, she continues to thrive despite the many obstacles. She remains passionate and self-driven as she embarks upon new endeavors.

GABRIELLE FORGES Pamela Gabrielle is a mother of six children and a native of Harvey, Louisiana. She is a minister, singer, dancer and choreographer, and has appeared in various stage plays and numerous movies and TV shows such as BET’s Christmas Bells, NCIS New Orleans, Queen Sugar, Girls Trip, The Purge and many more. Gabby is also a trained certified doula, a skincare line owner, and fashion designer. She is also a member of the NAACP Jefferson Chapter Division, a board member of the Louisiana Maternal Child Health Coalition, Church Outreach Coordinator For Sista Midwife Productions, and a member of WIFT Louisiana (Women in Film and Television).

TIMOTHY ROBERTS Boe Des Allemands native Tim Roberts is a true athlete, having played college and professional football.

However, he was also a great student, having earned awards such as the Presidential Award and the Medal of Excellence. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude. He plans to return to the NFL, but has been making his mark in acting, having appeared in Queen Sugar, NCIS New Orleans, Queen of the South, Purge, and many other productions. Tim is also a talented dancer, comedian, singer, and model.

MILLARD GREEN Officer Yarbrough New Orleans native Millard Avery Green Sr. is an actor and bassist making his stage debut with Meet the World Image Solutions! He has worked in numerous commercials print work, and movies. He currently plays with the James Rivers Movement, performing at the Royal Sonesta Hotel each Tuesday night.

Cast of Twylite, cont'd GREG KENNEDY Officer Mosley This will be Greg Kennedy's theatrical debut! He has a principal role in a feature film “Free State of Jones,” starring Matthew McConaughey and twotime Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali. On Taco Tuesday, you can find Greg feeding the unsheltered at North Claiborne and Cleveland Street, just one block off of Canal. His fun time is spending time with his nine grandchildren and playing lots of golf.

The Crew

4THDIMENSIONFILMS Directors Saran Bynum and Josiah McCormick are the CEOs of 4thdimensionfilms, a diverse team of creative professionals with a wide range of specialties, including writing, directing, producing and coaching. They also provide services such as taped auditions, classes, and one-on-one coaching. As a team, they've produced the award-nominated film, "Father Forgets," and starred in productions such as Birds Of A Feather Part 2, Queen Sugar, NCIS, Into The Bandlands, and the stageplay ""Where's My Godly Man?" They've produced their own full feature film, "Where I Stand" (post production) and their original stageplay, "Gymratz." They thank Rhonda Lawson, Meet The World Image Solutions, for trusting them with writing and directing this stageplay, based on her book "Twylite." Follow them on Instagram at @4thdimensionfilms and visit their website: www.4thdimensionfilmsllc.com.

AKILAH SCALES Stage Manager Akilah became interested in the world of creative arts around the age of 8. She always enjoyed story-telling and writing in her journal (for school and enjoyment). As a child, she was always very shy. However, when it was time to perform on stage, she didn’t want to, but did it anyway. She has always had a passion for writing poems, stories and scripts, writing throughout her teen years. In her junior year at high school, she auditioned, applied, and was accepted into NOCCA (New Orleans Center of Creative Arts), which set her foundation in the film industry. In 2008, you may have seen her as an extra in several movies, such as Bad Lieutenant, Port of Call New Orleans, and Girls Trip. She also featured in Queen and Slim.

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