August 12

Dear ABBE Participant,

I wanted to make sure I sent you all a thank you note before this week had ended.

Your support for the 1st Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo will never be forgotten. You made a statement that says you believe in your work, in us, and in each other. You were the reason why it was successful and from my heart I appreciate each one of you.

Many of you have sent in emails already asking "when can we sign up for next year?" Well good news, early registration starts tomorrow and in celebration of the 1st, authors can register for the legendary rate of $150. This rate is available until September 30th & we only have 40 slots. Rates for vendors are special too @ just $200.

For 2011 we will host workshops about writing screenplays, becoming a playwright, and how to turn your book into a MOVIE! We will also include social media and ebooks. Per your feedback, we will have a new set up/expo design & kids corner!

Our website is being updated as we speak so continue to check Facebook & your email in-box for exciting updates from us. I will update you as we receive confirmations from special guest speakers, the agenda, hotels, and our sponsors.

Lastly, if you haven't been able to send your feedback from our inaugural event, please do so. I'd love to hear from you and incorporate your ideas where possible.

JULY 29

Upcoming Black Book Expo to Bring Literary Giants to the City of Atlanta while Supporting Worthy Childhood Cause

Renowned authors Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Shelia Moses and a host of up-and-coming novelists are scheduled to attend First Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo; Show organizers partner with Ludacris Foundation to promote youth literacy.

Atlanta, GA – July 29, 2010 – More than 100 authors and literary professionals are scheduled to participate in the First Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo (ABBE) on Saturday, August 7 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, GA. Among them will be well-known author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy who gained national bestseller status when her third release, Crossing Jhordan's River (Moody Publishers/May 2005), peaked at #1 on Essence magazine's Best Sellers List for paperback fiction.

"We're thrilled that our debut event will include the likes of authors such as Kendra Norman-Bellamy," said Kelly Johnson, ABBE Founder. "We are equally excited to partner with the Ludacris Foundation in promoting reading among youth as they prepare to go back to school."  

Established by recording star and actor, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, the foundation supports grassroots organizations that work to help youth. Representatives from the foundation will be onsite during the expo donating back-to-school supplies to students.

Other notable guests scheduled to appear at the upcoming expo include:  

Poet, author, playwright, and producer, Shelia P Moses. She is the co-author of Dick Gregory's memoir, Callus on My Soul, as well as the award-winning author of several books for young readers: The Legend of Buddy Bush; The Return of Buddy Bush; I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott; and The Baptism.

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., Pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church in Memphis, TN and brother of Grammy nominated songwriter and jazz recording artist, Kirk Whalum. In April 2010, Dr. Whalum released a provocative and enlightening book titled Hip-Hop Is NOT Our Enemy, which celebrates the creativity of African American youth and young adults.

In addition to showcasing authors and publishers, the ABBE will boast some quality entertainment including a poetry slam contest and a live performance by the very popular group, the OMG Girlz.

"It's all about bringing people and books together," says Kelly Johnson, ABBE Founder. "This is sure to be an awesome event."

The ABBE is free to the general public. Book lovers can expect the event to kick off at 11:00 am.  For more information on how you can participate in the ABBE, visit www.abbexpo.com or contact Kelly Johnson at Kelly@abbexpo.com.  You can also connect with the ABBE on Facebook.

Media Contact:  Mechell Clark, Atlanta Black Book Expo Media Relations
Phone:  770-757-3701 or Email: PR@abbexpo.com

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March 16

First Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo to Provide Platform for Literary Professionals

Event to showcase work of authors, publishers and poets all while promoting literacy among students.

Atlanta, GA - March 16, 2010 - The Atlanta Black Book Expo (ABBE) will launch its first-ever literary showcase on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Georgia International Convention Center located in College Park. The event will provide a venue for up-and-coming literary professionals such as authors, playwrights, poets, publishers, and booksellers to promote their creative works.

The expo will also focus on encouraging youth to read more often featuring the student theme: "Going Back to School Strong." ABBE organizers have partnered with the Ludacris Foundation to create a school supply give-a-way promotion. Established by recording star and actor, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, the foundation supports grassroots organizations that work to help youth and will donate school supplies to provide to needy students during the expo.

"Our goal is to a create a viable source of support to the many talented, yet little known writers and other literary professionals who don't have access to mainstream media, publishing, or major distribution," said Kelly Johnson, ABBE founder. "We also want to promote literacy among school students and expose them to the wonders of reading because they are our authors of tomorrow. And we are especially thankful to our partners like the Ludacris Foundation for helping us in this effort."

The ABBE will also feature a host of fun entertainment and activities including a Spoken Word/Poetry Slam; raffle prizes, and a live radio broadcast. Arts and crafts vendors are also encouraged to participate. The expo will begin at 11:00 a.m.

General event information including author and exhibitor details is available at www.abbexpo.com.

Interested participants should call 404-824-0128 or email info@abbexpo.com.

For inquires regarding sponsorship opportunities please contact: 678-643-4925 or email Kelly@abbexpo.com .

Media Contact:
Mechell Clark
Phone: 770-757-3701
Email: pr@abbexpo.com