Kevin Benoit learned the power of voice early. Since age 12, he has helped others find and use their own. This Black History month, SBC highlights and explores the contributions of the 39-year-old self-starter who founded Parlé Magazine over two-decades ago, and, more recently, its arm nonprofit organization, Parlé Endeavors.
Benoit was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Originally named Kerven, his parents legally changed … Read the rest
Mark “Money” Green is a seasoned pro who has pretty much done it all in the music business from being a roadie, promoter, producer, writer, publisher, manager, agent, marketer, and more. He was even involved in what is known as the first mainstream hip hop song: “Rapper’s Delight,” and has worked with countless notables in entertainment from Prince, Aretha Franklin, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, and Melba Moore to Usher, the … Read the rest
Sometimes advice is situational, other times it is lasting. Researching and creating while awaiting the next opportunity is a philosophy that award-winning independent filmmaker Nakia Stephens (Cream x Coffee; Suga Water; Nepotista) continues to impart. While this guidance is for those who aspire to tell stories for the screens, it can be applied to anyone with a dream. Recently, the Damn Write Originals founder spoke with … Read the rest
Photo credit: iVision Photo
Throughout his career that spans more than five decades, Mr. Angelo Ellerbee has championed the careers of many of the world’s biggest starts from late greats James Mtume, DMX, and Michael Jackson to Lionel Richie, Melba Moore, Alicia Keys, and Dionne Warwick, just to name a few. The Double Xxposure Media Relations founder and CEO does the same to this day with emerging talent as well. … Read the rest
Award-winning multi-hyphenate Keke Palmer is no stranger to opening up about her life. This week, she announced her new book, Master of Me (Flatiron Books, November 19, 2024), which is now available for pre-order.
“I can’t wait to go on this journey with y’all,” Palmer says via Instagram. “I’m covering so many topics from imposter-syndrome to co-parenting, to life not working out the way you thought it was in your … Read the rest
Illustrator and character designer Robert Paul Jr. came up on SBC during our conversation with author and entrepreneur Markette Sheppard in regards to their picture book Ninja Nate, which released this past September. Paul also illustrated I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams by Tanisia Moore, which came out earlier that September.
Paul, who will release a book of his own, recently chatted with SBC about his career, insights, journey, and … Read the rest
Author Vanessa Rodriguez wanted to write about something she knew, which was being a latchkey kid. That idea catapulted into the new fantasy series A Key to Home (Priceless Publishing, October 31, 2023), which follows a diverse group of four friends, who are all latchkey kids. When asked if she looks at her characters solely as that or as people, here is what she had to say:
“They’re like my … Read the rest
As we know, book store owners and booksellers are a big part of the publishing community and/or book world. We know them to give book recommendations—among other things. But what advice do they have for readers aside from what to read? Sherrele Goloversic, founder and owner of The Book Readers Venue, based in Humble, Texas, offered her perspective in a recent interview on SBC.
In addition to being kind … Read the rest
When Emmy-winning television host, marketing executive, and bestselling author Markette Sheppard returned to SBC in support of her new children’s book Ninja Nate (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023) illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., we asked if it starts with an idea or confidence.
It was during this topic that Sheppard revealed the success story of a book idea of hers that had gotten … Read the rest
Often, when people share that they have written a book, they are met with congratulatory responses. While the reason may seem obvious, let us unpack an author’s perspective on why this is common. New York-based entrepreneur, educator, and debut author Cheyenne Gadsden recently appeared on SBC in support of her children’s book Dream Big Young One: Believe it and It Will Come True.
“That is a milestone,” she says. … Read the rest
