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Enchanted PR | Ashley Clark ashley@enchantedpr.net | 703.622.1835
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2013
TEEN AUTHOR STONE ERICKSON RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR BLACK MAN CAN AWARD Youth Sci-fi author is recognized for extraordinary efforts within Black community
(Atlanta, GA) Teen Sci-fi and Mystery author Stone Erickson is one of the finalists for this year's Boys II Men Award sponsored by TheBlackManCan.org (TBMC) and Black Celebrity Giving. At just the tender age of 15, Stone has already exemplified the effects of his efforts for being a young, positive role model for his community.
"I am very excited and honored to be nominated for the Boys II Men Award from TBMC and Black Celebrity Giving", says Stone. "This truly is a testament that when you work really hard and don't give up on your dreams, your work is rewarded. This just gives me more inspiration to continue to strive for the best and accomplish my goals."
The Boys II Men category acknowledges young men ages 18 and younger that have demonstrated outstanding efforts to better their community. They have displayed wisdom beyond their years and are maturing from a young boy into a man.
Voting for the awards will commence on May 13, 2013 online via Black Celebrity Giving's website and winners will notified at 8:00pm on June 16, 2013. Honorees and winners can be viewed and are encouraged to participate through Twitter by following the handles @TheBlackManCan and @BlkCelebGiving.
Stone Erickson is one of the youngest published authors in the country and released his first novel, "Black Angel" in March of this year. Black Angel explores the life of what appears to be an average high school student. Main character, Solomon Night is being abused at home and bullied at school, his life changes in the blink of an eye as he is hit by a car. In death, he is able to find peace but it is short lived as he is then giving a second chance at life and returns as the Black Angel gaining an assortment of new abilities.
Stone Erickson was introduced to the publishing business early on as his mother's debut novel was released when he was eight years old. He recalls accompanying her to book signings and listening to her talk about the book with book club events, etc. Although he saw his mother's writing career taking off, he didn't share his writing with anyone for a long time. In his elementary school years, he spent much of his time creating literary fantasies by using the personality traits of his friends, teachers and even people who didn't like him. He began writing and drawing comic books series starring himself as a superhero. "I started writing and drawing comic books to deal with changing schools after we moved," he remembers. "I went from comic books to writing short stories."
'Black Angel' made Amazon's list of best sellers for its first week sales. A passionate writer, Stone wrote his first full-length novel at the age of 12 and was signed to Delphine Publications by the age of 14. Combing his love for reading with his creative writing skills, Stone would examine his surroundings and utilize the personality traits of his friends, family, teachers and certain situations in his life, such as overcoming his parent's divorce, to create his own literary fantasies. Stone is currently a high school freshman and has received numerous awards and accolades for his academic performance.
For more information on Stone Erickson, visit his website www.stoneerickson.com. Follow on Twitter @StoneErickson.
For media inquiries or to interview Stone Erickson, please contact Ashley Clark at ashley@enchantedpr.net.
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About TheBlackManCan.org TheBlackmancan.org (TBMC) is a media platform with the mission of actively promoting a positive black male image. TBMC offers readers uplifting, inspiring and empowering articles and features of Black Men across the world. Since its inception in the spring
I wanted to take the time out to write something for Mother's Day this year. This year is a very special Mother's Day for me because my daughter will graduate from high school in less than two weeks. High school graduation is one of those milestone's that I believe every parent looks forward to when they are first handed their little bundle of joy.
I can remember looking at my little curly headed dimpled baby girl and wanting to give her the world. I wanted the absolute best for her so that one day she could go out into this big cold world and be a successful adult. The first indicator that your child has grown up and is prepared to take on the world is their high school graduation. This in itself has me a bit reflective on this Mother's Day.
I am blessed to have two amazing children. I had my daughter at 20 years old and my son three years later. Many of my peers waited to get married and have children, but I've learned that everyone walks their own path and life gives you your deck of cards for a reason. To the dismay of many of my friends and colleagues I never regretted getting married and having my children early. Being a mother at a young age shaped the person I am today. They give me inspiration and motivation to be the best person I can be.
Becoming a mother meant that I had to put someone else before myself. It meant that every action I did could affect two people that God entrusted me with to mold and shape into adulthood. I took that mandate to heart and it gave me purpose and tremendous pride. Being a mother is exhausting, challenging, difficult, tiring and all encompassing and yet it is the absolute most rewarding job God can give us. Its the one job I can never be fired from, and never be released from. I believe having children teaches you the true meaning of unconditional love.
I am so thankful to my children Chanelle Edryce and Stone Erickson on this Mother's Day 2013 and even more thankful for my amazing Mom Jacqueline Diana Jordan. My mother is the definition of a loving mother and she set an amazing example. As a little girl I idolized her and then as a woman I've grown to admire her. She wasn't perfect but she was uncompromising on her love for her family. She loved us with a quiet strength that lets me know that even today, whatever happens and whatever mistakes I make she is always there. Knowing this often gave me the confidence to take on challenges and it still is a comfort even to me as an adult whenever I go through the heartaches and pain that we often deal with in life.
Lastly I have to thank all the amazing mothers that are in my support system. None of us are perfect, but when you see other mothers struggling to do their very best at this God-appointed job it strengthen you and keeps you focused on your task at hand.
Mothers are our first interaction physically, mentally, and spiritually. We are created in their womb and they are our interpretation of God until they are able to teach us differently. Mothers are the first person we fall in love with and often the last person standing by our sides during adversity. Their nurturing is gentle and comforting yet their love is the strongest example of love that is humanly possible.
Today I thank God for giving me the gift of an amazing Mother and for allowing me to step into those shoes myself. I am so excited to spend the day with my two children as my daughter prepares for graduation. For me this is a bittersweet yet extremely blessed Mother's Day.
I wish all of you a blessed Mother's Day. Never take you Mother for granted because life is short and you only get one. Even if your mother wasn't your birth mother, God has a way of appointing people to us when we need a Mother's love.
Enchanted PR | Christal Jordan christal@enchantedpr.net | 678.499.0297
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2013
FLO RIDA, PLEASURE P and RAPHAEL SAADIQ CELEBRATE SUNSET DE MAYO
MALIBU RED and the Sunset Lounge Collective host the largest Cinco De Mayo Event in Atlanta
(Atlanta, GA) The special Cinco De Mayo, May edition of the Sunset Lounge series and MALIBU RED produced undoubtedly the hottest ATL event of Spring 2013. Known as Atlanta's favorite day party, the SSL hosted over 1500 guests at Cantina located in the heart of Buckhead Atlanta. Special guests for the event included international hip hop artist Flo Rida and Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq. Guests indulged on authentic Mexican cuisine coupled with specialty MALIBU RED cocktails (a mixture of Caribbean Rum and Mexican Tequila) while dancing from mid-day until evening.
Flo Rida took to the stage for an impromptu performance bringing everyone to the dance floor and getting the ladies ready for a sensual serenade by R&B bad boy Pleasure P and hot new artist Adrian Marcel (signed to Raphael Saadiq). Additional notable guests included; NFL Player Takeo Spikes, hip hop artist Gorilla Zoe, pop culture personality Tami Reed (Oxygen/Find Me a Man), music producer Isaac Hayes III, BMI executive Byron Wright, and many more. E-Clazz, DJ Know-it-All and Stephan the DJ played crowded-moving sets from the 90s to today, creating a consistent mix of beautiful people on the dance floor all day long.
"Sunset de Mayo" was a complete cultural celebration featuring the artwork of one of the Atlanta entertainment industry's most recognizable personalities; Freddyo (www.freddyo.com). Several of Freddyo's paintings celebrating female images in African American and Hispanic culture along with pieces celebrating Atlanta were displayed at the venue. Freddyo achieved notoriety as a photojournalist on the Atlanta entertainment scene before returning to one of his first passions, art. "It was an honor for my work to be featured," says Freddyo. "The Sunset Lounge is one of those events that everyone can come out and enjoy. It makes sense that celebrities come out because it's a place they can celebrate with fans without being mobbed and even promote their work. It's a different energy than a club and that's refreshing."
The Sunset Lounge has proven to be Atlanta's favorite Day Party partnering an unmatched ambiance at the hottest venues in Atlanta, with beautiful guests, celebrities, tastemakers and key influencers against the backdrop lit with the brilliance of a sunny day. The Sunset Lounge Collective is comprised of ATLbarz, FCC and Moetown Lee. This is the fifth year for SSL and the coordinators are planning additional collaborations and special editions over the upcoming months. For more information visit www.sslatl.com
A few years ago I was at a fancy party for the Kentucky Derby and NFL player Kerry Rhodes publicist asked me if my client Chilli would take a picture on the red carpet with him. She claimed Kerry was a big TLC fan and was too shy to ask Chilli to take a picture himself. As this happens often and I usually try to help a fellow PR out if possible, I obliged the offer.
Within two hours the picture was posted on a popular urban gossip site with the headline that Chilli and Kerry were officially dating. I received an alert to my phone and was livid. I immediately called the publicist and asked how the picture circulated that fast. She assured me that she was just as surprised as I was. I didn't by the hype and so I contacted my contact at the site, however by that time, the damage had been done. The speculation on Chilli dating the player died down quickly however years later when pictures surfaced on the internet of him involved in a romantic situation with a gay man, things started to make sense for me.
Kerry Rhodes publicist probably had an inkling of the lifestyle her client was leading and was desperate to throw people off. I looked online and there were pages of pictures of him with female celebrities. Ironically, the same gossip site features a myriad of female celebs he'd been linked with in the past.
Well now we know the truth, however Kerry Rhodes did not take the great opportunity staring him in the face. Jason Collins was able to slip in and steal his "coming out" thunder...
MALIBU RED PAINTS SUNSET LOUNGE RED HOT FOR CINCO DE MAYO
Atlanta, GA) MALIBU RED, the smooth blend of MALIBU Caribbean Rum and fiery silver Tequila created in collaboration with Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and actor Ne-Yo, heats up the Southeast's largest day party the Sunset Lounge. MALIBU RED hosts a special edition of Sunset Lounge in celebration of Cinco De Mayo on Sunday, May 5th at Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar located at 3280 Peachtree RD NW Atlanta, GA 30305.Cantina is one of Buckhead's hottest bars featuring authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Sunset Lounge has proven to be Atlanta's favorite Day Party partnering an unmatched ambiance at the hottest venues in Atlanta, with beautiful guests, celebrities, tastemakers and key influencers against the backdrop lit with the brilliance of a sunny day. Last month's Sunset Lounge brought out Atlanta A-lister Usher and R&B crooner Bobby Valentino, in addition to over 1,500 guests. Pushing the brand, The SSL Collective partnered with MALIBU RED to present a special Cinco De Mayo edition of Sunset Lounge for the month of May.
MALIBU RED's combination of Caribbean rum and fiery Tequila makes it a perfect partner for Cinco de Mayo, a historic celebration of freedom and democracy. "Sunset Lounge continues to draw sexy crowds and bring out Atlanta's A-listers. With MALIBU RED hosting this edition, The Sunset Lounge will undoubtedly be the best Cinco De Mayo celebration in the city." says Mel Simms, Atlanta brand ambassador for Malibu Red.
The Sunset Lounge Collective is comprised of ATLbarz, FCC and Moetown Lee. This is the fifth year for SSL and the coordinators are planning additional collaborations and special editions over the upcoming months. For more information visit www.sslatl.com
MALIBU RED will host the special Cinco De Mayo edition of the Sunset Lounge on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar; located at 3280 Peachtree RD NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 from 2pm to 10pm. Music will be provided by V-103's own DJ Trauma. For VIP/Media credentials please RSVP to press@enchantedpr.net no later than Friday, May 3, 2013 at 5pm.
ABOUT MALIBU RED A vibrant fusion of Caribbean Rum and Mexican Tequila guaranteed to get the party started. Drink it neat over ice or long in one of Malibu Red's specially created cocktails. Fire yourself up and enjoy a red hot summer night anytime, anywhere. http://www.maliburumdrinks.com
"I'm honored to be a part of the judging team for The X Factor auditions in Atlanta", says Crystal Nicole. "I look forward to the great talent coming out, because we know Atlanta is full of musical talent. It's a great feeling to be able to help someone else take those first steps in making their dreams come true and I'm glad to be a part of it."
On Saturday, 150 contestants will have the opportunity of a lifetime to skip the lines and appear before Crystal Nicole, Warner Bros. Records Southeast regional promotional manager Yancey Richardson and Konvict hip-hop artist Everett Blewz to perform live and impress them with their voices. The judges will be scouting for contestants that possess the best voices, have a captivating performance and the greatest overall entertainment. From there, the judges will select four (4) lucky finalists and send them off to Denver, CO to audition for The X Factor producers in hopes of making it onto the forthcoming season and winning The X Factor competition. The X Factor will return to Fox 5 this coming fall.
Crystal Nicole has become one of the most in-demand songwriters in the music industry within the last five years. Penning hit records for Rihanna (Only Girl in the World), Monica (Love All over Me), Mary J. Blige (25/8), Bridget Kelly (Special Delivery) and many more, Crystal Nicole has impressed many with her songwriting skills which has resulted in her numerous accolades and awards including a Grammy for "Only Girl in World". Having recently stepped from behind the ink pen and into the forefront, Crystal Nicole released the first single, "Sundown" off her upcoming debut album and made a great entrance on iTunes. Her strong vocals combined with her soulful emotions throughout the record have many referring to her music as "soul swag" for her ability to approach lyrics with the prolific swag of an emcee.
For more information on The X Factor, visit www.thexfactorusa.com. For more information on Crystal Nicole, visit www.crystalnicoleuniverse.com.
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For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Crystal Nicole, please contact Christal Jordan at 678.499.0297 or christal@enchantedpr.net.
Enchanted PR | Christal Jordan christal@enchantedpr.net | 678.499.0297
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2013
TLC SET TO RECEIVE LEGEND AWARD WITH TRIUMPHANT PERFORMANCE AT MTV VMAJ 2013
MTV Video Music Awards Japan Celebrates TLC's 20th Anniversary And Contributions To Music
(Atlanta, GA) R&B super group TLC was unveiled to hit the stage of the MTV VMAJ 2013 with their first ever "Legend Award" in hand, the news was announced today by MTV Japan. The 12th annual MTV VMAJ 2013 takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture on Saturday, June 22. The show will premiere on MTV Japan on Sunday, June 23 at 8PM (Tokyo), and will be broadcast worldwide on MTV channels at a later date with potential viewership expected to reach over half-billion households.
Comprised of Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, TLC is one of the greatest selling musical groups of all time, having several #1 singles, selling over 65 million albums worldwide and winning countless awards including four (4) Grammys and three (3) American Music Awards. The group was signed to LaFace records twenty years ago, and was an instant success with their first album, "Ooooooohhh....On The TLC TIP", TLC's sophomore album "CrazySexyCool" became a diamond selling album in the United States with totally 23 million copies sold worldwide. TLC recently announced their highly anticipated new album, marking their 20th anniversary along with an upcoming biopic detailing their rise to fame. Coming exclusively to Japan in June, this long-awaited performance will definitely be a highlight for Japanese fans.
"We are so excited and humbled to receive this award from MTV Japan," T-Boz says. TLC will be the first artists to receive the "Legend Award" since Michael Jackson's historic appearance at the MTV VMAJ 2006. "It is an honor for us to be put in this historic category with the King himself, Michael Jackson," Chilli says.
MTV will announce additional performers and presenters at a later date. As previously announced, Bruno Mars, Fun., One Direction, Taylor Swift and Kana Nishino top the list of MTV VMAJ 2013 nominees with three each. Voting for 16 categories is open at MTV Japan's official Facebook page until 5pm on June 11 (Tokyo). *in Japanese only The special sponsors of MTV VMAJ 2013 are DAIICHIKOSHO CO., LTD., Coca-Cola. The digital media partner of MTV VMAJ 2013 is GyaO Corporation.
TLC fans can look forward to the release of CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story this fall with VH1, which T-Boz and Chilli played a huge role in as executive producers of the biopic. Fans can also expect highly anticipated new music and tour dates from the group.
For more information on TLC's upcoming biopic and 20th anniversary celebration visit the official TLC Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/officialTLC.
For interviews with TLC please contact Enchanted PR, Christal Jordan at christal@enchantedpr.net or 678-499-0297.
Christal Jordan / Enchanted PR 678-499-0297/ christal@enchantedpr.net Angela Watts / AW Media Group 678-637-0982 / angela@awmediagroup.com April 8, 2013
TLC SAYS IT'S A WRAP WITH BARTENURA, BLACK DIAMONDS AND REEBOK
Executive producers Chilli and T-Boz celebrate end of production of film with cast and crew
Atlanta, GA) On Saturday, April 6th Chilli and T-Boz, along with the principal cast and crew of their upcoming biopic; Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story, celebrated the end of the production at Luxe Lounge in Atlanta, GA. Guests dined on Italian hors d'oeuvres and danced the evening away to tunes from the 90's including music from TLC's top-selling albums along with remixes and soundtrack additions. A custom-made viral booth was available for guests to capture keepsake snapshots all featuring a silhouette from TLC's Best of Album.
The evening ended with a special presentation to the group by renowned artist Neal Hamilton (Paint Out Loud). Hamilton presented the group with a wall-sized artistic interpretation of the group's infamous 'Fanmail' album cover. Hamilton recalls being inspired by TLC's empowering message and refusal to compromise their artistic integrity. "I wanted to capture the group's energy and charisma with the painting. TLC was ahead of their time and I believe they still are. I hope the piece was able to capture a piece of that," Hamilton says. In addition to the painting the group was presented with a custom created cake with artwork reminiscent of the group's first hit, 'Ain't too proud to beg' by Black Diamond Edible Creations. Actors Lil Mama (Left-Eye) and Dru Sidora (T-Boz) joined Chilli and T-Boz for the celebration, along with several other cast members from the film. Reebok Classics was on hand to gift members of the principal cast with sneakers from their spring line.
2013 marks TLC's 20th anniversary and part of that celebration included stepping into the role of executive producers of their biopic, along with upcoming new music and tour dates. "We were so blessed with this cast and crew. Everyone gave us their very best and we appreciate them so much," Chilli explains. "The hard part is done. The next step is getting the project to our fans. We have some of the most loyal fans in the world. I can't wait until they are able to share this with us." T-Boz says. TLC: It's a Wrap! was hosted by Enchanted PR and AW Media Group and sponsored by Bartenura Moscato, Black Diamond Edible Creations and Reebok Classics.
For more information on TLC's upcoming biopic and 20th anniversary celebration visit the official TLC Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/officialTLC.
To learn about Bartenura Moscato visit: www.bartenura.com
To see more of Neal Hamilton's artistic expression visit: www.mnnguitarproject.com. ##
TEEN AUTHOR STONE ERICKSON MAKES DEBUT WITH GRAPHIC SCI-FI-MYSTERY NOVEL
One of the youngest authors in the country makes debut with release of first novel
ATLANTA- Stone Erickson is not just an average high school teenager, he is also one of the youngest published authors in the country. The 15 year old releases his first novel, Black Angel, through Delphine Publications March 26, 2013. The critically acclaimed graphic novel that combines sci-fi, mystery and tragedy is available on Amazon.com and Kindle.
The high school freshman is enthusiastic yet feeling slightly uncanny about the release of his first novel. "It's very weird to see my name of the cover of a book. I've known for a very long time that I was going to write a book, but to have it published at 15 seems unrealistic to say the least. I'm very excited and hope to see my name on many more." Always having a passion for reading and writing, Stone credits his inspiration to write from experiencing the trials and tribulations of life. "Throughout my life, I've been through some difficult times which I have been able to go through thanks to the people around me. Because of those people, I feel an urge to do the same for others as they've done for me. Solomon, the main character of the series, is a character I made symbolizing the human struggle to make it through a trial when there seems to be no way out."
Black Angel explores the life of a young teenager, Solomon Night, who is being abused at home and bullied at school. As his life changes in the blink of an eye, when he is hit by a car, in death, he is able to find peace. Tragically, it is short lived as he is then giving a second chance at life and returns as the Black Angel and gains an assortment of new abilities. Stone's vivid imagination and cliffhanger moments will have readers thoroughly engaged in his novel.
Stone Erickson is a high school freshman and resides in Atlanta, Ga. Having wrote his first full length novel at the age of 12, he was later offered a publishing deal at the ripe age of 14 with Delphine Publications. In his elementary school years, he spent much of his time creating literary fantasies by using the personality traits of his friends, teachers and even people who didn't like him. He began developing comic books starring himself as a superhero. Stone Erickson likes to create new characters by taking people's best and worst characteristics and combining them together. In addition to being a published author and student, Stone Erickson is an avid soccer player, an honor roll student who has received numerous academic accolades and loves science and psychology. He has no plans of giving up on writing anytime soon as he is already in the works for the follow-ups to Black Angel.
For more information on Stone Erickson and his novel Black Angel, follow him on Twitter @StoneErickson and like his Facebook page Teen Author Stone Erickson.
# # For media inquiries or to interview Stone Erickson, contact Christal Jordan at 678.499.0297 or christal@enchantedpr.net.
The Sunset Lounge Series returns with DJ Trauma and a birthday surprise for Q
The Sunset Lounge series made its much anticipated return to SHOUT restaurant in the heart of downtown Atlanta on Sunday, March 24, 2013. Amidst a less than perfect weather forecast, guests found sunshine within the Day party known for creating a vibe that combines the brilliance of a sunny day with the vibe of nightclub lounge. DJ Trauma hosted the afternoon and TV Personality/Author Toya Wright's shoe store GARB raffled off a free pair of stilettos for the ladies in attendance. R&B heartthrob Q Parker from 112 dropped by to celebrate his birthday along with members from the cast of the Style network's Big Rich Atlanta. Fashion Plate and ATL Profile reporter Christopher Martin hosted the event, chatting with guests on the new trends for spring/summer fashion and what makes the Sunset Lounge such a favorite hangout for the spring and summer months. The first Sunset Lounge series featured complimentary cocktails by Malibu Red and was sponsored by The Lewis Agency. SSL will return on Sunday, April 21, 2013. For more information visit www.sslatl.com
