AMERICAN LEGACY MAGAZINE GOES DIGITAL WITH ZINIO, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER

Photo caption Summer 2010 issue

Mt Vernon, NY (BlackNews.com) -- As the publishing industry moves to a digital platform, American Legacy Magazine is right in stride. The magazine continues its preservation of African-American History and Culture by joining Zinio, Facebook, and Twitter.

For the past 15 years, American Legacy Magazine has educated the masses with in-depth historical accounts of often-untold stories in African-American history. The publication also inspires readers to further investigate and promote the valuable information found in the articles. The blockbuster movie, The Great Debaters directed by and starring Denzel Washington was based on a 1997 American Legacy article of the same name. Now, the publication continues to educate and inform its audience via new electronic mediums.

Founder, Publisher and CEO, Rodney J. Reynolds wanted to ensure that American Legacy Magazine readers have an interactive relationship with the magazine. Now, on a daily basis, Facebook and Twitter users are able to correspond and participate in the Black History Trivia on the group and company page (www.facebook.com/americanlegacymag / www.twitter.com/amlegmag95). Fans of the company are able to respond via comment as to what they believe are the correct answers. As Facebook and Twitter are the publication's newest catalysts for education, the magazine continues to produce high quality editorials, but on a new platform.

Soon, readers will be able to go green with American Legacy Magazine. A digital version of the quarterly publication will be available for download from Zinio. Readers can simply log on to www.zinio.com or www.americanlegacymag.com and subscribe to the paperless version of American Legacy. For those who favor holding a physical product, regular subscriptions are still available for the print edition.

American Legacy Magazine's digital campaign adds to its already vast list of opportunities for its readers. In 2008, the magazine launched its first "Know Your History" Mobile Museum Tour. High School students can also participate in "The American Legacy Challenge" trivia competition. The competition is based on American Legacy's Black History Curriculum Guide, which is available for teachers and parents. Finally, fans of Black History can purchase the "American Legacy Know Your History Board Game".

American Legacy magazine is distributed nationwide to over 2.05 million readers through black churches, educational and cultural institutions. Also available on newsstands and through paid subscriptions, American Legacy is published quarterly by RJR Communications Inc. For more information on American Legacy Magazine, the Black History Trivia or to purchase American Legacy products, visit www.americanlegacymag.com.

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Bill Cosby and Macolm-Jamal Warner Launch CAAM's "Duet and Dialogues" Series

Bill Cosby and Malcolm-Jamal Warner June 11, 2010 Launch Duets & Dialogues Series at the California African American Museum Kick-off Fundraiser to Feature Bill Cosby and Malcom Jamal Warner: A Conversation and Q & A From Television's Most Loved Father/Son Duo Program Host - KNBC-TV's Morning News Anchor Chris Schauble

Los Angeles - The California African American Museum (CAAM) has played host to some of Los Angeles' most culturally significant events over the last 30 years. From art openings to book signings to vintage film screenings, CAAM has shone a fresh perspective on the rich traditions and legacy of African American art, history and culture. On Friday, June 11, 2010, CAAM will set yet another precedent with the launch of its new series, Duets & Dialogues featuring television's most beloved father and son duo, Bill Cosby and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Produced by Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum as a fundraiser for CAAM, this great evening will begin with dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. followed from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. by conversation between Cosby and Warner before a general audience with a closing question and answer session. KNBC-TV's Morning News Anchor Chris Schauble will serve as program host for this special evening. A limited number of dinner/reserved seat program/post-program dessert tickets are available for $150. General admission tickets for $50.00 include program and post-program desserts. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive in Exposition Park, in Los Angeles. Parking is available at Figueroa and 39th Streets for $10 per vehicle. "We are extremely excited to have the very distinguished Bill Cosby, alongside Malcolm-Jamal Warner for the launch of our series, Duets & Dialogues," states Charmaine Jefferson, executive director of CAAM. "Our program is designed to pair African American celebrities of note and accomplishment in a setting that allows the easy flow of memories and thoughtful examinations of the present and the future. For so many of us, Cosby is a pivotal role model within the African American community and beyond. His television role as father to Theo, played by Warner on 'The Cosby Show,' continues to speak volumes to generations of sons and fathers, and Mr. Cosby regularly uses his celebrity to keep asking our young people to be all that they can be." "And then there is the extremely talented Malcolm-Jamal Warner," Ms. Jefferson continued. "We all watched Malcolm-Jamal Warner grow into an accomplished and talented young man in his own right. Whether it is his project selection as a director and actor, or the power of the messages and composition in his brand of jazz and hip-hop style music, Warner is impressive in the scope and range of his talent and human generosity....and we would have expected nothing less. We know the dialogue from this duet will be stimulating, thought provoking and entertaining." Internationally renowned comedian, actor, philanthropist and activist, William H. Cosby, Jr., Ed.D. has dazzled generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums, best-selling books and the groundbreaking television hit series, "The Cosby Show." Perhaps his greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture, "The Cosby Show," portrayed a close-knit, upper class black family and dominated the #1 spot for years, earning popular and critical praise and altering the previous characterization of black families. Actor, spoken word artist, poet, composer and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner first rose to national prominence starring in "The Cosby Show." He has continued to achieve success as an actor, but also has received accolades as a poet and bass player. A seasoned director as well, Warner directed several episodes of "The Cosby Show" along with the comedy series "Malcolm & Eddie," "All That," "Keenan & Kel," and a host of music videos. He can be heard on the audio book version of Simon & Schuster's "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby. Warner also heads his own band Miles Long and independently distributes their CD's, "The Miles Long Mix Tape" and "Love and Other Social Issues," both of which are extremely popular in the underground music scene. Both men have recognized CAAM in the past, Cosby supported and made a performance appearance with his friend Sammy Davis, Jr. at the public opening of CAAM in its then new building back in 1984. Warner and his band Miles Long have twice headlined CAAM's once a month family performance series Target Sundays at CAAM. The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. In addition to Duets & Dialogues, the CAAM galleries will be open on June 11 to showcase CAAM's current exhibits which include Dance Theatre of Harlem, Forty Years of Firsts, Our Love of John T. Scott, and the Gallery of Discovery. CAAM's newest exhibition, How We Roll, will open July 22, 2010 and feature a glimpse into the African American influences in the surfing, skating and very contemporary skateboarding culture. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, the California African American Museum is a state supported institution. In addition to its permanent collection, CAAM hosts specially borrowed and self-curated exhibitions, free public and school-age education programs, and tours CAAM-owned exhibitions throughout California and the nation. Admission to CAAM is generally free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to provide resources, staffing, programming and exhibition resources in support of CAAM's mission. Net proceeds from this June 11th Duets & Dialogues program will benefit and further the collections, programs and exhibitions of the California African American Museum. Explore the California African American Museum's offerings at http://www.caamuseum.org. For general CAAM information call (213) 744-7432. This event may be captured on film for archival purposes. Attendance includes permission to be a part of this documentation process. Duets & Dialogues is produced by Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. Program Director, Charles Reese/Teeth & Eyes Communications.

Young Adult Novel Addresses Use of Ebonics

YOUNG ADULT NOVEL ADDRESSES AND EXPLAINS THE USE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH

Bookcover

Detroit, MI (BlackNews.com) –- The young adult novel, The Magic Pencil, explores the nuances of language many African Americans may use when communicating within varying situations. This practice -- known as code-switching -- is not unique to African Americans but it has attracted much attention and discussion in the academic world of late.

Karen E. Dabney has taken this subject and crafted a compelling and entertaining story revolving around an inquisitive boy, a mysterious girl and a magic pencil.

In the story the children speak naturally to one another using Standard English, when necessary or desired, while demonstrating their ability to switch back and forth with little effort. The result is a gentle education for those who have preconceived notions regarding the users of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as "Ebonics".

AAVE has a long history that began when the first enslaved Africans were brought to the United States. They had to develop ways to communicate verbally with each other due to speaking differing dialects and languages. This task, coupled with learning how to communicate with the white slave owners, required skill and patience. The result of the style with which the average enslaved person spoke displayed a new language complete with its own rules and consistencies.

The AAVE one hears today around the country is basically the same as its roots.

Readers of The Magic Pencil will come to understand that the characters who continually use AAVE are not any less intelligent than those who speak Standard English. This discovery is important in that it lifts the self-esteem of youth who may struggle with the latter's correct usage.

They will find vindication while reading about others who live full lives and verbally share their feelings in what may be the reader's home/first language.

Important lessons are also to be found in The Magic Pencil. The story imparts means and methods youth may employ to successfully navigate through the pitfalls they may encounter in life. Self-determination and reliance are fostered. The attainment of knowledge is lauded.

Ms. Dabney has created an important and magnetically didactic read!

For more information visit www.dabsandcompany.com