JUANITA BYNUM's New Single, "Soul Cry" is # 1 for Two Consecutive Weeks

Music World Gospel/Son Flower Records artist, Juanita Bynum’s new single, “Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh)," remains at #1 this week on CMTA’s Christian Singles/Tracks chart and #2 on Billboard’s Top Singles chart for two consecutive weeks. The song was the #1 Most Increased Airplay Song and the #1 Most Added Song at gospel radio.

“The Diary of Juanita Bynum: Soul Cry (Oh, Oh, Oh)” is a package of six versions of the song and it’s the first installment of a three-part music trilogy that will culminate in the final CD release in January 2011. The single is being sold at Wal-mart for one month, followed by a wide release at major retail stores across the country. “Soul Cry” is also available at Christian retail outlets, J&R Music World in New York City and all digital outlets.

“We are thrilled with the success of Music World Gospel’s first installment of ‘The Diary of Juanita Bynum,’” said Nichelle Poindexter, Senior Vice President and head of Music World Gospel. “The new single, ‘Soul Cry’ is a powerful and relatable song. It’s a song of pain and healing that speaks to the hearts of millions. We look forward to releasing the next two installments of the ground-breaking music trilogy in the coming months.”

In recent weeks, AOL Black Voices showcased “The Diary of Juanita Bynum,” a nine part series that included two live performances of “Soul Cry” along with the song’s recitation. This week, the online giant premiered a video exclusive of the series.

Bynum appeared at the ESSENCE Music Festival and received rave reviews. She ministered in song at the Wal-mart booth on Saturday, July 3 and signed autographed copies of her new CD at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. On Sunday, July 4, she was part of an All-Star Gospel Salute where she ministered and presented the Legend Award to her longtime friend and mentor, Pastor Shirley Caesar. The standing room only event also included tributes to Kirk Franklin and Bishop Paul and Pastor Debra Morton. Following her appearance at the Convention Center, Bynum performed at the ESSENCE Cyber Space Lounge and then proceeded to the Music World/House of Deréon booth, where she was on hand to autograph copies of her new project.

From Wednesday, July 21 through Friday, July 23, Bynum will headline the No More Sheets Conference at New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International, 2300 NW 135^th Street, Miami, FL 33167.

For more information on Juanita Bynum, please visit www.juanitabynum.com.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL

Music World Gospel is the premiere faith-based and inspirational label under the umbrella of Music World Entertainment. The label group features a roster of top recording artists, joint ventures and special projects including, Juanita Bynum, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley, Pastor Rudy Rasmus and The ESSENCE Gospel Project.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD ENTERTAINMENT

Music World Entertainment (MWE) was founded by Mathew Knowles, President and C.E.O. Music World Entertainment is one of the world's leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment. The MWE worldwide platforms include successful record label ventures, recording artist and producer management services, artist development services, a master catalog series, film ventures, television productions, licensed and merchandise products, sports endeavors, community philanthropic work and investment and property holdings. The Houston headquarters is home to House of Deréon Media Center, a performance and event facility hosting special events including charity galas, corporate parties and private functions. MWE has offices in Houston, New York, Los Angeles and London.

Young Adult Novel Addresses Use of Ebonics

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

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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