ME! Magazine
March 2018 A Literary and Purpose Driven Magazine
Magazine reviewed from ME! Newsletter Issue 18
The Up, The Coming, And The Already Arrived
Books, purpose,
Featured Author: Se’Quince Aiken
Best Poet of ME! Magazine
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About This Publication ME! Magazine is a trademark of Hampton Publishing House, LLC. The magazine encourages you to be yourself. It is time that you show the world who you really are by being who you were intended to be. Hampton Publishing House, LLC’s focus is to assist authors with publishing material that engages the community and provides knowledge of many societal matters. The company creates material that coincides with real life experiences and gives creative inspiration to those who are motivated by literature; whether it is written, spoken, or visual i​ nterpretations of text. It is the hope of the company to increase awareness and maintain open lines of communication by receiving manuscripts that relate to the following areas: friendships, marriage, domestic violence, depression, how-to-information, social ills, and other subjects that will allow readers to understand the moralities of the subject matter. Contributors Editor Melica Niccole Writers Monae Jones Justin Lambert Melica Niccole Photographer Zora Nelson Interested in sponsoring or advertising in our next issue? Contact Hampton Publishing House, LLC using the information provided below. Hampton Publishing House, LLC P.O. Box 1254 Union, NJ 07083 Twitter.com/Hampton_Publish Instagram.com/HamptonPublishingHouse
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Letter From The Editor On behalf of Hampton Publishing House, LLC and ME! Magazine, we would like to thank you for your continued help in supporting our efforts. We hope to be the best in what we do and provide you with essential information as an author, writer, publisher, and reader. It has truly been a process in transforming our newsletter into a magazine. We did not realize the amount of time, effort, and determination that it took to convert the newsletter into an online magazine. It is one process that we are glad we completed in order to show you our transition as a media outlet source within this community. This magazine will include up and coming authors and business professionals, featured authors, events, literacy advocates in the community, and other educational related events. If you are a reader or subscriber of this magazine, know that we accept suggestions, guest writers, and other information to assist in distributing our magazine. We want to thank our wonderful sponsors who helped make this magazine effort come true. A specialist thank you goes to Rahway Girlz Publishing. This wonderful company has supported all of our efforts from the inception of our concept. This is a true display of how supporting each other can lead to amazing things and possibilities for both parties. Make sure to check back soon for other upcoming events and programs that we have in the works with Rahway Girlz Publishing. We hope you enjoy our first installment of ME! Magaine which releases March 1, 2018. Sincerly,
Melica Niccole Editor-In-Chief 3
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Read to Lead Write to Enlight This is a concept and way of life for us. What is your concept or way of life?
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Inside This Edition
Page Margaret Jeanne Talley Excellence in Diversity Award
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Featured Author- Se’Quince Aiken 8 Give the Gift of Literacy 10 Voice My Choice Youth Event 12 Best Poet of ME! Magazine 14 Upcoming events and partnerships 16 The Up, The Coming, and The Already Arrived
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Featured Author Continued 20 Services We Provide 24
Sponsors Rahway Girlz Publishing, Author LaDonna Marie Books, LLC, The Social Exchange Group, Rahway Girlz Publishing, Zora Nelson, & Lady Calla’s Children’s Book Club
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Margaret Jeanne Talley Excellence in Diversity Award Margaret Jeanne Talley, often referred to as Mrs. Talley by some of the students at Otterbein University, was a member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Ohio. Outside of her activities at church, Mrs. Talley also worked at Otterbein University, previously called Otterbein College, as the Director of Minority Affairs and Associate Director of Admissions. She was very involved in student life at Otterbein by helping to recruit students of color for the Images of You program and serving various positions, such as Advisor for Sister’s United. Mrs. Talley was very envolved in Otterbein life and was well respected by the students there. She “advocated for the needs of students of color and was instrumental in reestablishing the African American Student Union” (https://www.facebook.com/ OtterbeinDiversity/posts/344680125587616). On February 9, 2018, Ta’Neika Franciso, Takiyah Baltimore-Nelson, and Melica Hampton decided to develop the Margaret Jeanne Talley Excellence in Diversity Award in memory of Mrs. Talley who passed away in 2017. The award was established after the 2018 Otterbein University Diversity Award ceremony. These women sought to establish an award built on the legacy of previous Admissions Recruiter, Jean Talley. Mrs. Talley was a supporter and advocate for the school and her community. She helped provide guidance and a foundation for most of the students she encountered. She was also known for her positive attitude, wealth of knowledge, and ability to look at things positively. The scholarship will be provided to one recipient annually to assist that student in need of financial assistance due to the cost of books, tuition, and other school related items. Students will have an opportunity to apply for a $1,500 scholarship, which will be paid to their school account on their behalf by September 15, 2018. On the next page, you will find information on the requirements of the scholarship.
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Photo found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/
Requirements: •Applicant must be a current undergraduate student at Otterbein University •Student status will either be a junior, sophomore, or senior •Applications should be submitted by June 30, 2018 •Unofficial Transcript and co-curricular resume should accompany applications •Complete an original 400 to 600-word essay. No plagiarism allowed •Applicant should Identify course of study and plans for the future •All majors and commuter students can apply •Student should be enrolled at Otterbein for the awarding period •Minimum GPA of 2.5 •Involved in at least one campus organization •Has a financial/unmet need •Contributed to community service activities •Involved with more than one campus organization, preferably a leadership role •Involved with outside organization. It can be community based, religious affiliated, etc. 7
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Author Se’Quince Aiken
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Se’Quince Aiken Written by Justin Lambert
Se’Quince Aiken is an author and a public speaker. She resides in New Jersey with her
parents, twin sister, and kitten (Brownie). Ms. Aiken is the co-owner of Rahway Girlz Publishing with her mother and sister. She decided to start the company with her mother and sister because her first book, Life is a Journey, was being released and she wanted “I look to inspire to work with a company that had some of her same core beliefs and was just as dedicated as others by being she continues to be.
who I am.”
Ms. Aiken published her first book a couple of years ago. Since then, she has been very active in attending books festivals, community service projects, Project Search work program, book bag drives, and other events that sparks her attention. Some of the things she has been involved in are: Independent Authors Book Expo, Children’s Book Festival, and New York Book Bag Drive. In spotlighting one of her books, Ms. Aiken chose to tell us about: Life is a Journey. This book is about living with and accepting her disability, Cerebral Palsy. Having a disability does not define who Ms. Aiken is or chooses to be. She proves this by speaking to the public about her disability and letting people with all abilities know not to give up on their dreams. Want to know more about Ms. Aiken? Follow her at: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sequincesaiken Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sequincesarah/ Twitter https://twitter.com/angelaiken Company website https://sequinceaiken.wixsite.com/sequinceaiken/meet-rahway-girlz-publishing (Continued on page 16) 9
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Give the Gift of L
When you give to others, you are giving to help them reduce barriers, and increase their self-es improvised areas and may not have the same access to books as others. We challenge you to give or making an impact inside and outside your community to help others. Below you will find a list in your area, please search for simila
The Conscious Conne Sweet Reads, Neshani Volunteers of America Goodwill of Columb Impact, Colu The Urban League, N Faith Mission, C Amercian Cancer Society/Re Dress for Succes Bridgeway Rehabilitation Servi March of Dimes, Central Ohio Diabetes Ass
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Literacy
Written by Melica Niccole
steem and qualifty of life. Giving the gift of literacy is all about giving to those who may live in by donating a book,volunteering, developing a literacy program, mentoring a child or adult and/ t of organizations that you can give to this coming month. If the information below is not located ar organizations in your area to give.
ect, Springfiled, Ohio ic Station, New Jersey a, Alexandria, Virginia bus, Columbus, Ohio umbus, Ohio Newark, New Jersey Columbus, Ohio elay for Life, Atlanta, Georgia ss, Brooklyn, NY ices, Inc., Elizabeth, New Jersey White Plains, NJ sociation, Columbus, Ohio
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Voice My Choic
Written by M
The Voice My Choice Youth Event is a youth voter registration and education seminar developed and implemented by Hampton Publishing House, LLC and Nepalese American Media and Research Centre. Each company sought to develop an educational program that would assist youth with identifying components of voting, why voting is important, different political parties to choose from, issues on the ballot, and a way to give youth early experience in voting policies and procedures. The program will give youth hands on experience in researching information, debating issues, and voting for the first time. We truly understand the importance of educating individuals while young, especially when it comes to politics and other important factors that affects our country. We would like to implement this plan in which we educate the youth about the basics of voting, the makeup of congress, and different political parties. The program would consist of learning general information about voting, working in groups, creating and presenting different political information, and increasing awareness. The program is a one day program geared towards helping youth understand voting and politics. The goal of the program is to increase political awareness among youth. This will be done in numerous ways. One way in which this will be done is by youth researching information and discussing their findings amongst their peers. We believe that education can start on an individual basis, but in order to fully understand education and voting, one must be able to have conversations with others about policies and the issues that affect their communities. The implementation of the program will be recorded and produced by Nepalese American Media Research Centre. The company will produce one to two, thirty-minute episodes. The show will be exclusively covered on Huff Post and ABC News channel Nepal. It will also be covered by some other news portals as well. In the event your organization, school, or company is interested in working with us to implement the Voice My Choice Youth Event, contact us and let us know your interest and how we can implement the program within your city, state, or county. Help wanted: Looking for two to three political science major interns, preferrably pursuing their bachelors degrees in Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Areas. Individuals must be availabe for at least 10- 15 hours throughout the program, which will consist of research and implementation of program. Stipends will be paid to student at the end of the program. If interested, contact us through our social media accounts. ME! Magazine
ce Youth Event
Monae Jones
Welcome to our first organization to collaborate with us in the initial implementation of the program. The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter in Columbus, Ohio have confirmed their participation in the Voice My Choice Youth Event for their annual state meeting in October of 2018. Some of their youth groups who will have the opportunity to participate in this program are identified as The Pearlettes (4-8 years old), Amicettes (9-13 years old), and Archonettes (14 to 18 years old). During this day filled with education and activities, the youth will complete ice breakers, work in groups, learn to work with others, learn about politics, and most of all, learn to voice their choice when it comes to voting. Current Community-Based Programs of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. •Get Engaged • Gamma Zeta Zeta Education Foundation • Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) • From Girls to Pearls • I Know I Can Scholarship Partnership • Stork’s Nest • Adopt-A-School
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The Best Poet of ME! Magazine Congratulations and thank you Sonya F Jenkins for participating in the “Best Poet of ME! Newsletter” contest last year. She will retain the title for one year. This edition will feature her first poem, “Happiness of Live”, as holding the title. Please feel free to follow her, purchase her books, and support her writing efforts. Writing a book is the easy part, but support from your community means so much more. Now let’s see if we can continue to support her poetic efforts. Tweet her to find out ways to buy her books.
Happiness of Life H – is for honesty and respect for others A – is for the acceptance of your attitude P – is for your strong strength of trust and patience P – is for all the priorities you juggle in life I – is for the inner self you share with those most closet to you N – is for nurturing your feelings of self as well as for those around you E – is for all the mixed emotions you feel daily S – is for self-control, self-love, and self -worth S – is for all the security you find within and with others. O – is for the all obstacles to overcome in life F – is for life’s freedom and flexibility. L – is for all the laughter you hear and share I – is for your imagination of how you envision life to be F – is for family and friends you love everyday E – is for exploring all that life has to offer as you walk your journey to find your life’s happiness.
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Upcoming Events and Partnerships
Voice My Choice Youth Event U.S. and Nepal Compilation Book Book Festival
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Fashion Me A Poet New York Book Bag Drive Margaret Jeanne Talley Excellence in Diversity Award
Got an idea you would like to partner with us on? We would love to work with you on a future literary event.
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The Up, The Coming, And The Already Arrived Edited and slightly rephrased by Melica Niccole
Hailed by American and European literary review experts as one of the greatest up and coming act-provoking writers, LaDonna Marie has won numerous awards, being named international and best selling author, and is the founder of Planting Positive Seeds. Aside from all of her current activities, she still finds time to motivate the youth by encouraging and empowering them through her speeches. Having earned some of the industry’s most glowing reviews, LaDonna will be the first to tell you that she traveled a long way to the remarkable destination she now enjoys. She published her first poem in an anthology, Whispers with The League of American Poets, in 2007. In 2010, she self-published her freshman book, Expressions of the Mind, Body & Soul. Without any effort on her part, she received a Certificate of Congratulation after capturing the attention of Congressman Bennie Thompson, 2nd district of MS. In addition to her extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the literary industry, she’s also a vibrant keynote and motivational speaker for numerous youth groups. LaDonna has a penchant for inspiring entrepreneurs, children, artists, writers and politicians, alike. She can be inspirational and melancholy one moment and vulnerable; he next; conveying a display of empowerment. Her astonishing talent gives way to a proverbial delivery which paints portraits in vivid detail for secular and spiritual audiences alike. Her works, Until Tomorrow Comes, Lessons: Shattered Pieces Being Restored 2014, and Quiet Moments with God, have yielded world-wide attention. She is the recipient of more than a dozen awards including a Humanitarian Award (2012) and the DJ Gatsby Book Club Literary Award in Poetry (2014). Until Tomorrow Comes received a Five Star Literary Book Review from Readers’ Favorite and a Four Star Professional Literary Book Review from Red City Review. LaDonna’s educational achievements include a B.A., in Social Work from Alcorn State University in 2005; M.S., in Counseling Studies from Capella University; and a M.A. from South University in Professional Counseling, respectively. In addition to consulting, Marie delivers keynotes, trainings, writer insights, networking and strategy sessions. She resides in Mississippi, her hometown, with her two wonderful children (Landon and Lathan Cook). LaDonna loves creating an atmosphere for learning and growth. Make sure to grab copies of her books on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. For additional information including features on the author, visit ladonnamarie.org
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Author LaDonna 19Marie
Se’Quince Aiken Continued This past February, I interviewed Ms. Se’Quince. She has such a loveable spirit that she will make you smile inside out. I was interested in knowing how a young women like herself was so successful. So this is what she told me... Me: Ms. Aiken, how old are you? Se’Quince: 21. I’ll be 22 in May. Me: Where are you from? Se’Quince: Rahway NJ Me: As a writer, what inspires you? Se’Quince: I look to inspire others by being who I am. By me having a disability, I don’t let it stop me from doing what I can or cannot do. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Be your own encouragement. I get inspired by the dreams that I have during the night. I bring the dreams to life and hope to make them into a reality. Me: What books did you read growing up as a kid? Se’Quince: Twilight Saga series. Me: Name two of your favorite authors and why? Se’Quince: Nicholas Sparks and Stephanie Meyers. I love romantic stories. They make their books come to life on screen. Me: Can you explain why reading is important for children, youth, and adults? Se’Quince: You learn a certain lesson from reading books. You can establish that in your daily life. Me: What things have you done or participated in regards to literacy? Se’Quince: Different book events Me: What upcoming projects do you have for the future? Se’Quince: I’m currently working on my fifth book. Me: What words of encouragement do you have for an up-and-coming author? Se’Quince: Write what you love and don’t worry about whether it’s going to be a huge success. Write for the love of writing and not for publicity. ME! Magazine
Me: Where can individuals purchase your books? Se’Quince: My books are found on Amazon and Good reads. Me: What did you want to end the interview by saying? Se’Quince: I am living my life the best that I can, living with a disability. I am enjoying writing stories as part of my journey. Se’Quince is definitely a bright young woman who is headed for success. She has already written four books and is working on number five. I am amazed how much she has already done at the tender age of s 21. We definitely support this young woman’s efforts and suggest you also go out a support her. Ways in which you can support Se’Quince is by buying her books, following her on social media websites, attending upcoming events, inviting her to your programs, and other creative ways you can think of that would help to promote her as an author.
Se’Quince with author Melica Niccole at IABX Festival 21
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Services We Provide Hampton Publishing House, LLC is a book publisher located in Northern, New Jersey. We can assist you with turning your manuscript into a printed work of art with your exquiste stories and our knowledge of publishing. Below you will find information on our services. Marketing Need help with marketing your book, event, or creating a marketing plan? We have created and marketed well attended events, written marketing plans for authors, and researched consumer purchase information in regards to books and other information. Formatting Not quite sure how to format your book to meet the standards of the publisher, Amazon. com, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords? This service is just right for you. We have formatted books that have been accepted by private and public entities. Editing This service includes having your manuscript professionally edited by an experienced editor. The editor will proof read your work, review for content, grammar, and provide other editing services as needed. Please note that as of right now, we are only accepting short editing pieces. This includes pieces between 1 - 50 pages. Design We can assist you with designing a creative book cover for distribution online and bookstores. Whether it is graphic design or illustration. Hampton can help you with your needs. Event Planning Do you need assistance with planning and implementing a professional book signing? We can help you with planning your next book signing or author related event. The company has had much success with planning these events and has received a wealth of positive comments regarding the type of programming and activities implemented. Consulting Consult with us about writing workshops, press releases, steps in becoming published, promoting your work, and how to make your name a household name.
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Books Other Services You are more than welcome to contact our company about other possible services, which may not be included in this magazine. Some of our successful partnerships or events: Children’s Book Festival, Voice My Choice Youth Political Event, It’s A Book Celebration, Dead Wrong Book Signing.
Readings
Festivals
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This Magazine was sponsored by The Social Exchange Group, Rahway Girlz Publishing, Author LaDonna Marie Books, LLC, Zora Nelson, & Lady Calla’s Children’s Book Club For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hampton Publishing House, LLC
Hampton Publishing House, LLC
P.O. Box 1254, Union, NJ 07083 Follow us at Instagram.com/HamptonPublishingHouse, Https:www.Facebook.com/HamptonPublishingHouse and Twitter.com/Hampton_Publish ME! Magazine