Welcome to the www.best-of-ms.org
(Seen above: Best of Mississippi Class of 2008: Authors Kia Stokes, Joseph Henderson, Jerome Gentry and Dudley Sykes.)
What's New/ What You Missed
- JULY 2009: Rankin County welcomes new book clubs and weekly open mic in Brandon, MS. Click for all the details.
- Tues. July 14, 2009 --- Rankin County Arts Alliance holds its 1st meeting of new fiscal year in Pearl, MS. Click for details.
- Thurs. July 16, 2009 --- Town-Hall Meeting, "HIP HOP AND OBAMA: Change You Can Believe In?" held in Jackson, MS. Click for details.
- Official webpage of Best Of Mississippi Founder Cyrus A. Webb
- Official website for The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign
- Mon. Dec. 29, 2008: "Best of Mississippi" Class, 2008 recognized.
- Sipphop.com debuts to unite Mississippi recording artists
- TUES. NOV. 25, 2008: Discussion on Racial Pride (Pearl, MS)
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wal-Mart in Pearl, MS Participates in National Read for the Record Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wal-Mart in Pearl, MS Participates in National Read for the Record Program
Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club
cawebb4@juno.com 601.896.5616
On Thursday, October 8, 2009 book lovers all across the United States will be participating in Jumpstart's "Read For The Record" campaign to encourage reading. MS native and Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb will be joining others in taking part at such an event at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pearl, MS from 10-12p.m.
"I am excited to take part in this life-changing event," says Webb, 34. He has worked with this particular Wal-Mart since January 2009 in promoting reading, choosing it to host a booksigning event for New York Times Bestselling author Carl Weber during his visit with Conversations Book Club. "Any opportunity to encourage reading and inspire children is what our organization is all about."
Jumpstart’s work with Walmart brings a critical retail presence to support Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, presented in partnership with Pearson, which shines a national spotlight on literacy by creating the largest shared reading experience.
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a celebration of reading, community service and fun to raise awareness about the importance of reading with young children to ensure they learn crucial early language and literacy skills to succeed in school and in life. The campaign also raises funding to support Jumpstart’s yearlong work with preschool children in low-income communities where Jumpstart is working toward the day all children enter school prepared to succeed. This year, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record has set out to break Jumpstart’s reading record as adults read the same book on the same day to more than one million children across the country.
The official campaign book for the 2009 Read for the Record is a special, limited edition of the Philomel Books classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. The commemorative book includes a foreword with messages from Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira of NBC’s TODAY Show, Tony-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mary Louise Parker, and entertainer, actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner, and NAACP Image Award winner, LL Cool J. Walmart stores nationwide are offering the official limited edition copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in support of Jumpstart's Read for the Record. All net proceeds from the book sales* will be donated to Jumpstart.
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will be kicked off on October 8 on NBC’s TODAY Show with celebrity readers; the launch is followed by marquis events throughout the country in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Grass roots organizing efforts will also result in thousands of events planned in homes, schools, libraries, parks and community centers across the country.
Over the past three years, more than one million people have taken part in this record-breaking Campaign. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record has raised more than $3 million to support Jumpstart’s mission and more than 500,000 books have been donated to children in need.
This is one of many literary event Webb and his organization will be participating in across the country in October 2009 as part of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign (see www.thewritestufftv.com).
To find out more about the overall event at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pearl, MS, call 601.939.0281. Webb can be reached using the information above.
Wal-Mart in Pearl, MS Participates in National Read for the Record Program
Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club
cawebb4@juno.com 601.896.5616
On Thursday, October 8, 2009 book lovers all across the United States will be participating in Jumpstart's "Read For The Record" campaign to encourage reading. MS native and Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb will be joining others in taking part at such an event at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pearl, MS from 10-12p.m.
"I am excited to take part in this life-changing event," says Webb, 34. He has worked with this particular Wal-Mart since January 2009 in promoting reading, choosing it to host a booksigning event for New York Times Bestselling author Carl Weber during his visit with Conversations Book Club. "Any opportunity to encourage reading and inspire children is what our organization is all about."
Jumpstart’s work with Walmart brings a critical retail presence to support Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, presented in partnership with Pearson, which shines a national spotlight on literacy by creating the largest shared reading experience.
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a celebration of reading, community service and fun to raise awareness about the importance of reading with young children to ensure they learn crucial early language and literacy skills to succeed in school and in life. The campaign also raises funding to support Jumpstart’s yearlong work with preschool children in low-income communities where Jumpstart is working toward the day all children enter school prepared to succeed. This year, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record has set out to break Jumpstart’s reading record as adults read the same book on the same day to more than one million children across the country.
The official campaign book for the 2009 Read for the Record is a special, limited edition of the Philomel Books classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. The commemorative book includes a foreword with messages from Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira of NBC’s TODAY Show, Tony-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mary Louise Parker, and entertainer, actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner, and NAACP Image Award winner, LL Cool J. Walmart stores nationwide are offering the official limited edition copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in support of Jumpstart's Read for the Record. All net proceeds from the book sales* will be donated to Jumpstart.
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will be kicked off on October 8 on NBC’s TODAY Show with celebrity readers; the launch is followed by marquis events throughout the country in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Grass roots organizing efforts will also result in thousands of events planned in homes, schools, libraries, parks and community centers across the country.
Over the past three years, more than one million people have taken part in this record-breaking Campaign. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record has raised more than $3 million to support Jumpstart’s mission and more than 500,000 books have been donated to children in need.
This is one of many literary event Webb and his organization will be participating in across the country in October 2009 as part of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign (see www.thewritestufftv.com).
To find out more about the overall event at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pearl, MS, call 601.939.0281. Webb can be reached using the information above.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State
Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Founder of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign
cawebb4@juno.com / 601.896.5616
Earlier this year, ABC News reported that over 30 million Americans ages 16 and up were unable to read or write well. This proves what many have said for some time: Illiteracy is an epidemic that is spreading daily, claiming victims of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and their literary partners are excited to announce a historic event geared towards sharing the gift of reading and books across the United States under a show of united support in each state. On Saturday, November 21, 2009 between the hours of 10-6p.m., The Write Stuff founder and host Cyrus A. Webb is working with others in scheduling Reading Parties (see http://tinyurl.com/readingparties ) throughout the country geared towards 1) speaking in one voice in support of encouraging reading, 2) supporting local authors and their books and 3) providing a positive outlet that is sometimes overlooked with all the chaos going on in the world around us.
Each Reading Party will be designed for that particular area by that particular area. Webb and his supporters will only act as a means to promote the event and help strategize where their is a need for assistance. During the time frame selected by each Reading Party, there will be booksignings, book discussions or whatever seems appropriate to that host. The events are part of the Art, Books & Beats movement (www.artbooksandbeats.com) which combines the power of visual/literary art, books and music. Those participating will be listed online at www.thewritestufftv.com identified by their state along with what type of event they are hosting as well as the time of their event. All Reading Parties are free to the public.
If you are in a position to do so, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is asking that you bring a new or used book to the event you attend. Book donations will benefit CityKids Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Everybody Wins, Reading Tree, Adele's Literacy Library and NEA's "Read Across America".
Have questions about this National Day of Reading? Are you an author, book lover, book club or entertainer that would like to coordinate an event in connection with our historic literary event? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.
The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State
Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Founder of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign
cawebb4@juno.com / 601.896.5616
Earlier this year, ABC News reported that over 30 million Americans ages 16 and up were unable to read or write well. This proves what many have said for some time: Illiteracy is an epidemic that is spreading daily, claiming victims of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and their literary partners are excited to announce a historic event geared towards sharing the gift of reading and books across the United States under a show of united support in each state. On Saturday, November 21, 2009 between the hours of 10-6p.m., The Write Stuff founder and host Cyrus A. Webb is working with others in scheduling Reading Parties (see http://tinyurl.com/readingparties ) throughout the country geared towards 1) speaking in one voice in support of encouraging reading, 2) supporting local authors and their books and 3) providing a positive outlet that is sometimes overlooked with all the chaos going on in the world around us.
Each Reading Party will be designed for that particular area by that particular area. Webb and his supporters will only act as a means to promote the event and help strategize where their is a need for assistance. During the time frame selected by each Reading Party, there will be booksignings, book discussions or whatever seems appropriate to that host. The events are part of the Art, Books & Beats movement (www.artbooksandbeats.com) which combines the power of visual/literary art, books and music. Those participating will be listed online at www.thewritestufftv.com identified by their state along with what type of event they are hosting as well as the time of their event. All Reading Parties are free to the public.
If you are in a position to do so, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is asking that you bring a new or used book to the event you attend. Book donations will benefit CityKids Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Everybody Wins, Reading Tree, Adele's Literacy Library and NEA's "Read Across America".
Have questions about this National Day of Reading? Are you an author, book lover, book club or entertainer that would like to coordinate an event in connection with our historic literary event? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sat. Oct. 17, 2009: Rankin County Arts Flair (Pearl, MS)
Join us on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 12-3p.m. at the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) for our annual Arts Flair.
Members of the alliance will be on hand with their work and available to talk with you about their plans to encourage literacy, more creative activities in the school system, and what they do and how you can support them in having more opportunities in Rankin County. Interested in becoming a member? We'll be able to tell you how you can join us!
ADMISSION TO THIS MEETING IS FREE, AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.Make sure to visit www.rankincountyarts.org for frequent updates. Need more information? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.
Members of the alliance will be on hand with their work and available to talk with you about their plans to encourage literacy, more creative activities in the school system, and what they do and how you can support them in having more opportunities in Rankin County. Interested in becoming a member? We'll be able to tell you how you can join us!
ADMISSION TO THIS MEETING IS FREE, AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.Make sure to visit www.rankincountyarts.org for frequent updates. Need more information? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Remembering The Man In The Mirror: A Tribute To Michael Jackson" by C. A. Webb
“Remembering The Man In The Mirror: A Tribute To Michael Jackson”
by C. A. Webb
The world is a different place today.
I say that because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised,
So all we have is right now.
This is the world that the King of Pop has left behind.
But thanks to his music and memories we can find not only joy but messages we can use to make the time we have a little better.
After living half a century it was believed that the man who had given us Thriller and told us it didn’t matter if we were Black or White was truly Invincible.
It seemed as simple as A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3.
As he is remembered, though, it is the reflection of his influence that seems to show what will be his true legacy.
No matter what you thought of his personal life and the controversies,
The reality is the world is a different place today because we had Michael Jackson.
He gave us dance moves that are still being emulated, songs and beats that can never really be duplicated and lyrics that will forever be inspiration for so many aspects of our lives.
He voiced our frustrations when we just wanted others to leave us alone, and with the duet with his sister told us what how to handle it when we just want to Scream.
Whether it was telling that special someone how they made us feel or looking in ourselves to see the man or woman in the mirror,
Its hard to hide the impact of this incredible force.
The world is a different place today,
And the change ushered in by one man will stay with us only if we listen to the soundtrack of his life and pay attention to the lessons he gave so generously through his music—and apply them.
The way to measure the impact of the King of Pop is to not let the goodwill he had towards others stop.
So that is the work left behind for all of us.
A sadness for his family, friends and fans? Yes, but the blessing passed on will fill us all with joy long after he is laid to rest.
The world is a different place today,
And it with our help it will be a better place tomorrow and beyond as we say Thank You, Michael. Thank you for challenging us to be our best everyday.
We will always remember.
We will…
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
www.cyruswebb.com
by C. A. Webb
The world is a different place today.
I say that because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised,
So all we have is right now.
This is the world that the King of Pop has left behind.
But thanks to his music and memories we can find not only joy but messages we can use to make the time we have a little better.
After living half a century it was believed that the man who had given us Thriller and told us it didn’t matter if we were Black or White was truly Invincible.
It seemed as simple as A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3.
As he is remembered, though, it is the reflection of his influence that seems to show what will be his true legacy.
No matter what you thought of his personal life and the controversies,
The reality is the world is a different place today because we had Michael Jackson.
He gave us dance moves that are still being emulated, songs and beats that can never really be duplicated and lyrics that will forever be inspiration for so many aspects of our lives.
He voiced our frustrations when we just wanted others to leave us alone, and with the duet with his sister told us what how to handle it when we just want to Scream.
Whether it was telling that special someone how they made us feel or looking in ourselves to see the man or woman in the mirror,
Its hard to hide the impact of this incredible force.
The world is a different place today,
And the change ushered in by one man will stay with us only if we listen to the soundtrack of his life and pay attention to the lessons he gave so generously through his music—and apply them.
The way to measure the impact of the King of Pop is to not let the goodwill he had towards others stop.
So that is the work left behind for all of us.
A sadness for his family, friends and fans? Yes, but the blessing passed on will fill us all with joy long after he is laid to rest.
The world is a different place today,
And it with our help it will be a better place tomorrow and beyond as we say Thank You, Michael. Thank you for challenging us to be our best everyday.
We will always remember.
We will…
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
www.cyruswebb.com
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thurs. July 16, 2009: TOWN HALL MTG: "Hip Hop Under Obama: Change We Can Believe In?"
On Thursday, July 16, 2009, Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign proud presents the town-hall style meeting "HIP HOP UNDER OBAMA: Change We Can Believe In?"
This will take place at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library in Jackson,MS (across from Westland Plaza) beginning at 5:30p.m.
Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend and share their thoughts on this thought-provoking subject. Visit www.best-of-ms.org for more information or contact Stanley Clark at 601.559.3463 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
This will take place at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library in Jackson,MS (across from Westland Plaza) beginning at 5:30p.m.
"The discussion will cover how the Hip Hop Community has reacted to the election of Obama through its music, the way it addresses issues affecting them as well as in its outlook for the future,"says Cyrus A. Webb,33, President of the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign. In 2008 he held six forums* around Hip Hop and its affect on the world around them, with his forum 'BLACKS & OBAMA: A Vote of Conscience, Conviction or Color?' being covered by USA Today during the 2008 election cycle. He will serve as moderator of the discussion in Jackson, MS.
Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend and share their thoughts on this thought-provoking subject. Visit www.best-of-ms.org for more information or contact Stanley Clark at 601.559.3463 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
Tues. July 14, 2009: Rankin County Arts Alliance Mtg in Pearl, MS
The Rankin County Arts Alliance is pleased to announce that its first meeting of the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS.
The meeting will begin at 6p.m. and will outline what the organization's plans are for the fiscal year, including our plans to further promote reading, the arts and dialogue in Rankin County. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.rankincountyarts.org .
The meeting will begin at 6p.m. and will outline what the organization's plans are for the fiscal year, including our plans to further promote reading, the arts and dialogue in Rankin County. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.rankincountyarts.org .
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