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Contact: Deserie Johnson 301-466-9839 [email protected]  www.deeprootzinspirtainment.com

Local Maryland woman sets out to save African-American little girls from low self-esteem & identity turmoil.

NyAshia’s Freedom Ride instills self-worth and fosters historical dialogue between parent and child.

Who is NyAshia? Ask Deserie Johnson, a woman with a vision, who was inspired by her own lack of self- worth as a child. Deserie was the victim of harsh teasing and at the time, quite like today, did not see her likeness reflected through media positively. She has been mentoring teenage girls and motivating women for over 23 years–some whose self-esteem never had a chance to develop and others who lost what little they had along the way. Deserie was led to dig closer to the root and reach out to a younger audience; which prompted the birth of NyAshia’s Freedom Ride to lay a foundation of three S’s: self-worth, self-pride and self-awareness for young girls to stand on and hold onto during their teenage years.

Her NyAshia’s Freedom Ride Picture Book on black heritage and purpose is inspiring little girls of color to love and accept everything about themselves–from the color of their skin, the texture of their hair to the rich heritage of which they belong.

“NyAshia, it’s so nice to meet you.

Did you know that our future is waiting just for you?

My name is Amali and it means hope which is what you are.

You are the hope for our future, our very own star!

You could be a doctor, a lawyer or President.

But, you must first believe, it’s at your fingertips.

So keep dreaming, keep hoping and never give in.

Believe in yourself and you’ll always win!”

It’s easy for little girls to identify and picture themselves in the story line. Amali (Swahili for Hope) is the dream guide who meets NyAshia in her sleep and takes her on an amazing journey into her history and freedom. NyAshia learns that there are no limits to what she can do in life after meeting such leaders as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama!

NyAshia (Swahili for Beautiful African Princess of Purpose) herself is a 7yr old African-American girl who has locs, glasses and a dark complexion. She enters her dream a bit discouraged and tired of being teased by other kids.

African-American little girls don’t see themselves in TV media, videos

or magazines portrayed as beautiful; leaving them in a state of identity turmoil. NyAshia’s journey into her history is educational and inspirational. The whimsical, vibrant, eye-catching illustrations of Eman L. Faulkner bring this story to life!

This book is a gem filled with the belief that all things are possible and even has a not so hidden lesson on the meaning of a name.

NyAshia’s Freedom Ride

ISBN: 978-0-9776740-2-2

Binding: Hardback

Trim: 8″x8″

Pages: 32

Genre: Children

Target Audience: Ages 4-8 years old

Cover Price: Introductory 1st 100 pre-orders: $9.95 – Retail: 12.95

Illustrator: Eman Faulkner

Publication Date: April, 2012

Author Location: Capitol Heights, MD

“I LOOOOOVE THIS! Every little girl will see herself in these pages as the “Princess of Purpose” that she is! This book is easy to read for “little girls” and for the “little girl inside every woman” who never had an experience like NyAshia’s Freedom Ride!”

Vikki Johnson

Spiritual Wellness Expert & Visionary

Every Woman Enterprises

“Teaching ordinary people to live extraordinary & authentic lives”

Review copies and interviews available upon request.

Special feature story inquiries welcome.