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Home > Members > Evangelist Agnes Levine
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| Activities & Accomplishments: |
| SGA Vice President, Tennis/Modern Dance,
Editor Collegiate Newspaper
Early Admission to College Program |
| Best Memories: |
| Election campaign for SGA President/Vice President
Editor of Collegiate Newspaper |
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| My Current Whereabouts: |
| Writing, Self-Publishing, Healthcare Reform Advocacy |
| My Life & Professional Aspirations: |
| "I believe as an African-American author, we can never have enough said and printed words last forever. Because of that, it is my personal goal to show the future generation that hard knocks come fast, but you use them as stepping stones to greatness!
Therefore, I will continue to tell my story to encourage members of our community to seek mental and spiritual wellness with self-determination, self-help, and zeal!"
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| My Biography: |
Agnes is a single mother of three young adult children. She currently is employed part-time as a substitute teacher and writes full-time. Agnes completed the Masters in Public Administration/Minor in Legal and Ethical Studies programs at the University of Baltimore and holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Baltimore. Agnes is also an alumna of the former Community College of Baltimore where she studied Paralegal Science.
As a parent of a severely disabled young adult, she also has extensive training and experience in politics/advocacy and is a graduate of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Federal Advocacy Program.
Agnes suffered a severe nervous breakdown yet defied all medical odds to emerge as a spirit-filled author, among other accomplishments.
Agnes is currently a member/friend of the Black Writers Guild (Baltimore City /P.G. County Chapters), 2006 Baltimore City Host for the “Chicken Soup for the African-American Women’s Soul”/”Ladies, Can We Talk?” national tour, a recipient of the International Society of Poets 2002 Merit Award for the unique poem, “Cooling Well Water.” Author of the highly anticipated book, “Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work From An African-American Bi-Polar Woman,”
Agnes was also a contender in the 2007 Hollywood Black Film Festival for her screenplay, “Grandma’s Well.”
Agnes is also a Staff Writer for the Sankofa Literary Society.
As Founder and President of Levine-Oliver Publisher, Agnes is a Speaker and Writer on topics relating to the special needs individual and family members of developmentally delayed persons.
Levine-Oliver Publisher is also the exclusive publisher of the popular blogazine: Swaggie's Voice at http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com which strives to defeat illiteracy in the African-American community and celebrate African-American artists.
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Tagged by
Eliza Earsman on 09/22/2009
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Thank you Evangelist Agnes for replying. Welcome. Please see the PRESS RELEASE at www.elizaearsman.com (via home page). Have a Blessed day. In Christ, Eliza.
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Tagged by
Rico Rawsey on 02/25/2009
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Just coming by to show my love.....
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Tagged by
WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III on 02/04/2009
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Hey Agnes, hope things are going well for you.ppreciate the blog comments "My Office Garage", I replied. Tke care Sis-William.
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Tagged by
WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III on 01/06/2009
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Thank you Agnes for your blog comments "Your Test Leads To Your Testimony".
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Tagged by
Marta Fernandez on 12/07/2008
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Stopping by to tell you " I love you"" go Queen!! things are going to be great for you
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Tagged by
Evangelist Linda A. Haywood on 11/25/2008
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Hey Sis. Please forgive my late post (computer difficulties) now I can finally respond, etc. I am the contact person for my book at this time. Please feel free to contact me anytime. God bless you Sis.
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Tagged by
Scherrie Campbell on 11/21/2008
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THANKS AGNES FOR THE WONDERFUL EMAIL
YOU ARE A WONDERFUL FRIEND. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER. I HOPE YOU ALSO HAVE A HAPPY THANKS GIVING. STAY SWEET AND KEEP ON SMILING. LOL
LOVE SCHERRIE
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Tagged by
Tracye Cooper www.bittybabyshop.com on 11/21/2008
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Thank you, Agnes, for yourmessage of rememberance during these Holy-days. It is so easy to become self-centered instead of God-centered during these times. Thanks again.
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Tagged by
Dr. Lee Brown on 10/22/2008
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Hi Friend, I like you outfits (dresses) if you send me your email I will show you a pic of three of my children dressed in traditional dress.
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Tagged by
Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/06/2008
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OOOOoohh..That's EXACTLY what I want to hear. I want peop;e to be able to feel, hear, taste , and see it all though my minds eye ..I positive , inviting view. THANK YOU!!
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Tagged by
Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/06/2008
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OOOOoohh..That's EXACTLY what I want to hear. I want peop;e to be able to feel, hear, taste , and see it all though my minds eye ..I positive , inviting view. THANK YOU!!
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Tagged by
Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/06/2008
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I am so glad that you enjoyed my poems . I know that you would love the book and I would love your feedback.
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Tagged by
Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/06/2008
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Thanks for the friend invite. I am honored. I hope tha tyou will read my book and tell me what you think...then help me spread the word.
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Tagged by
WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III on 08/28/2008
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Hello Agnes, hope to find all is well for you. Thank you for the time, kindness and sharing in the Blog in the Prayer Room. I just want to give credit where it is due. God Bless, Sis, sincerest William
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Tagged by
Craig F Nelson on 08/26/2008
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No I haven't, I'll have to check her out. Thanks for the suggestion. ~ C
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Tagged by
Craig F Nelson on 08/25/2008
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lol I just finished "Black Boy" by Richard Wright so now I'm looking for my next. Thanks for answering my question. :O)
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Tagged by
MARK ADAMSON on 08/25/2008
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Thank youi for being my friend I hope you are having a successful day so far my GOD bless you
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Tagged by
James McTyre Jr. on 08/22/2008
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Hello Ms. Levine! Absolutely, indeed, one can live a successful life with Bipolar Disorder. It, like any other disorder, e.g. hypertension, etc, is fine, when treatment is in placed and followed. Peace to you, James
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Tagged by
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines on 08/20/2008
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Thank you Agnes you are very kind. YOU are the one who is an inspiration!
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Tagged by
WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III on 08/19/2008
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Hello Agnes, thank you so much for what you added to the Blog "Surrounded by the Peace of God". I have 2 run, but I wanted 2 say Thank U. have a Great Day, sincerest William
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Tagged by
EDC Creations on 08/19/2008
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Hello Agnes, just stopping by to say hello!
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WHAT IS YOUR WHY FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO |
"My "why" for doing what I do is because I have walked the walked and I am passionate about talking the talk to help a fellow sister or brother avoid the same journey.
African-Americans are the least likely race group in America to seek mental healthcare. We accept and tolerate living with a mental illness due to shame, embarassment, and lack of information. I believe that when we are empowered, we make better choices to live a quality life and enjoy God's Kingdom being fruitful the way He intended us to live up to age 99. Smile.
Hopefully, you will not be selfish with the information you learn because we are all in this Kingdom for the purpose of helping each other, not allowing each other to hurt.
Passing the peace
Agnes"
Interviewed by rickey johnson
05/22/09
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What must black people do to unite? |
"I believe the more we reach back and help each other from the top, the more we will solidify our raace. Too often, blacks have 'made it' and never looked back. This only keeps the ones left behind angry and frustrated. What I see as a shift of more successful blacks giving back and reaching back, the more I see the confidence of others raised.
We must become more race-friendly in order for others to listen to us. Our positive ole models must not be afraid to hug a young brother or listen to the little sister. We have to close the gap and be less frightened about the possibility of losing what has been acquired. We must not be frightened about each other and become more compassionate towards each other across social classes, too."
Interviewed by George Cook
02/01/09
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What book have you read that changed your life? |
"Boy, what a tough question. Many books have contributed to the tranformation of my life, but most notably the bible. More specifically, discovering that black people are the Kushites. Then King David and the book of Psalms. The relationship this King had with God resonated in my spirit and still does.
Other than that, I would have to say "Dust Tracks On The Road" by Zora Neale Hurston because of her love for her people during her era to choose them as the subjects of her work. I love the way she talked about their everyday lives as if they were truly important people. Her imagination to make her characters lively through her "Spool People." Her wit.
Before then, I would say, "A Woman Of Substance" by Barbara Taylor Bradford because I was very young in my twentites but after reading that book, I knew it was possible for me to be strong and accomplish a goal that women were not suppose to do. That was when I first began dreaming of owning my own publishing company. I realized women could be business owners and yield power and be empowered. I realized I wanted to write professionally one day, too. I also realized that there was something wrong with white people in control of Africa and the diamond industry so I began thirsting for more information about that as well. That book still inspires me today."
Interviewed by Pam Perry
09/30/08
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"Why do you do the type of work that you do? |
"Arriving at a place in life where you can live your dream brings much peace and happiness. Doing what I do now came by God's order and not the road I had paved for myself.
That is confirmation to me that I am fulfilling God's purpose. It brings me joy to touch smeone's life by just sharing my story and they smile and believe they can do more with their own life.
It is self-gratifying to hear from people months down the line and they have made some type of improvement in their life while living with a mental illness.
I do not dread what I am doing and I hate to have to call out "sick." Smile."
Interviewed by Queen Leerma Patterson-Lemons
09/21/08
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What make you to move on with your journey |
"Of course, God's healing hands and faith to me, but my children are my second biggest motivators. I will never fail in their eyes becaue they will carry that self-help, self-determination spirit into the next generation.
I hate it when children do not have parents as positive role models. "
Interviewed by Demetrice Havior
09/18/08
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HEY!!where did you get those shoes? |
"Ha...! The last run-around, casual pair came from Rainbow. It is a Kelley-Green patent leather shoe with a half-inch wedge and toe out. It is absolutely so comfortable and worked out well for that presentation above that kept me moving around the room for 3 hours. The shoes cost a hefty $9.99!:)- So, where did you get those shoes YOU have on?"
Interviewed by DaMonique Walker
09/15/08
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Do you love to dance?? |
"Absolutely! There's nothing better than a Holy dance just like David, the Psalmist, loved to dance for the Lord. I have always loved dancing and it is great exercise. Because I have a lot of youth in my life and as a Part-Time teacher, I always let the kids show me a few of the new steps and I enjoy "clowning" around them. It helps with gaining their respect and makes teaching easier for the rough heads--LOL! I'm still working on some of Beyonce's moves (Lord, that chile got too much energy) and I think "Superman" is fun. Of course, ole skool dances are the best and you guys will never be able to out-dance us! HA!"
Interviewed by . B
09/13/08
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What is your best quality? |
"One of the best qualities I am blessed with is the ability to be resilient. The other top one would be the ability to love my neighbors."
Interviewed by Moss O
09/13/08
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What will you do to make an impact in this world? |
"Convince one more person to seek mental healthcare for him or herself, a family member, others. Continue to raise the awareness of brain disorders such as Bipolar. Show the world that stigmas hurt not just the person, but the community at large. Publish my book, "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" and then sell each copy I could afford to self-publish~!"
Interviewed by Deborah Price
09/12/08
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What do YOU know about the South? |
"That my paternal ancestors landed on the Gullah-Geechie Islands of the Lowcountry. That it is beautiful down there and I hope to retire there with my family rich in culture. It is very rural in my "hometown" and the peace is very enticing. That palm trees are the state tree and justifiably so. That sitting on the front porch with lemonade and staring off at a field of corn softens the mind. That church really is "chuch." That the love and compassion from neighbors toting homemade cakes from house to house on Sundays is sincere. That swimp and grits is so dang good! That if you slip up, the whole town will know it and beat you down. Smile."
Interviewed by Patricia Neely-Dorsey
09/06/08
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What inspires you to write? |
"God and the way He speaks to me through nature. My daily experiences with managing and coping my brain disorder of Bipolarity. It is good mental therapy and it is the single-most way I can reach back into the community to uplift others. The color of a flower petal or the hummingbird that hovers over just one pink flower petal. The way the golden yellow sunflowers tilt their giant heads towards me as if to say, "hello." The tiny little lavender flowers that form on green weeds. The simpilist things in life inspire me to write because it stimulates my mind to stay healthy. Then there is..."
Interviewed by Grace LaJoy
09/06/08
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How do you want people to remember you? |
"As saved by God. As reaching back to our community to raise awareness of mental illnesses and treatment for it so we can all enjoy a quality of life. For my advocacy work. For my integrity and tenacity. For my love of my children and God's people. For over-coming major obstacles. And for my book: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman.""
Interviewed by TaNisha Gray Juisee Da Queen
09/02/08
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What will be your legacy? |
"Self-Determination despite any obstacle. Faith. Integrity. Strong Work Ethic. Peace, Love. Banana Pudding and Lasagnes."
Interviewed by Tiki W
08/30/08
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Tell me about yourself and your business. |
"I am Founder/President of Levine-Oliver Publisher. I will be releasing my first self-published book this Winter 2008.
My goal is to be a publishing house that teaches advocacy skills, self-help, and self-determination through storytelling.
My work is faith based. I have already began publishing a blogazine known as Swaggie's Voice at http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com. That is a unique blogazine that truly took on a life of its own and I am most proud!
I always tell foks to look at the very first blog entry and then the most current. God guided my hand and Swaggie's destiny.
So LOP will next release a book and LOP also does presentations on issues affecting the community of special needs individuals. God continues to direct my path."
Interviewed by Alexis E.
08/29/08
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What suggestions do you have to help correct the issues that our youth face? |
"Parents must, must take the responsibility to raise their kids. Too much time is wasted when parents assume the child is reared in school and, therefore, does not instill basic values and morals. So, I suggest that families return to the days of having dinner together as a family and actually discuss values and morals and how children can apply them to real-life situations in the community and school. This is a great interview question. Thank you."
Interviewed by Kenneth X
08/29/08
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If U had a choice to do your best or beat the rest, what would it be? |
"It would definitely be to e the best I can. The only judge of me that counts is God and I can arrive at His gates faster than the next prson, but will I be allowed in?
Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter Release Pending - www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater
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Interviewed by Joan E. Gosier HBCUkidz.com
08/28/08
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what are your goals for your business? |
"I dream of Levine-Oliver Publisher becoming an African-American publisher headquartered in Baltimore, MD and a major publishing outlet of African-American Literature.
I hope to always publish books that empower the special needs community especially."
Interviewed by REV. NOREEN DAVIS
08/25/08
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What book are you currently reading? |
"I just got finished reading "Shadow Living: Paintings of Grief" By Deborah Slappey-Pitts. This is a great book and especially in understanding the grief process. My mom has never grieved the loss of my father and that has created some mental health issues for her. My dad passed away seven years ago. I read the book so I could better understand what she is feeling so I can help her more. It was a good book exactly for that reason. I am about to read "Teaching In Urban America" by Dr. Walter Gill. "
Interviewed by Craig F Nelson
08/25/08
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(interview me)
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