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A Small Book and Child Author Make Big Waves



List includes 100 individuals from across 10 professional fields that are making a difference in their communities and across the country!



(New York, NY) January 31, 2012 - In honor of Black History Month, seven year old, youth author/anti-bullying advocate LaNiyah Bailey has been recognized, as one of "TheGrio's 100: History Makers In The Making."


Released by theGrio.com, a division of NBC News, the list includes 100 African-American men and women who are writing the next chapter of American history.


Nominated by a team of experts, affiliates, and contributors from across the country, and members of TheGrio.com and NBC News editorial teams, "TheGrio's 100" shines a spotlight on the next generation of African-American history makers and industry leaders from 10 fields, including business, education, sports, science and the environment, media, service and activism, politics, health, pop culture and the arts.


"TheGrio's 100" was officially unveiled by TheGrio Executive Editor David A. Wilson earlier today. Individuals from "TheGrio's 100" will continue to be profiled on all platforms of NBC News including "NBC Nightly News," "Today," MSNBC, CNBC, and msnbc.com through the end of February.



"This year's list celebrates 100 honorees that possess a unique set of characteristics that separate them from the rest," said Wilson." TheGrio's 100 gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on individuals that are making a difference today, with the potential to make history in the future."



Joining notables such as Desiree Rodgers, Former Whitehouse Social Secretary, Multi-platinum Producer/Rapper Dr. Dre, Comedian Kevin Hart, House Representative Ms. Yvette Clarke, Rapper/Philanthropist Christopher 'Ludacris' Bridges, Singer Willow Smith, 'The Help' Actress Octavia Spencer, and other prestigious individuals on NBC's list; LaNiyah Bailey, who is best known for authoring a book at the age of six has inspired others to stand up to bullies and use their voice to be heard. This 7 year old, is doing the right thing and making a difference in the world!



Visit: http://www.thegrio.com/black-history to learn more about LaNiyah Bailey, and all other individuals on theGrio's 100 list.




About TheGrio.com







TheGrio.com, a division of NBC News, is a daily online news and opinion platform devoted to delivering stories and perspectives that reflect and affect African-American audiences. The video-centric interactive community is populated with both aggregated and original content on topics ranging from breaking news and politics to health, business, and entertainment.







About LaNiyah Bailey


Seven year old author/youth advocate, LaNiyah Bailey was introduced to the world by way of NPR Radio it was after she and her parents appeared on Michel Martin's show "Tell Me More." Broadcast in over 500 cities; it lead a world-wide discussion in support of President Barack Obama's anti-bullying initiative and the epidemic of Bulling in America, March 15, 2011. Shortly thereafter, her phone began ringing off the hook. Major media outlets such as CNN, FOX, NBC, BET, WGN, AOL, ABC, Huffington's Post and many others throughout the world; including London and Korea. They wanted to know more about this young girl's "inspiring courage" after she penned the highly-acclaimed children's book "Not Fat Because I Wanna Be" along with her mother LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White and illustrator Laura PĂ©rez Ricaud.



The book detailed the story of fictional character Jessica. Jessica was bullied because of her weight which was caused by an underlying medical condition, which caused her to gain weight even though she was very, healthy and active. At such a young age Jessica had to endure some painful and unhappy times. Since the books release in March 2011, LaNiyah has been featured in magazines, interviewed on 100's of radio shows, blogs and TV shows. The book has garnered "5-star reviews" across the board and is currently in lesson plans in schools throughout the United States, London and Korea. Ms. Bailey recently, received what is a "dream come true" to her. She recently received a letter from the first lady of our nation. Mrs. Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama expressed her support in LaNiyah's efforts and appreciates that LaNiyah and her family is standing with her in her childhood obesity initiative and awareness.








Ms. Sharisse Horel



Media Relations


www.NotFatBecauseIwannaBe.com







Seven year old, Author/Youth Advocate





LaNiyah Bailey

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