New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree was the key presenter at a Black History Month event held at the Hampton B. Allen Library on Feb. 28.

He gave a motivating presentation, which covered his 21 years of writing books. After 21 years of writing, Tyree has now developed what readers are calling a mathematical formula that helps them begin an active journey toward individual success in their business and personal lives.

Tyree said that millions of proactive readers have discovered The Secret of How to Think and Grow Rich, studied the Tipping Point, The Millionaire Next Door, Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Who Moved My Cheese?, all while overdosing on many variations of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Now the question becomes, “What do we do with all of our acquired knowledge?" he said.

The answer: the Equation. L / A * S = B. "The Equation" is applying the four Indisputable Components of Business Success. It reveals a foolproof blueprint for business and life. First, Tyree said, "you have to love what you do (L) and become a highly-skilled artist at it (A), while developing promotional and marketing tools to gather public and professional support (S), which ultimately leads to big business (B).”

He said the time is now to apply this formula to your life.

Entertainment was provided by R & B singer Matthew Gibson, the Spirited Messengers mime team of Franklin Chapel AME Zion Church of Laurinburg, and the Community Praise Dance Team of Wadesboro.

The first HOLLA! Kick-off to Reading Comic Book Writing Contest winner, Lillie Templeton, launched the upcoming comic book writing contest. Another highlight of the event was the introduction of the 2009 debutantes by Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.

This event was sponsored by the Anson County Branch of the NAACP, Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi, The Morven Chapter of Las Amigas, The Anson Women's League and HOLLA! Sponsors say the mission of the program was to promote literacy and culture in the community.