(BLACK PR WIRE) – Newark, NJ -- Celeste Bateman & Associates, LLC (CB&A), a Jersey-based booking agency, recently announced the re-formation of its talent roster, the Nia Network. The roster features noted performing artists, writers and keynote speakers of African descent who address topics and present art forms in various venues nationally and internationally.

CB&A has compiled a roster of talented individuals who are available to perform and present at colleges and universities, performing arts centers, libraries, museums, churches, schools, corporations, festivals, conferences, trade shows, etc. “What makes this program bureau unique is that all of the participants will present topics and art forms pertaining to the African Diaspora,” says Celeste Bateman, founder and president of the firm. “Nia is the Swahili word for ‘purpose.’ We are not just a booking agency, but an organization whose purpose is to promulgate what is good and positive about African, Caribbean, and African-American heritage, culture, history and the performing arts.”

Ms. Bateman established her licensed booking agency in 2005. Her clients include numerous arts and cultural organizations and colleges and universities throughout the country and in Ireland, England, Montreal, Brussels, the Netherlands and most recently Scotland. Prior to forming her company, she had over 25 years of experience in arts administration.

The Nia Network roster includes:

Dance
Viva Brazil! Dance Company
Seventh Principle Dance & Drum Ensemble

Keynote Speakers
Caryl R. Lucas, Motivational Speaker/Life Coach
Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Historian/Egyptologist

Literature
Amina and Amiri Baraka, Writers, Poets and Community Activists
Donald Bogle, Historian/Author of Numerous Books on Blacks in Entertainment
Valerie Wilson Wesley, Mystery & RmanceWriter
Nana Camille Yarbrough, Songstress/Poet/Actress

Music
Bradford Hayes, Jazz Saxophonist/Band Leader
Newark Boys Chorus
roycrosse, Steel Drum Musician/Band Leader and Visual Artist
Spirit of Life Ensemble, Jazz and World Music
Sherry Winston, Jazz Flutist/Bandleader
Sylvana Magda and Her Katende Band

Theater
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Actor/Workshop Presenter
Jamil A.C. Mangan, Actor/Teaching Artist/Director
Marie Thomas, Actress/Director

The Nia Network specializes in programming for but not limited to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Black History Month, Black Music Month, and Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations. For additional information, visit the website at www.celestebateman.com or call 973.705.8253.