NEWS NOTE

20TH ANNIVERSARY UNITY BREAKFAST CELEBRATION

Saturday, April 17, 2010; 9:00a to 12:00p

Boston Marriott Cambridge, 2 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA

CBS NATIONAL NEWS' BYRON PITTS HONORED AT UNITY BREAKFAST,
HELPS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM CELEBRATE 20 YEARS

BYRON PITTS

STEP OUT ON NOTHING

How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer
Life’s Challenges

BY BYRON PITTS

60 Minutes and CBS Evening News correspondent

In STEP OUT ON NOTHING (St. Martin’s Press; September 29, 2009; $24.99; 0-312-57766-4), Byron Pitts chronicles his astonishing story of overcoming a childhood filled with obstacles to achieve enormous success in life.  Throughout Byron’s difficult youth – his parents separated when he was twelve and his mother worked two jobs to make ends meet – he suffered from a debilitating stutter.  But Byron was keeping an even more embarrassing secret: He was also functionally illiterate. For a kid from inner-city Baltimore, it was a recipe for failure.

Throughout Byron’s life a few key people ‘stepped out on nothing’ to make a difference for him, from his mother who worked tirelessly to raise her kids right - while delivering ample amounts of tough love - to his college roommate who helped Byron practice his vocabulary.  In STEP OUT ON NOTHING Byron even learns from those who didn’t believe in him, like the college professor who labeled him a failure and said he would amount to nothing.  By following his steadfast passion for journalism Byron persevered and after fifteen years in local television, he landed a job as a national correspondent for CBS News in 1998.  Not bad for a kid who couldn’t read.

From his challenged youth in Baltimore to his award-winning work covering 9/11 and Iraq, Byron’s exceptional story will resonate with those who struggle with any sort of learning challenge.  STEP OUT ON NOTHING will also serve as a motivating tool for teachers, counselors and social workers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Byron Pitts was named a contributor to 60 Minutes and chief national correspondent for CBS News in January 2008.  He was one of CBS News' lead reporters during the 9/11 attacks and won a national Emmy award for his coverage.  As an embedded reporter covering the Iraq War, he was recognized for his work under fire within minutes of the fall of the Saddam statue.  Other major stories covered by Pitts include the Chicago train wreck in 1999, for which he received a national Emmy Award, Hurricane Katrina, the war in Afghanistan, the military buildup in Kuwait, the Elian Gonzalez story, the Florida Presidential recount, and the refugee crisis in Kosovo.  He garnered recognition as NABJ Journalist of the Year Award in 2002 for his coverage of the 9/11 attacks and he is also the recipient of four Associated Press Awards as well as six regional Emmy Awards. Pitts graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a B.A. in journalism and speech communication.  He lives with his wife in Montclair, N.J.

For More Information, Contact:
Ann Day
Associate Director of Publicity
646.307.5566

Advance Praise for
STEP OUT ON NOTHING:

HOW FAITH AND FAMILY HELPED ME CONQUER

LIFE’S CHALLENGES

By Byron Pitts

“If you have ever been told, "You can't achieve your dreams," you need to read Step Out on Nothing.  Byron Pitts has used his remarkable skills as a reporter to reveal his most fascinating story to date - the story of his own life.   It is a triumphant tale of faith and family, and one man's determination to overcome seemingly impossible odds.  This book will move you, inspire you, and make you look at your own difficulties in a whole new light.”

- Anderson Cooper, anchor of Anderson Cooper 360

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“It seems unimaginable that someone of Byron’s intelligence and elegance could have faced so many struggles as a young man. No wonder he is such an inspired story teller – his own story is inspiring.”

- Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
and 60 Minutes correspondent

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"Byron Pitts had a secret . . . one he thought was shameful and embarrassing. So he kept it—for years and years. That he was able to is only one astonishing detail in his wonderfully candid, you-are-there memoir. Vividly written, Byron can tell a yarn with passion and intimacy. Step Out on Nothing is truly moving."

- Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes correspondent

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“I have always had the utmost respect for Byron as a fellow journalist. He is outstanding. I felt this way even before I discovered all he had to overcome to reach such heights of our profession.  Reading Byron’s moving story left me speechless. You can’t help but be inspired.”

- Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America

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“Byron Pitts’ new book, “Step Out on Nothing – How Faith and Family Helped me Overcome Life’s Obstacles” should be required reading for anyone who has been told “You can’t do it.” Faced with obstacles and challenges that many would find insurmountable, Byron through his remarkable faith and the support of his family refused to accept what all too many resign themselves to today, a life left unfilled, with promise, dreams and aspirations sadly left on the doorsteps of our future. Faith without works is dead; Byron’s faith is far from dead!

- TD Jakes, Author and Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House

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STEP OUT ON NOTHING:

How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer

Life’s Challenges

By Byron Pitts

Publication Date: September 29, 2009
St. Martin’s Press
$24.99
0-312-57766-4

 

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From 2008

	Clifton Powell Celebrated actor, producer and director, Clifton Powell has built a resume of great performances in films, on television, and on stage since he began his professional career.
	Pastor Ray Hammond, MD Bethel AME Founder and Pastor, and Boston Ten Point Coalition Chairman and Co-founder was honored at 2008 Unity Breakfast.
	Chief Anthony Scott First African-American appointed Chief of Police in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Photos of the event are available on request

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From 2007

Governor Deval Patrick, Harvard neuroscientist, Dr. S. Allen Counter and outstanding students of color were honored at Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts' 18th Annual Unity Breakfast. Click here for 2007 photos

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From 2006

Winner of "The Apprentice with Donald Trump" and Rhodes Scholar Dr. Randal Pinkett named celebrity guest speaker for the 17th Annual Unity Breakfast Click here for 2006 photos

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From 2005

click for larger view

Rick Sutherland (third from right), a METCO student at Dover-Sherborn Regional High School, was selected to receive the Leadership Award from Concerned Black Men of Masschusetts. The award was presented at CBMM's 16th Annual Unity Breakfast, a benefit for the Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self Development, on April 2, 2005. Sutherland was congratulated during CBMM's Career Day by (left to right) Darren T. Wells, treasurer; Bill Walker, former president; Dr. J. Keith Motley,Chancellor of UMASS Boston and one of 10 CBMM founding members; Frederich L .Johnson II, president; and Thomas P. Stevens Jr., Treasurer.

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