BULLIES, BULLYING IS NOT COOL by JD Lawrence

Description: NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR JD LAWRENCE PUTS A SPOTLIGHT ON BULLYING WITH A NEW MUSIC VIDEO AND MUSICAL THAT SUPPORTS (DASA): NYS's Anti-Bullying Law http://www.stopbeingcruel.com Ebony Magazine calls JD Lawrence, "The Man of Many Faces" and one of those faces is taking bullying, head on, with a bold new music video, Stop Being Cruel. It is performed by Lawrence and written by Edmond Jones Jr. and Jean Impert of LIEG Music. Stop Being Cruel, Lawrence says, is more than just a good song with a good beat. It's an anti-bullying anthem with heart and a message that, "Gives victims a voice and bullies a choice." Having experienced bullying himself as a child and adult, due to a speech impediment and weight challenges, makes his connection to this rapidly growing epidemic personal. Stop Being Cruel Lawrence says is the start to a no-holds barred campaign anchored by a one-man stage-play, BULLIES, a theatrical presentation that will hopefully encourage, entertain and educate students and faculty on bullying. Lawrence knows first hand on how cruel and detrimental bullying can be and the need for not just answers but resolution. Bullying is the most common form of school violence today. It produces a timorous school environment and leads to absenteeism. Bullying can also result in loneliness, depression, anxiety problems, and eating disorders. Many children even commit suicide, also known as bullycide, because of bullying. Lawrence along with LIEG Music, Who's Laughing Now Entertainment and Krossview Productions president, Tony Jean, agree what better way to send a message than through the arts? Hopefully a bully will see something or even themselves in the video that will let them know that what they are doing is wrong. We also hope that something in this video will give a victim, as well as others that witness this injustice, the courage to speak up. JD Lawrence is an American playwright, comedian, actor, and singer born with a profound speech impediment. The multi-hyphenate didn't let his disability, weight or bullies stop him from pursuing his dreams. Lawrence who has just inked a deal with Mission Films and GMC Television network to write, direct, and star in his own feature film and sitcom has the last laugh. Both projects, Lawrence says, will address bullying in schools. Lawrence has repeatedly performed to sold-out audiences across the country and is one of only two African American playwrights in the world to direct, produce, and star in his own production at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood. Lawrence is the first playwright to make the Network Journal's (in association with Time Warner) Top Forty African American Entrepreneurs List. The 2007 Telly award winner's fight against pollution won him national recognition from "Keep America Beautiful". His unique talents have earned him two public performing arts Special Recognition Awards from the town of Babylon, New York, a Legislature Distinguished Achievement Award from the city of Chicago, and a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congress. Lawrence has received the key to the city in Lafayette, Louisiana and was given his own day (JD Lawrence Day, February 20th) by Mayor John C. Tkazyik in Poughkeepsie, New York. JD Lawrence has given back to his own community selflessly as well, most notably, adopting a highway and creating the first theatrical health fair in his hometown. While on tour, he lectures to inspire youth, at grade schools, churches, community centers, and universities. JD Lawrence is a star in every aspect of the word and his light will only shine brighter in the years to come. For additional information or to schedule an interview with JD Lawrence, LIEG Music or Krossview Productions contact Kim Williams 408.475.3529 www.stopbeingcruel.com twitter@stopbeingcruel