next week about love.

The Rev. Ronn Elmore, who served the Los Angeles inner city for two decades, said the speeches will be "the practical application of the word of God as it relates to being, to help and equip us to be the best possible men''.

Dr. Elmore is set to speak at the Vernon Temple AME Church in Warwick on several topics, including "How to Love a Black Woman'' on April 27 at 8 p.m.

Other speeches include "Are you Man enough to be a Man'', "Men Committed to God and Family'' and men and women's forums Dr. Elmore said this is his second trip -- his first was shortly after his book "How to Love a Black Man'' was published.

"The first trip was wonderful,'' he said. "It was a well attended and very enthusiastic women's conference. Hundreds of women were there and I've been wanting to come back ever since,'' he said.

Dr. Elmore said this set of talks will address the more "nuts and bolts'' aspects about relationships.

"We will talk about nuts and bolts and practical application. Men want to know about how to do things and do things well.

"I'll also talk about the difference in men and women and how that shows up in day to day living. It will be understanding both lines of thought without erasing either one,'' he said.

Dr. Elmore's accomplished career includes the development of King Shelter, a transitional housing programme for homeless men, The Encouragers, a community lay-counselling service and Project: Mister, an award-winning programme which places "quality Christian men'' in public school classrooms.

Dr. Elmore, an award-winning author, holds a BA in Public Relations and Journalism from Antioch University, an MA from Fuller Seminary with concentrations in Theology and Marriage and Family Counselling and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College.

He has been featured in major publications including Ebony, JET, Ebony Man, Newsweek and USA Today.

Anita Biggs of Warner Books said in Dr. Elmore's book, "How to Love a Black Woman'', he "provided practical advice for African American women looking to find and hold onto Mr. Right without sacrificing their own wants and needs''.

Those interested in attending these speeches can call Vernon Temple at 236-1305.