Jamia Joins Natalie Cole, David Archuleta and Meaghan Martin in Singing Her Version of 'Let's Talk About Love'

WESTPORT, Conn. (June 8, 2009) — She dazzled audiences performing on Showtime at the Apollo and in the film August Rush and now 12-year-old Jamia Nash has taken on a new role encouraging her peers to be kind to others. Jamia is the newest artist to lend her voice to the Love. Hugs. Peace.™ movement, a global giving and kindness campaign created by Build-A-Bear Workshop® that offers young people around the world fun and simple ways to show they care.

Jamia, along with fellow singers GRAMMY® award-winning Natalie Cole, David Archuleta of American Idol fame, and Camp Rock star Meaghan Martin, has added her vocal talents to the movement's signature song, "Let's Talk About Love."  Each artist has created a special rendition of the song to help spread the message of sharing and love and benefit Save the Children.

Jamia's R&B version of "Let's Talk About Love," along with Cole's adult contemporary rendition, Archuleta's ballad style variation and Martin's pop take, is now available at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or any participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store. Kids (and adults) can make a $1 donation to Save the Children and, as a thank you, receive a free download card of "Let's Talk About Love" performed by the artist of their choice. Additional artists are set to jump on board as the movement continues throughout the year. 

After meeting Jamia during the song recording session, David Archuleta commented, "I remember watching Jamia on Showtime at the Apollo and Jay Leno when she was seven, so it was so cool seeing her! I was blown away by her then, and I am blown away by her now. She is full of energy and hilarious too."

So far, with the help of its guests, Build-A-Bear Workshop has raised more than $100,000 to support Save the Children. In addition, nearly 187,000 kids from around the world have joined the movement at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and made a love, hugs or peace pledge to do something small to make the world a better place.

David Archuleta's version of the song was released in February, 2009.

Whether pledging to volunteer at an animal shelter, recycle, do something nice for friends or family, raise money for a special cause, or pick up litter in their communities, young people are accepting the challenge to do their part to make a difference one philanthropic act at a time. "Love. Hugs. Peace. is about how everyone, no matter how young or old they are, can embrace a positive attitude and help make a difference," said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop and creator of the movement. "Together friends can pledge to be nice and do good, and it can all start with a hug and a song!"

Song Offers Universal Appeal

"Let's Talk About Love" was created to bring the Love. Hugs. Peace. movement to life.  Written especially for Build-A-Bear Workshop by Tena Clark, founder and chief executive officer/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions, the powerful tune embodies the spirit of kindness. Each artist that sings the song offers a unique style and rhythm so that, while the message remains the same, the tune appeals to fans of all ages and musical tastes.

Jamia's show-stopping performance on Oscar night of "Raise It Up" from the feature film August Rush announced her as a singing sensation to the world. She has wowed national audiences on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, and shared the stage with Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, and John Mayer. Jamia made her acclaimed feature film debut as Hope in August Rush and appears regularly as Ana Hamilton on The Young and the Restless.

Natalie Cole supports the Peace. Love. Hugs. movement. Credit: Matthew Rolston

New Exclusive Merchandise

The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement is represented by three icons: a heart, a teddy bear and a peace sign. These graphic elements are being featured on various Build-A-Bear Workshop fashions and furry friends throughout the year. Plus, an exclusive series of Love. Hugs. Peace. bear-sized tees and a rhinestone tank have been designed to keep the momentum of the campaign going. Build-A-Bear Workshop is donating $.25 to Save the Children from the sale of these tees.

Virtual Components

The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement continues in buildabearville.com,® the Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world which today engages more than nine million citizens. Starting June 8, Jamia's "Let's Talk About Love" rendition will be on the playlist in buildabearville.com. Through June 21, she also will make a special appearance on The Chloe Show, the virtual world's celebrity interview segment, and give out a virtual "move" to kids that watch the show. In addition, citizens to the world can visit the theater to see behind-the-scenes video of Jamia recording her song. 

Save the Children is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.