Featured- Williams, Max Rodriguez,Brother Muhummad,Mel Jackson
GET READY! GET SET! COUNTDOWN TO THE 8th ANNUAL HARLEM BOOK FAIR, NEW YORK!
If you came out to the 6th Annual Harlem Book Fair 2 years ago, you heard Bestselling author, Michael Baisden, Host of the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show on 98.7KissFm, announce the success of the Harlem Book Fair to his millions of his radio listeners. If you came out to the 7th Annual Harlem Book Fair, you heard about the fair in BIBR: Black Issues Book Review , BET television and C-Span BookTV. And- if youre planning on coming out to the 8th Annual Harlem Book Fair, you already heard about it on WHCR Radio and from New Yorks own "Queen of all Media," Wendy Williams, who gave a magnanimous shout out to her millions of die-hard listeners and fans of her popular "The Wendy Williams Experience" radio show aired on 107.5WBLS fm; winner of the Marconi Best Urban Radio Station Award and home of the Steve Harvey Morning Show with radio personalities like Vaughn Harper, Bob Lee, and Anne Tripp.
The 8th Annual Harlem Book Fair, spearheaded and founded by Mr. Max Rodriguez, also noted for his extensive work as the creator of QBR: Black Book Review as featured at www.QBR.com, which serves as the host of the Annual Phillis Wheatley Awards that has honored literary greats in the grand halls of the Schomburg Research auditorium such as...
Dr. Maya Angelou (poet), Tony Rose (ACGI publisher), Rosa Guy (author), Paul Coates (Black Classic Press publisher), Ruby Dee (actress), Haki Madhubuti (Third World Press publisher, poet), Phillis Stickney (actress), Carol Jenkins (journalist), Avery Brooks (actor), Sidney Poitier (actor), the late Glenn Thompson (renown publisher) and Gordon Parks, Sr. (a famous playwright) will be held on...
Saturday, July 22, on West 135th Street, between 5th and 7th Ave. MARK YOUR CALENDARS. The Harlem Book Fair in New York is one of the most anticipated book fairs each year. Weather broadcasts predict sunny skies.
The event boasted an intimate pre-media Harlem Book Fair Awards Ceremony during Black History Month at the Nubian Heritage during the month of February which brought out many authors such as Renee Flagler, Candice Dow, Denise Campbell, Hickson; the largest childrens book publishers like Just Us Books Founders Carol & Wade Hudson; top editors like Dawn Davis (of Pulitzer prize winning The Known World), Malaika Adero (Atria ); spoken word performers like Def Jams Kayo and former executive Clara Villarosa of Hueman Bookstore.
The pre-Harlem Book Fair Awards Ceremony event which is NEW and culminated by Max Rodriguez whose father passed post Harlem Book Fair 2005, made a dramatic comeback appearance to the public months after and honored glass plaques to over 20 renowned individuals of the book industry, and unlike the Annual Phillis Wheatley Awards Ceremony.
This Annual Phillis Wheatley Awards hosted by QBR is usually held the day before the actual Harlem Book Fair outdoor street festival which only celebrates a few honoree guests heavily voted upon by the HBF top advisory, but brings out a packed auditorium of people such as authors, publishers, booklovers and poets to celebrities, entertainers and business CEOs, giving a true indication that the actual street fair will house many visitors on the next day.
HBF 2005 brought out an entourage of booklovers who walked calmly down the "opulent black opal streets of Harlem," shoulder-to-shoulder. Many visitors will walk the fair for hours, enjoy the panels, food and entertainment and by the end of the day, swoop book vendors with massive sales leaving all tables bare. IT IS A PHENOMENON! Authors are happy to sell out their books!
Its also hard work and survival of the fittest as a vendor. There are hundreds of authors. As best selling author, Miasha states, "you can never over promote your work enough.." Miasha will be on a special Harlem Hospital panel along with best selling author Omar Tyree, who is being honored with a Phillis Wheatley Award on July 21st at the Schomberg along with celebrated peers, Victoria Christopher Murphy, Walter Dean Myers, Chester Higgins, Jr. and Jan Crew. The Harlem Hospital chaired by president Gloria Bynoe Thomas makes it possible for more panels to be presented in addition to the Schomburg panels.
Cathy Hughes, president of TVONE will be present at the Schomburg Center at 11pm sharp in HUGHES AUDITORIUM for one of the most historical panels ever from the Harlem Book Fair. Every book industry professional is advised to attend. Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, Jr. along with Cathy Hughes as moderator will debate on the panel entitled" Is Black Media: Dispelling Persistent Perceptions. Panelists include, Rev. Al Sharpton (Go and Tell Pharaoh: The Autobiography of Reverend Al Sharpton); Dick Gregory (Nigger: An Autobiography); Jesse Jackson, Jr. (Moving Mountains: The Principles and Purposes of Leon Sullivan); and William C. Rhoden (Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete). "In the space of a perceived vacuum in African American political leadership, black media has the opportunity to address long-standing, persistent stereotypes. What are these stereotypes? Is there, in fact, a vacuum in black leadership? And given our culture of marketing and profit, what can we reasonably expect from black media?" Check your panel and award show listings and RSVP at www.QBR.com.
The Harlem Book Fair is always a scorcher each year, but true die-hard booklovers return to support their favorite authors and prove that a literary event in the heart of Harlem makes for the most successful and enjoyable celebration for the entire family. And- no wonder, the events most loyal photographers like Gideon, Charzette Torrence and Seitu Oronde return to capture the true essence of the Harlem Book Fairs unifying appeal of the African-American literary community along with its support of worldwide literacy. As Max Rodriguez has stated, " If our history isnt written down and preserved, it did not happen!"- 2006
Already a new annual and transitional poster logo has gone to press with the universally shared motto, "Building Community, Building Leaders." This year, WHCR "Voice of Harlem" community radio serves as the radio sponsor, and Harlem World Magazine is the official Harlem Book Fair commemorative publication. The Harlem Book Fair is known to transition with themes, sponsors and media partnerships to keep the spirit of the Harlem Book Fair growing, alive and connected to new communities. The appeal of the Harlem Book Fair is growing every year. Noone expected the success of the Harlem Book Fair to reach this kind of international attention. After all, the emphasis is on black books, right? The perceptions of African-American literature have changed and the world is reading.
One facet that seems to remain consistent is the loyal support of the Harlem Advisory Board. These are the movers and shakers who work diligently to make the HBF successful. Make no mistake about it, these are well seasoned and successful entities who share the vision of Mr. Max Rodriguez, shun any endorsement of any kind although Max will mention members at various events and shock the team once in a while. All are well noted within the literary community like Malaika Adero (Atria Books), Earl Cox (Earl Cox & Associates),Dawn Davis, (Amistad Press), Howard Dodson (Schomburg Center for Research), Nancey Flowers (Flowers in Bloom Publishing), Rockelle Henderson(HarperCollinsPublishers),Janet Hill (Harlem Moon),Troy Johnson (AALBC.com),Carol Mackey (Black Expressions Book Club), Kecia Palmer-Cousins (Freelance Writer),Joarvonia Skipwith (Holtzbrinck Publishing), Calvin Reid, Clarence Haynes (Random House) Krishan Trotman (Atria Books),Lynette Velasco (African Americans in Publishing),David Weaver (Harlem Community Advocate),Lesia Devers, (Managing Director ,HBF New York),Jennifer Parker, (Strategic Planner Director HBF Buffalo), Max Rodriguez, (Founder & President QBR The Black Book Review, The Harlem Book Fair).
What makes the Harlem Book Fair so exciting is the actual HARLEM BOOK FAIR MEDIA LAUNCH Celebration where awardees for the Phillis Wheatley Awards are announced, as well as major corporate sponsors of the event and small business supporters.
This years HARLEM BOOK FAIR MEDIA LAUNCH was a huge success. The event was sponsored and held at Harlems own Commerce Bank in Harlem, assistant vice chaired by Vincent S. Morgan who was present and a gracious host. The bank is located at 300 West 125th street on the adjacent side of the Magic Theater. The plush carpet of the Commerce bank giving away $10 to every child who reads 10 books this summer, made this years Media Launch warm and inviting. The men were well groomed, excellent hosts, and professional.
Mobays Restaurant, owned by Sheron Chin Barmes located on 17 West 125th Street in Harlem, NY (www.MobayRestaurant.com) catered the event with "fine Caribbean Soul, St. Louis Style Barbecue & New Orleans Style Cuisine." Sheron is also a gracious hostess and holds many events in Mobays.
The event brought out guests like WBLS 107.5fm "Queen of Radio" host, Wendy Williams and author of three books with her current bestseller, Drama Is Her Middle Name, celebrated award winning radio host and news correspondent of the popular Steve Harvey Morning Show; Anne Tripp, Former Essence Communications executive Audrey Smalls and owner of the nationally syndicated news column, "The Adams Report;" representatives of critically acclaimed book, From Ike to Maos: A Memoir by Bob Avakian; and accomplished actor, Mel Jackson as seen in Soul Food: The Movie. Other fine guests included Dashawn Taylor, author of From Poverty to Power Moves: The True Story; author Treasure E. Blue, a FAVORITE AUTHOR in the literary community, Dream sound Records recording artist, Oshy; and featured UPNs Road to Stardom with Missy Elliot and HBOs Def Poetry performer, the one and only internationally renown Akil Dasan, who also performed.
Hon. David Weaver, Chair if Arts & Culture Committee at Community Board 10 in Manhattan greeted guests. The Elyse 7 Group, Inc. president, Elyse Murray was present as well as the Nomad Entertainment Group CEO, Maurice Woodson.
One author whose words of inspiration touched many at the event was Kashan, author of Scorned and critically acclaimed, Veil of Friendship. Upon taking a moment to interview her, it was evident that she is the sister of best selling author, Queen Pen. Her work has been heavily endorsed by authors like Shannon Holmes and Treasure E. Blue.
The legendary Lou Myers as appearing as the character "Old Mister" in the Color Purple on Broadway visited the Media Launch as well. Some of the finest moments were the performances such as by Akil Dasan, Drumadics and Anthony Morales, a 25-year-old Nuyorican poet, speaker, teacher, actor and heavily noted as a regular Nuyorican poet. There were local business owners who attended such as Adinas Touch president: Adina N. Marden (www.Adinastouch.com). Overall, The Harlem Media Launch Kick-off was a HUGE SUCCESS.
Former media launch parties have included legendary author, Eric Jerome Dickey reading excerpts from some of his greatest works at Sony Recording Studios and in 2005, the Nubian Heritage housed an elaborate and finely celebrated event that housed too many renown guests to mention. LITERARY events like the Harlem Book Fairs events are preferred by book industry people at large.
Many authors and publishers are preparing for attendance to the The Annual Phillis Wheatley Awards, the actual Harlem Book Fair Street Fair, and an Author Brunch Sunday Extravaganza where guests who reserve in time will meet their author peers up- close- and -personal.
The Harlem Book Fair is the event for all book lovers, small press, authors, poets, writers and publishers to join history in the making as vending tables are strategically set up and aligned with precision for over 2 blocks filled with the finest literary artists works of today. For the first time in history, the Harlem Book Fair proudly inaugurates the International Pavilion, broadening the scope and footprint of the fair. Publishers from Africa, Australia, England, and Canada will be in attendance offering provocative and scholarly titles of interest to the most discerning of readers.
QBR.com features a thorough schedule of authors appearing on 4 stages with annual transitional themes, but if booklovers stay close-by to the main stage, many authors with new titles will appear one-by-one within 15 minute intervals making for "An Authors On Stage Extravaganza.". Former visitors such as Marguerite Green ,member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Organization and avid supporter of all Harlem Book Fair event mentions that, " the Harlem Book Fair keeps getting better and better each year.
Just a little history, since the inception of the Harlem Book Fair which began as an outdoor event with only a few vendors, a street corner and a vision, Max Rodriguezs "Cradle of Literary Civilization" which begins the resurgence of the rise of the "Neo- Literary Renaissance," has grown beyond "a dream," thus creating an epi-center of opportunity for todays literary artist to showcase ones work and inspire the Harlem community, fans who travel annually and religiously on bus trips to the Harlem Book Fair, and even fly in from overseas.
The pattern of events is becoming more familiar as well as the Author Main stage which will house some of the most widely renown authors of our time. It will be a sight to see. The schedule is expected to be posted a week before the Harlem Book Fair on www.QBR.com as well. Dont forget the C-Span BookTV Televised Panels at various locations of and around the vicinity of the Harlem Book Fair, and YES, C-Spans Book TV walks the fair!!!!
This year, Harlem World Magazine serves as the official commemorative issue of the Harlem Book Fair and many wonderful Harlem Book Fair Tour Packages are available for traveling guests who wish to get a tour of the newly renovated Harlem vicinity which now features a gold statue of Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., Harlem Lanes Bowling upstairs from the newly renovated Alhambra Ballroom, a new grand opening of the Apollo Theater, The Magic Theater, and impressive Hue-man bookstore which has housed guests like film maker Tyler Perry and international model, Iman. The bookstore houses over 9000 face out titles.
Catch excerpts on C-Spans BookTV if you are faraway or get on the bus and come out and grin-and-bear THE HEAT if you truly love books, authors and supporting the mission of Max Rodriguez since the day he stood in front of the Schomburg center in the hot weather and conducted a poll asking ordinary people, "Do you feel there is a need for a review publication that celebrates African-American literature." The Harlem community answered back with a big, "YES!" Over 60,000 people will be in attendance. The figures on QBR.com are all off. Book clubs are busing in, organizations are flying in, media will heavily infiltrate the event, almost every major publisher, plus authors, writers, poets and spoken word artists will be in attendance and several after parties have been announced.
The publication which returns as a newsletter to tens of thousands of book lovers to accommodate the massive work of creating national to international book fairs that carry on the legacy of the Harlem Book Fair worldwide is back. Youll see large banners informing authors of more mobile Harlem Book Fairs from state-to-state such as in Boston, Long Island, California and overseas. Who would have known the Harlem Book Fair would e grow internationally?
Its alma matter constituents like BIBR: Black Issues Book Review, The Black National Provider, Disilgold Soul Literary Review online, AALBC.com and Amber Communications Group, Inc. serve as the central connectivity zone drawing very unique communities from their audiences to QBR.com and always will.
Max Rodriguez is a historical pioneer to be revered along the likes of Troy Johnson, Bill Cox, Tony Rose, David Smikley, Heather Covington, Faye Childs and many other documentarians working to preserve the history of the African-American literary community which include all people of Black culture and those of the diaspora.
The Neo-Literary Renaissance is almost reaching a DECADIUM. Be a part of it, continue to celebrate Afrikana literature, delve into literary bliss and BE WELL. Its the literary worlds time to shine. VISIT www.QBR.com for more details.
About the columnist:
Heather Covington is author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature. Stay tuned for Literary Dons: The Top 100+ Most Admired African Men in Literature available at (www.AmberBooks.com) . She will be signing copies of Literary Divas at the Amber Communications and Disilgold.com Booth on July 22 at the Harlem Book Fair and making a guest appearance on the main stage at 4pm. Other scheduled summer booksignings include, HUEMAN- August 17th, B& N (Co-op City, Bronx)- August 18th, Queens Book Fair- August 19th
