Now that it’s over……
The fourth annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo is history complete with authors, panel discussions, spoken word and we even snuck in a children’s writing workshop for the literary zone. On a whole, it was a good event. Authors networked, sold books and for the most part, made connections that hopefully benefit them in the long run.
Many thanks for the authors and exhibitors who attended starting with our featured guests; Bern Nadette Stanis, Bruce George, Dr. William D. Wright, Alretha Thomas, Sardonyx Jade, Terry a O’Neal, Terry Moore, Erica N. Martin, and everyone else who were a part of the black book expo. Our committee did an outstanding job this year handling the needs of the exhibitors and making sure their experience was a good one. I’d like to thank Sheila Harris our associate director for her hospitality, Jennifer Harris for providing us with volunteers and my family members for providing the food.
We can't forget our sponsors; KPFK 90.7, L.A. Watts Times, 626 Art Gallery, Copy City, and eBiz Marketing for their support.
As for the expo itself, we kicked it off with our annual Friday night pre-expo reception. This is a time when authors and exhibitors come together to network, share ideas and just have fun. It also provides everyone in attendance to learn more about the other person sitting next to each other, breaking the ice. Based on the number of smiles, it looked like a successful evening.
Expo day started strong with the public passing through the gates of the Ahmanson Senior Center stopping by an exhibitor’s table checking out what they had to offer. Our panel discussions provided lively conversation on topics from publishing to cultural matters. The Poets Jazz House presented another solid Spoken Worlds program with featured guest Terry Moore sharing his pieces with the L.A. crowd and in turn, they enjoyed what they heard. Other talented artists had their turn on the mic and we even had a local singing group perform for us. Charles Campbell, author of The Magic Coin, presented a reading and writing workshop for our Children’s Literary Zone. In our first Teen Poetry Fest contest, author Ben Foster took home the grand prize or a free computer. Now that he’s the reigning champion of our first annual contest, I can’t wait to see whether or not he defends his title next year. Before I forget, I'd like to thank our panel moderators, authors Lutishia Lovely, Frederick Williams who filled in at the last minute, and Na'Kisha Crawford. All of them did a splendid job.
What I hope the authors and exhibitors take away from the fourth annual L.A. Black Book Expo is that our committee worked to have a great event and we’re looking to make it bigger and much better for next year. As I’m writing this out, plans are already being made to evaluate our progress for 2008 so we can move ahead and make 2009, our fifth L.A. Black Book Expo the best it’s ever been. Due to our reception with the Book Expo America African-American Pavilion participants, we expect a larger turnout and possibly a brand new venue for the next time.
On a side note, talks are underway to plan a possible series of discussions year round with the black book expo authors. It’s still in the planning stages but news will be out shortly.
Again, I thank you all for coming out and supporting us whether you were an author, exhibitor, or public guest. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Charles Chatmon
Executive Director
Los Angeles Black Book Expo
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