By Marc W. Polite
On Saturday, June 17th, 2023, the Schomburg Literary Festival took place. Having indoor and outdoor components, this all day book event was held on a day that coincided with good weather and good air quality. Considering that the skies were orange just ten days before, that is nothing to take for granted.
Among the vendors present at this year’s event were Columbia University Press, The Amsterdam News, Revolution Books, and Total Equity Now. Prominently featured was the Black Future Newsstand, with an eye-catching installation that allowed event attendees to write what stories they wanted to see. The artists collective also had a handout that accompanied issues of the Amsterdam News.
The Harlem Writers Guild was there vending, and Guild member Hasna Muhammad presented a memoir writing workshop. At the table, those who stopped by had the chance to hear some poetry from Kendall Glaspie, author of Loved- Unloved. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to drop by and speak to our authors.
This was it for the summer book events. However, readers of this blog should know that there are a few events that they should look out for during the Fall. One, the Harlem Book Fair is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and is returning to an in person event on Saturday, September 23, 2023. It will be held in front of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building from 10am to 6pm. Visit the HBF official website for more info.
Two, there is also the Literacy March Across Harlem by Total Equity Now slated for Saturday, October 7th, 2023. It will be dedicated to the memory of Pura Belpre and Walter Dean Myers.
So ends my short recap. Until next post.. peace!