Harlem Book Fair 2024 Recap

By Marc W. Polite

Good afternoon, everyone. Yesterday,  the annual Harlem Book Fair took place on 125th street and Seventh Avenue. In spite of the off and on rain, crowds of interested readers showed up.

This event was held right outside of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, and featured panel discussions inside. In addition to this, there were also readings outside from the main stage, and a section of the event catering to children’s book readings.

This year, I encountered the Philadelphia based Literacy Nation as a vendor. I purchased a shirt in support of their endeavors as well.

Among the authors I saw yesterday were Carla Cherry, Bob McNeil, and Janell Pearson. Dr. Stacey Patton was there, and read from her book “Not My Cat” to an interested crowd of young readers. New York City Council member Dr. Yusef Salaam addressed the crowd, and walked around greeting vendors as well as attendees. Also present were Judy Andrews and Eartha Watts-Hicks.

There were some book giveaways, and I chose to pick up Charlamagnes book “Get Honest or Die Lying”

While there, I also saw Troy Johnson, the founder of the African American Literature and Book Club, and Max Rodriguez, founder of the Harlem Book Fair.

I thank those of you who were able to join me and engage in discussion yesterday. The next author appearance I have scheduled is the Brooklyn Book Festival on Sunday, September 29th, and I will be vending with fellow members of the Harlem Writers Guild.

Until next post, peace!

-M.W.P.