*Los Angeles – the 12th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair returned to the intimate venue of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Saturday, August 25, 2018.
“Voted One of LA’s Five Best Annual Book Festivals,” the 12th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair spotlighted southern roots and southern comfort as it highlighted the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to other parts of the Country, including the wild, wild, West.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Southern Roots.” the Liemert Park Village Book Fair’s tribute to the love of reading cleverly merges the worlds of literary, entertainment and southern culinary arts, offering an eclectic mix of literature, art, music and food.
Various pieces of vintage luggage was place throughout the venue as well as a classic car that greeted everyone entering into the main entrance of the Mall. The second level of the Mall featured a display of photographs in keeping with the topic of Migration. Cold refreshing beverages was served to quench everyone thirst on this beautiful, warm day in Southern California.
New York Times best selling author Eric Jerome Dickey was named the 2018 Distinguished Lecturer for the 12thAnnual Leimert Park Village Book Fair. Kristi Eddy, the reigning Mrs. California and children’s book author, was tapped as the book fair ambassador.
The Los Angeles chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Herman Jones Music Director, thrilled the audience in a tribute to the late great “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. The Just Us Gospel Troupe raise their voices to the stratosphere to give Praises to God.
The California Librarian Black Caucus presented the Joyce Madkins Sumbi Emerging Leader Award to Ms. Pat Toney. The group surprised Mrs. Billie Frierson with Awards and Certificates of Recognition.
Marissa Wells had an engaging conversation with Mrs. California (Kristi Eddy). Kristi Eddy mentioned her earlier role as Miss Carson, that opened doors for advocacy for women’s health issues. As an Assistant Principle, she stated “everyday she instills in students that literacy is the key to becoming successful, literacy opens doors to further ones journey to success.” Kristi Eddy is a children’s book author, her latest book is “Beauty Is” in English and Spanish to help young girls, teens and young women realize that beauty can be found in oneself.
Poet/Spoken Word Artist Morgan Parker dropped some deep works to a captivated crowd. She recited several poems “Mrs. Black America,” “Their Grandmothers Never Did the Laundry,” “Afro’ about her experiences with TSA agents while traveling, and “13 Ways of Looking at a Black Girl.”
Historian and Writer Alison Rose Jefferson gave a great eye opening power-point presentation entitled “The Great Black Migration 7 How it Changed California” across the spectrum. This portion of the program was moderated by Author, Political Analyst & Radio Host Earl Ofari Hutchinson.
New York Best Selling Author Eric Jerome Dickey had a fun engaging conversation with Michael Porter, LA Review of Books. Eric Jerome Dickey was presented with several Certificates of Recognition from the Office of Congresswomen Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson.
It was a special treat for me to hear readings of author Mildred Pitts Walker works and to hear words of wisdom from the 95 years young award winning children’s author.
Another engagement hastened my departure from the 12th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair. I was tempted to stay for dessert, pie was served! Along with other dessert delights from some of the most popular bakeries and eateries in town, including Shae Seward’s Cobblemania, the 27th Street Bakery, Southern Girls Desserts, Gwen’s Specialty Cakes and Marie Calender’s Restaurant & Bakery.
The 12th Annual Liemert Park Village Book Fair ended on a high note with an old-fashioned jam section with Long Beach blues guitarist Bernie Pearl and guest performances by the Franklin Bell’s Blues Workshop.
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Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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