Leimert Park Village Book Fair
Eric Jerome Dickey headlines who’s who of authors set to participate
The Leimert Park Village Book Fair was founded in 2006 by Cynthia Exum with the goal of promoting literacy and education in Los Angeles and she chose Leimert Park to host the event because of its importance as the cultural and artistic center of the African American community in Los Angeles.
Organized, in part by local schools, businesses, libraries, community organizations, authors, poets, and spoken word performers, this year’s book fair will take place on Saturday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is expected to bring in an audience of more than 5,000 people.
The 2010 ambassador is famed actress, author, director, and producer Kim Wayans of the Wayans entertainment family.
“Some of the fondest memories from my childhood were spent curled up with a good book, visiting worlds out of my reach; unlocking the imagination that would ultimately help me create a beautiful, successful and fulfilling life,” said Wayans.
In addition to hosting the highly anticipated event, the actress will also debut the newest edition to her children’s book series, “Amy Hodgepodge: Digging Up Trouble.”
In addition to Wayans, a number of other highly touted authors and celebrities will be present, including brothers, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, Vanessa Williams, Louis Gossett Jr., Tom Burrell, Ishmael Reed, Nene Leakes, Anthony Samad, and best-selling novelist Eric Jerome Dickey.
The fair will have five distinct stages including the main stage, poet’s stage, children’s village/reading corner, cook’s pavilion, and the health and wellness stage. The stages will showcase more than 200 authors, poets, spoken word artists, performers, and storytellers.
The book fair will also feature a number of interactive activities, book give-a-ways, projects for children, writing workshops, film screenings, live music, and author meet-and-greets.
Nestle, Southern California Gas Company, Time Warner Cable, the Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs, and McDonald’s, are a few of the sponsors that will be present holding special activities, and product samplings.
Admission to event is free. For additional information about the fair, (323) 730-0628.
Often referred to as the “founding father of the Black Arts Movement,” Amiri Baraka is as committed now as ever to documenting the African American experience in the United States.
Baraka will be the featured artist during the sixth annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair, “Tribute to the Black Arts Movement,” beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 30, in the Vision Theatre parking lot at Degnan Boulevard and 43rd Street, in the heart of Leimert Park.
The best way to hide something from Black people is to put it in a book. —Ole Tyme Expression of unknown origin
Among all the myriad of stereotypes that Black people have been saddled with since their arrival upon American shores (natural athleticism, innate musical talent and rhythmic temperament, a predilection towards criminality, and—well you know the rest), intellectual pursuits have never been ascribed to the children of Africa.
