Author and Book

Browse and shop for great book deals then hang around to meet, greet, and enjoy readings by other best selling and emerging authors, who share their cultural interpretations and the legacy of storytelling in the Griot tradition. Author-facilitated workshops share insider tips including marketing and other aspects of publishing; spoken word, live readings, and book signings featuring authors. Read below for confirmed schedule and profiles of guest authors appearing Sept 2-5, 2011.

Enjoy a live reading and book signing from R&B superstar and New York Times Best-Selling author, Tyrese, who has penned “How to Get Out of Your Own Way.” 

Featured Author Profiles:

Susan Peters’ Sweet Liberia, Lessons from the Coal Pot is a delightful, painfully honest memoir that chronicles the thick slice of humanity sandwiched between Liberia’s April 12, 1980 coup and the Civil War in 1989. Like many others who embraced Black Pride, Afros, African clothing and names in the 70’s, Susan and thousands more took it one step further and immigrated to Mother Africa. This touching memoir is set against the author’s personal growth, her cultural struggles, and her triumphs, and is an informative, personally revealing, and often-comical account of her family’s eleven-year journey immersed in the rich culture of Liberia, West Africa. Now, as Liberia stands on the threshold of rising under the leadership of Africa’s first elected female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Susan writes about the wisdom, beauty, and resilience she witnessed during her sojourn.

Frances Yvonne Jackson- In everyone, there is a story waiting to be told. However, some stories are more urgent histories than others, some are lost in memory, others are recalled and written with indelible ink. Francis Yvonne Jackson’s recorded history exemplified the need to remember the pilgrimage of a person and a people. Come Walk with Me: From Guyana to North America, in verse, is her autobiography, a fragmented, lyrical telling of a young woman’s journey from a small country to a wider, wiser world of Chicago. Here is a loving retelling of life’s deep song, happy and sad, belonging and adapting. —O. A. Fraser Chicago, Illinois A great and commendable effort. Your creative genius has certainly shone through. It is truly “inspired”—words and symbols well chosen. —G. Jackson Shadyside, Maryland Great! Fantastic! Very original and creative. —I.Williams Pomfret, Maryland Superb! —C. Jackson Chicago, Illinois The proceeds from this book will help to support the Guyana Community Outreach Fund Inc.

Toyin Ayeni- I am Nigerian, NOT a Terrorist  will sensitize you to the fact that no matter what space you occupy here on earth, Nigerian or non-Nigerian, global problems require global solutions and a little effort to make changes by everyone from all nations can go a long way. I also hope that your knowledge and understanding of other cultures, starting with Nigeria will increase your urge to know more of your surroundings, other human beings around the world and encouraged to be your brother’s keeper as we all fight against terrorism and other world issues.

Cora Coleman-Dunham, lead drummer for Beyonce and Prince, has written the book, entitled G.A.G.U, Gathering A Greater Understanding. The book is a is an interactive workbook that serves as the ultimate life guide for all young people. What makes G.A.G.U. unique is that it explains in detail, ALL of a young person’s options after high school and encourages the habit of learning for the sake of overall growth in order to be best equipped for adulthood. Not only does G.A.G.U. make clear the options of College, Trade School, The Work Force, and the Military, it addresses real responsibilities that school does not always prepare you for…LIFE-establishing credit, buying a car, getting a passport, understanding finances and more!! Whether you are approaching 9th grade, a high school graduate undecided about life or you are a concerned teacher or parent looking for direction, there is no book that offers a young person a view of every aspect after high school until now!

X’ernona Woods has committed and dedicated her career to supporting economically challenged youth through her  State of Illinois State Librarian recommended financial literacy children’s book and workbook, “Save That Penny For A Sunny Day”, coupled with powerful, innovative workshops. In 2007 she became a partner with Chicago Federal Reserve Money Smart Week where they reach thousands through community outreach educating Chicago land citizens youth the importance of budgeting finances and entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Diane Martin was born in Chicago, Illinois and currently lives in the Chicago land area. She earned her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degree from Chicago State University. ”My writing legacy would be my true depiction of life; exploring the entire colorful spectrum of people, both good and bad, capturing it in words and exposing it to all cultures in a respectful manner – In a way that would stand the test of time.” – Diane Martin