The sounds of drums pounded through the air on Saturday, July 18, as you turned the corner of 135th Street and Lenox Avenue. You were instantly moved by Harlem’s rich urban culture. Virgo Girl Media was lucky enough to be a part of the seventeenth annual Harlem Book Fair. While we acted as the social media producer, we couldn’t help but partake in Harlem’s fruitful cultural vibes. Bob McNeil, host of the author mainstage, did a remarkable job of keeping visitors entertained through dance, music, comedy, and poetry jams. Every block on which you turned was lined with vendors selling their books, artwork, clothes and accessories, and food. Even little girls got in on the fun and set up a lemonade stand. I met authors for whom this was their first time attending as well as authors who have been coming for years, and they all remarked on how great the experience was and how much fun they were having. They also told me they were looking forward to coming back next year as well. People were also impressed with the fair’s marketing and promotions and noticed how different it was from previous years.
Although the weather started out rainy and muggy, by 10 a.m. the sun was shining. If you lived nearby you couldn’t help but come outside and take an interest. It was the perfect day to have lunch from a vending truck, grab an ice from the guy on the corner, shop at local vendors, and take a stroll through the excitement. Being an author, I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed and excited to be there live. I have always wanted to attend wearing my author hat but never have. As an author I see that this fair is truly an event everyone should experience at some point in their #writerlife. The support and conversation is amazing! You are surrounded by people who share the same love for words, literacy, and culture as you do. All thousands of them!
In case you missed the fair and need a reason to go next year, here are several:
- Author Panels featured live on C-Span Book TV
- Topics and conversations with your favorite authors at Harlem Hospital and Countee Cullen Library
- Children’s Readings at the YMCA
- Author Mainstage showcased plenty of readings, musical talent, and comedy from host Bob McNeil
- Hundreds of authors and small business sharing their talents
All in all the Harlem Book Fair is by far the best literary event to attend of the year. Founder Max Rodriguez’s passion for literary culture is shown in every aspect of the fair. You will never find yourself bored or without something to do or see. The day is full of endless entertainment between book signings, readings, art gallery showings, meeting new authors, learning about Harlem’s history, celebrity sightings, to just hanging out with cool people who enjoy literature as much as you over a slice of pizza. Plus, you never know who you will run into: Omar Tyree, Fly Girl, Terry Mulligan, Afterlife in Harlem, Benilde Little, Welcome to My Breakdown, Pamela Newkirk, The Astonishing Life of Ota Benga, former mayor David Dinkins, A Mayor’s Life, and Tanya Wright, Orange Is the New Black are just a few of the bookelebrities that were spotlighted at the fair.
Author of the Day:
Bestselling Amazon author Rodney Flowers. Injured by a football accident but choosing not to give up has inspired Flowers to create an uplifting movement centered on motivating others to keep pushing forward. I had the honor of meeting Flowers at the fair, and he has a presence and way with words that is indescribable. He listens. He cares. He shares. Just a few minutes with him and you will walk away feeling immediately inspired and ready to tackle whatever obstacles are between you and your goals. I can’t wait to download his book.
Visit the Harlem Book Fair Facebook page to see more photos. Make sure to tag and share your favorites! #HBF #HarlemBookFair