Community Conversation: Black Books in the Age of the Coronavirus

Black Books in the Age of the Coronavirus is the first of several conversations designed to support and uplift the Black Book Ecosystem. You can join the effort by #readingblack at readingblack.com.

This historic conversation took place, online, on March 22, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and was led by;

Additional Coverage:

A video of the conversation is below and the transcription of the chat session, which ran concurrently follows.

Chat Transcript

00:47:42 Greg Thomas: Hello, Paul — and THANKS for doing this!!!
00:48:05 Jason Vasser-Elong: Thanks for getting this going….jason vasser-elong
00:48:09 Jeffrey Blair: Great to be here!
00:48:50 Johnson Lancaster: Hello Paul, this is Johnson from Progressive Emporium in St. Louis, MO. Asante for doing this.
00:49:02 Adrienne Ingrum: Thrilled that we’re doing this. Adrienne Ingrum
00:49:14 Calvin Reid: Calvin Reid senior news editor at Publishers Weekly
00:49:23 Willa Robinson: Willa Robinson, publisher, Knowledge Power Books/KP Publishing, Valencia, CA
00:49:26 Harriett’s Bookshop: Jazz - Events Specialist @ Harriett’s Bookshop in Philadelphia, PA
00:49:33 Jeffrey Blair: Jeffrey Blair from Eyeseeme African American Children’s Bookstore in St. Louis
00:49:33 christine munroe: christine munroe avid reader glad to be here
00:49:35 Melissa Schabel: Melissa Schabel, Adult Services Librarian in a diverse community
00:49:39 Alicia Williams: Hi, I’m Alicia D. Williams, author. Charlotte, NC.
00:49:43 Jason Vasser-Elong: Greetings, Jason Vasser-Elong, author with a debut collection of poetry Shrimp (2Leaf Press)…good to be here.
00:49:49 Rochon Perry: Rochon Perry, President and Publisher, Cedar Grove Publishing
00:49:54 Delores Connors: Delores Connors
00:49:55 Audrey Hipkins: Hi, I’m
00:50:03 Tonya Ellis: Author Tonya Duncan Ellis
00:50:08 CMH: Hi — just a lover of books, particularly Black writers
00:50:11 Sister Rekhet: Hello community! Rekhet Si-Asar, In Black Ink - a publishing initiative in St. Paul, MN.
00:50:15 Janifer Wilson: Greetings Janifer and Kori here from Sister’s Uptown Bookstore in NYC
00:50:15 Deborah Bernal: Deborah Bernal MD KWK Iya Ifabola Author, Yogi, Physician and visual artist
00:50:33 Sharon D. Johnson: Hi, I’m Sharon Johnson, author, screenwriter, college instructor (Los Angels CA)
00:50:33 Tricia Cochee: Tricia Cochee, author, writer, from LA, Cali, friend of James Fugate
00:50:35 Audrey Hipkins: Hi, I’m Audrey Hipkins from the Hurston/Wright Foundation
00:50:36 Kerstin Carson: Kerstin Carson, reader and book indexer
00:50:43 Sean Liburd: Carolette Liburd, Knowledge Bookstore Brampton Canada
00:50:47 Ibrahim Ahmad: Ibrahim Ahmad, editorial director, Akashic Books in Brooklyn. Great to see so many familiar names here. hope you’re all keeping well.
00:50:52 Khem Irby: Greetings to everyone!
00:50:56 Sharita Fauche: Sharita Fauche Co-Director of CPLAN in Massachusetts and avid reader
00:51:00 CharisseC: Hi all! this is Charisse Carney-Nunes from DC author of Nappy and former producer of the Book Look. Thank you Baba Pail, Troy and all who pulled this together!! ❤️❤️
00:51:00 Johnson Lancaster: Jason, Jeffrey, Karibu,udugu!
00:51:19 Tricia Cochee: Thanks to all for having this!
00:51:23 Linda Oppenheim: Linda Oppenheim Retired librarian. Member Black Voices book club.
00:51:30 Owusu Bandele: Greetings All. Owusu Bandele from Baton Rouge, LA. I conduct Black History Quiz bowls in Baton Rouge (elementary thru college). All participants receive Black books purchased from a Black Book Store in New Orleans(Community Book Center).
00:51:35 Dera Williams: Dera R. Williams from Oakland, CA. Author, genealogist and Children’s writing mentor.
00:51:35 Carla Du Pree: Carla Du Pree with CityLit Project in Baltimore
00:51:42 Irene Briggs: Hello, Irene Briggs, retired librarian from Silver Spring, MD
00:51:44 rosemari mealy: loving all of y’all peace stay healthy rosemari mealy
00:51:49 Eugene Holley: Hi from Eugene Holley, freelance contributor, Publishers Weekly, Down Beat magazine.
00:51:57 Nkechi Taifa: Greetings this is Nkechi Taifa. Upcoming Memoir, Black Power Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice! Excited to join the call.
00:51:57 Delores Connors: Hello Everyone Delores Connors Author/ 143 ReadmorePublishing
00:52:04 Jason Vasser-Elong: Yep…I can here it too…jaspm
00:52:09 Kahlil: A. Al-Kahlil-Bey, Educator/Mental Health Therapist
00:52:12 Yvette Long: Hello this is Yvette Long
00:52:23 Khem Irby: Please remember to put your phones on mute
00:52:26 Jeff Lewis: hello
00:52:28 Alia Jones: Hi. Alia Jones Library Assistant from Cincinnati OH
00:52:31 Janet Jones: Hi Everyone
00:52:36 Olubunmi Bakare: Olubunmi Bakare LA DC Public Library
00:52:37 Marcia Fleming: Hi, I’m Marcia Fleming. I am a member of a women’s literary group and we enjoy readings by African American and African female authors. We also read African American male authors, but with less frequency.
00:52:43 Kevin Johnson: Kevin Wayne Johnson here
00:52:44 Walid Petiri: Peace greetings and good health to all this is Walid Petiri
00:52:45 Greg Carr: Good day everyone, from Greg Carr in DC. Wonderful idea and glad to be here for the conversation.
00:52:46 Chaga Walton: Chaga & Althea Walton - Chicago - reader, friend
00:53:11 Trylonda Whytus: hello. Trylonda W, counselor, Nebraska interested reader
00:53:19 Charlene Phipps: Hello, I hope everyone is well. I’m Charlene Phipps, Independent community advocates and parents. Baltimore, Maryland.
00:53:23 Donna Gray-Banks: Donna M. Gray-Banks Fresh Book Festival
00:53:29 Bennett Johnson: Bennett Johnson of Path Press cannot been seen
00:53:36 Lorielle Hollaway: Hey Yall!! Thank you to the amazing #BlackBookCommunity for hosting this talk. I’m Lorielle J. Hollaway of Cultured Books a pop-up children’s bookstore located in sunny St. Pete, FL.
00:53:40 Ricky Pierre: Hello everyone, I’ am an educator for Los Angeles Unified School District
00:53:49 Dera Williams: I am also a member of Marcus Book Store book club.
00:54:15 Kristina Roberts: Hello. This is Zane.
00:54:44 Marc Little: Marc Curtis Little, Author
00:54:55 Ricky Pierre: This is Ricky Pierre from LAUSD
00:55:03 Dean Taylor: Greetings.
00:55:26 Sherese Francis: Hello everyone and thank you for this conversation
00:55:33 Frances Martindale: Hello from Frances Martindale The Gordon School
00:55:35 Galaxy S8: Hello Angela Page children’s book author.
00:55:51 Kadija George: Hello, This is Kadija George. I’ve never done zoom before so excuse me but I can hear people so that’s cool
00:56:16 Anthony Hyman: Hello people. Great to be a part of the conversation.
00:57:08 Evelyn Shelburn: Good evening my beautiful people, participating from Redondo Beach, California. Future Best Selling Author!
00:58:06 Kadija George: I’m Kadija - I’m a researcher on Black British Book Publishers
00:58:15 Tanya Wright: Hi! I am Tanya Wight— I am an actor on Orange is the New Black. I have 2 books currently, with 20 children
00:58:24 Jacqueline Jones: Hello. Jacqueline L. Jones, Librarian Baton Rouge, LA
00:58:31 Michael Taylor: Author and Publisher from Houston.
00:58:34 Erika Walcott: Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well!
00:58:41 Tanya Wright: s books on the way. I make films and TV shows from my books and others. Happy to be here!
00:58:51 Erika Walcott: Stay safe…wash those hands!
00:59:16 Deshanda Curtain-Rodney: Good evening. I’m Deshanda. I work at Afriware Books in Maywood, IL.
01:01:22 Akua HOPE: Greetings! Health and safety to all! Akua Lezli Hope, poet, Corning, New York.
01:01:46 Faith Knight: Good evening. Faith Knight, author in training��
01:05:30 Evelyn Shelburn: Hey Esowon! probably spelling it wrong. But one of the best in Los Angeles (sorry Erika)
01:06:19 Donna Gray-Banks: Maybe we can take seniors orders over the phone and ask them to send their checks to you and then you send books.
01:06:21 Greg Thomas: ***I wonder about using phone chains to solicit and execute Black bookstore orders now to move beyond this “digital divide” reality. Older folk in particular get nuisance calls all the time but not productive ones like this as much.
01:06:42 Deborah Bernal: I send books to inmates but the federal bureau of prisons only accept books from Amazon to inmates and I would rather send from small businesses. How can we make this an available resource for the prisoners
01:07:03 Janet Jones: We want to say something!
01:07:06 Willa Robinson: Take orders over the phones.
01:07:13 Carla Du Pree: How about elder /. youth mentorships? People may be very open to helping an elder access books via a bookstore.
01:07:34 Ron Kavanaugh: Hi all, from the Bronx, Literary Freedom Project
01:07:49 Khem Irby: How do we remove the fear of ordering over the phone? I am willing to invest in a monthly book club.
01:08:00 Greg Thomas: I have sent books to prisons from SANKOFA before. The requirements I met was that the books had to come from businesses of any kind rather than from individual people — unless this has changed?
01:08:51 Khem Irby: Will you be sharing the websites/information of the presenters?
01:08:57 Donna Gray-Banks: The private prisons demand that the books come from a publisher. We have been very successful in Florida.
01:08:58 Sherese Francis: Maybe young people can deliver books to elders in the community and accept phone calls
01:08:59 Evelyn Shelburn: I had to go to Sally Beauty Supply (in search of a black one) but I called to see if they were open they are but you have to know what you want by name, drive over and they will take your $ through the mailbox in the door and then give you the product. so they are open but just not allowing customers in the store.
01:09:28 CP: can you get access to public school mailing list to provide mailing to inner city families
01:09:36 Michael Taylor: Will there be a replay of this webinar?
01:09:37 Deborah Bernal: this is what I was told from the inmates I work with They may just be misinformed.
01:09:37 Katura Hudson, Just Us Books: We’ll share presenters info again at the end of the call.
01:10:26 Katura Hudson, Just Us Books: We are recording the webinar. Will have to determine how/if we can share
01:10:38 Marc Little: Can book clubs be partners in this effort?
01:11:02 Greg Thomas: Yes, Amazon is just one and the most visible of businesses, but normally you can send from various business sources to prisoners.
01:11:08 Sherese Francis: Also, possibly connect to libraries to possibly do a delivery program to local people
01:11:34 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Ideas at the end of this session can be sent to: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com
01:11:50 Lorielle J. Hollaway, Cultured Books: Opportunity: Partner with local organizations that have "community project dollars". We received a 1k order to supply books for a Feed & Read giveaway to students while school is out.
01:12:51 Greg Thomas: I don’t know that non-mail DELIVERY is a good option here due to the recommended restrictions of “social distancing” — for protection against possible transmission of the virus.
01:12:51 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: Great call. I love this. I am a Book Publisher/Consultant and am here to help.
01:13:05 Wade Hudson: Sister Hollaway, that’s what we are doing at Just Us Books.
01:13:42 Nzingha Nommo: AWP, will you consider drop shipping to our end customers?
01:14:16 Faith Knight: How successfully are you using social media publicists who know the ropes?
01:15:03 CP: is anyone looking at the federal relief package for small business…and is there a way that it be coordinated to assist the group
01:16:24 Martin Pratt: international students are going to churches or ngo
01:18:14 Dera Williams: Where is Sankofa Books located again?
01:19:00 Lorielle J. Hollaway, Cultured Books: DC across from Howard University.
01:19:30 Donna Gray-Banks: Sankofa Books 2714 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC
01:20:15 Martin Pratt: Martin Pratt here in Philly I am starting a Black Text News Alert system I would love to include any of your messages in our texts
01:20:31 Greg Thomas: I do wonder now, Shirikiana, if we can continue Book Clubs virtually, for ex., through your YouTube channel. We could share other video links there around books, authors, etc.?
01:23:02 Ron Kavanaugh: We’re doing a virtual book club starting this Tuesday 7pm using Google Hangouts
01:23:05 Carla Du Pree: Please consider filling out this brief survey from Americans for the Arts on the economic impact of Covid-19 which allows your loss to be included as one figure to the federal government in order for them to understand the severity of it all. https://surveys.americansforthearts.org/s3/CoronavirusimpactSurvey. If you’re in Maryland soon they will do their own impact study, along with Listening Sessions that are real talk conversations about the needs of independent artists (who should see themselves as entrepreneurs). This survey is to be seen to represent one voice and the overall impact to our lives and the organizations.
01:25:11 Greg Thomas: It’d be great if everyone here on this call could go to the Sankofa website here and send that letter of support just mentioned by Shrikiana: https://www.events.sankofa.com/
01:25:50 CMH: where can we get more info on virtual book clubs
01:25:52 Martin Pratt: thanks @Greg Done!!
01:26:15 Jessica Cabness: The letter will carry greater import if signed by DC residents only.
01:26:23 Calvin Reid: What is the Wind Rush?
01:26:29 CMH: thanks @ron
01:27:22 Martin Pratt: We have an office near K Street
01:27:41 Greg Thomas: Windrush Generation: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43782241
01:28:08 Calvin Reid: Thank you Greg Thomas!
01:29:02 Sharita Fauche: is there a way to get a list of all on the call who do not mind sharing their information in order to strategize how to support the ecosystem
01:29:35 Donna Gray-Banks: @Sharita, that would be wonderful…wonder how they can make that happen?
01:29:43 cheryl gill: Hello and that you for an opportunity to participate with a question: My question: Is there a compiled list of recommended books and publications that can be suggested to readers in the various age and grade groups elementary, junior high, high school, college and beyond? if yes when can that be located. Thank you Cheryl Gill Riley Cheryl Gill Riley Founder- Howard Moms Club Atlanta Student and Parent Advocacy 770-363-6656 Howardmoms1867@gmail.com cherylgillriley@gmail.com Supporting families through an a-MAZE-ing Howard journey
01:31:22 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Nati: African World Books and Everyone’s Books - Baltimore, ND
01:31:23 Alicia Williams: Cheryl Gill, a great start for these lists can be found on Troy’s website aalbc.com. Others can suggest other wonderful sites too.
01:33:18 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Correction: Everyone’s Place (Baltimore, MD)
01:33:35 Martin Pratt: Texting
01:33:45 Martin Pratt: YouTube
01:33:50 Martin Pratt: WhatsApp
01:34:15 MahoganyBooks: I’d like to share a few ideas we’re executing during this time.
01:34:24 Greg Thomas: For now I believe mail is still considered very safe — so with phone chains and phone orders, mail delivery seems safe for now.
01:34:32 Ms Shirley: The Congressional Black Caucus held a "Coronavirus Response Act Telephone Town Hall on March 20. They are wanting to know how the pandemic is affecting your community, as they develop Phase 3 stimulus package. There is funding for small businesses. Contact Representative Karen Bass at CBC.Events@mail.house.gov or go to her website at https://bass.house.gov.contact/email/
01:34:35 Kelly Starling-Lyons: Hi Cheryl, Agree with Alicia that Troy’s site is a great resource. So is The Brown Bookshelf (www.thebrownbookshelf.com). We’re a team of Black authors and illustrators whose mission is to raise awareness of Black children’s book creators. Check out the archive of our 28 Days Later (annual Black History Month) campaign. 12+ years of spotlights.
01:35:02 Martin Pratt: Partnering with Local Chapters of Urban League Enterprise Centers
01:35:04 Malaika Adero: selling online + traditional direct mail/order via land seems the only alternative to pick-up locations. Maybe we need to have a sub-movement to fill the digital gap.
01:35:17 Jason Vasser-Elong: Maybe the control may come from utilizing your email as well as your networks…helping other writers of color navigate new ways to distribute content.
01:35:22 Yvette Long: how do we find distributors to schools for our books. Can you offer any direction or names of companies that distribute to schools, such as text books.
01:35:39 Donna Craddock: yes Troy!
01:36:05 Sharon D. Johnson: There are free internet service offerings for students (not sure about for elders)
01:36:06 Ron Kavanaugh: Many bookstore went under because of the web bookstores and Amazon
01:36:07 Martin Pratt: if you don’t have a robust email list there are quite a few organizations like 100 Black Men / National Sales Association - Black Organization
01:36:25 Martin Pratt: that could be approached to reach your local area
01:36:26 Donna Craddock: we need a united marketing for black owned bookstore
01:36:31 jack weber: USPS has a media mailing rate and First class rates that are inexpensive shipping of books that I have been using for shipping product.
01:36:44 Donna Craddock: Amazon is a bait and switch
01:36:54 Martin Pratt: Myself and Ella Curry used to virtual book tours
01:37:00 Martin Pratt: We could start that back up
01:37:15 CMH: We need to focus on getting folks online first and foremost; the Digital Divide is real.
01:37:31 Martin Pratt: Scheduled Virtual Book Tours to each of your sites that involved BookClubs and readers
01:37:41 Karen Baker: This is the perfect opportunity to compile a #Trumpflu Black Book reading list to promote encouraging everyone to read more during this time + patronize these Bookstores. I would be happy to promote such a list. Should be a short list.
01:37:49 Calvin Reid: Do you have to own a platform to be able to use it effectively especially when black people all over the platform everyday? We better be using twitter and other social media platforms. Amazon is another question.
01:38:01 Karen Baker: -kymone freeman
01:38:07 Martin Pratt: Yes Malaika definitely !!! SubMovement
01:38:13 Jason Vasser-Elong: I did not realize there was a dark side of Amazon??? Please share…
01:38:26 Greg Thomas: Can we get a link to Troy’s website and that Amazon story???
01:38:32 Martin Pratt: www.aalbc.com
01:38:36 Martin Pratt: Troy Site
01:38:36 Clarence Brown Heart&Soul magazine: as a magazine publisher with 3 web sites I am willing to create resource pages with links to all of our Black book stores
01:38:40 Donna Craddock: ����
01:38:52 Karen Baker: Amazon is Walmart online
01:39:03 Martin Pratt: @Clarence its easy Troy has that list already
01:39:11 Kadija George: What’s app is probably used more internationally than it is in the US but absolutely everyone I know is on what’s app. they use it more than their regular phones. I’m sure some promos can be done by setting up some what’s app groups. Elders also are more familiar with what’s app than other social media as they can also use audio
01:39:15 Karen Baker: evil empire that started by selling books
01:39:54 Martin Pratt: Yes Kadijia !! #WhatsApp is best platform to reach our diaspora
01:40:14 Jason Vasser-Elong: Wow!!!…..the comparison to Walmart paints a picture for me…my challenge as a new writer is getting the work out there and right now, at least for me….Amazon is working for my sales.
01:40:38 ALKEBU LAN Bookstore: Peace everyone, this is Yusef from Alkebu-Lan Images in Nashville
01:41:02 Martin Pratt: @Kadija sorry for misspelling would love to speak with you about your dissertion and using it as a part of our MMCADA digital Summit
01:41:14 Khem Irby: How can HBCU’s promote your businesses?
01:41:18 Martin Pratt: @Kadija http://www.willoughbyavenue.com/mmca-covid-19-impact/
01:41:21 Akbar Watson: Akbar in the house from Pyramid Books
01:41:28 olga: Is there a way to create a combined website to boost the sales of all the book stores and publishing companies?
01:41:58 Donna Craddock: yes ESO Wan
01:41:58 Jason Vasser-Elong: Great idea, Olga!!
01:41:58 Carla Du Pree: Instagram, please don’t underestimate the power of it. Writers, bookclubs are served and get noticed.
01:42:06 Martin Pratt: NY Public Library is using IG Instagram to premiere books - Instagram Stories
01:42:09 Deborah Bernal: Trying to purchase from Sankofa books website and instead i’m only seeing the orders from the café not for the books
01:42:37 Martin Pratt: https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/08/22/instanovels
01:42:40 Karen Baker: it clearly works but shouldn’t be your only platform. This crisis has created an opportunity to hit a reset button to expand everyone’s business on this call.
01:42:41 Faith Knight: Yes Instagram is powerful
01:42:42 Willa Robinson: I use media mail, $2.80 per book up to 13 oz.
01:42:44 Sharon D. Johnson: Also, all the writer/journalists need to write feature stories about these bkstores ����
01:42:53 Irene Briggs: I purchase items from We Buy Black, has anyone considered linking to that group?
01:43:18 Martin Pratt: InstaNovels - is a framework for books that Black Books are NOT being setup for
01:43:33 Greg Thomas: You can call into Sankofa Books too if you are having a problem and this page doesn’t not do it for you: https://www.events.sankofa.com/shop
01:43:56 jack weber: I have been following the USPS closely because they are our most important connection to my customer. So far they are delivering and I believe will continue to keep the mail moving.
01:44:28 Jason Vasser-Elong: Gotcha…I am willing and eager to align my life as an author help black bookstores and publishers. My publisher is a small press, ran by a black woman out of NY….
01:44:32 Kadija George: The very same thing happened with New Beacon Books. once they said that they may have to close - that is when everyone rallied around and BBC responded and did a short video as well. I can send that to folks
01:44:53 Martin Pratt: I also think we have forgotten about Flyers … Bookstores could use Postcards like we used to do with Street Teams Flyer Distribution
01:45:10 Donna Craddock: ABA did a Hugh initiative to promote indie stores we need to take the same energy to push more consumers to black bookstores, authors, publishers, etc …
01:45:22 Willa Robinson: Also, what the USPS clerks will tell you that media mail takes up to 7 days or longer. Unless there is a holiday, delivery is usually less than 7 days.
01:46:05 Martin Pratt: Also https://www.bcala.org/ Black Caucus Librarians Of America also could be a resource
01:46:10 Jeffrey Blair: How do you suspend payments to publishers and distributors?
01:46:30 Eugene Holley: Hi Calvin!
01:47:36 Sharon Langley: Hi,
01:47:38 Sharon Langley: I’m joining you a little late. Another meeting ran a little long
01:47:55 Sharon Langley: good to see everyone
01:48:40 Malaika Adero: Calvin’s point so important: to use existing platforms such as YouTube (Shikrikiana), Twitter—the writing community uses it and leverages influence that way.
01:49:05 Khem Irby: Our school system is having teachers read to students on our public television station.
01:49:40 olga: Our public schools should be encouraged to issue devices to families without devices.
01:49:48 Joy Robinson: "windows and mirrors "
01:49:54 Kadija George: Online Book Festival.
01:50:05 Lynda M Sampson: Center for the Study of
Multicultural Children’s Literature
01:50:18 olga: In order to address the digital divide
01:50:19 Khem Irby: Is there a YouTube channel dedicated to Black books that can showcase the authors to families. Children need to see the authors.
01:50:58 jack weber: Below is what I received Friday from US Post Office regarding delivery service. I also attached the complete email. • How is USPS delivering mail under shelter in place declarations? 
The Postal Service is classified as an essential government service operation, which allows us to continue operations.
• How safe is the mail and mail transport equipment?
Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance continues to indicate there is no evidence the virus is spreading through the mail. According to WHO, the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching the virus from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low. This guidance remains true for mail transport equipment.
01:51:03 Joy Robinson: volume please
01:51:16 Khem Irby: I am shopping more online. The Brown Book Shelf - I will share. Thank you
01:51:26 Sharon D. Johnson: I feature books on my YouTube channel (@TheEmeraldRock).
01:51:57 Yvette Manns: The Brown Bookshelf is absolutely amazing!
01:52:14 Kristina Roberts: What would you suggest for an author with an upcoming publication and are any of the stores mire open to promoting independent authors on their sites that are currently limited to print on demand from Amazon or Ingram?
01:52:34 Kelly Starling-Lyons: Thanks for The Brown Bookshelf love!
01:52:40 Natalie, Black Classic Press: For those interested in audio books (recording, distribution and buying) visit Abantu Audio
01:52:48 Kristina Roberts: more open, I mean
01:52:56 Kevin Johnson: As an author for 19 years, 16 published books and 19 literary awards, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. You are all outstanding professionals. I was at Troy Johnson’s home last summer in Tampa as he walked me through his typical day. Let me what I can do to help. I have to signoff now. Bless you all. www.kevinwaynejohnson.com
01:53:37 jack weber: I use Google advertising words to create website hits and drive folks to my contact page and telephone.
01:53:37 Kadija George: Black History Month in UK is October. There is a heavy literary presence in October so that could be used somehow.
01:53:45 Lynda M Sampson: https://aalbc.com/books/children-list.php
01:53:51 Natalie, Black Classic Press: https://www.abantuaudio.com/
01:53:57 Joy Robinson: Notable Books for a Global Society
01:54:05 Joy Robinson: https://www.clrsig.org/notable-books-for-a-global-society-nbgs.html
01:54:13 Sharon D. Johnson: @Kristina AALBC’s journal did a review of my book in 2017 (I sent a lot of bks to many people). Do your own PR
01:54:19 Akbar Watson: www.pyramidbooks.com
01:55:04 Jason Vasser-Elong: If possible, I would like to pick the brain of one of the publishers on how to market my book and help other writers that could not attend the call..maybe off line. (314) 327-0799 jason vasser-elong
01:56:10 Nzingha Nommo: Are the publishers online willing to consider drop shipping to our customer orders?
01:56:18 Janifer Wilson: Is anyone affiliated with the American Booksellers Association and it’s resources?
01:57:07 Troy Johnson, AALBC: Viral Children’s Book List: https://aalbc.com/books/children.php
01:57:13 Alia Jones: wanted to mention that people are still able to sign up for library card and check out ebooks and access online databases
01:57:46 Alia Jones: that’s one tool that’s still available though physical books can’t be circulated right now
01:57:56 Ibrahim Ahmad: for booksellers who find themselves in financial
01:58:06 Dera Williams: There are a lot of resources and links being shared here. I hope they are captured and shared with all.
01:58:23 Yvette Long: Can we each decide to share one another’s social media links and pages. My text book African American History would greatly benefit our students but how do I better promote this book. Can you all decide to support each other.
01:58:43 Kristina Roberts: Thanks, Sharon. I was really asking for other authors getting a start. I am on under my real name but I am actually Zane. i am concerned about indie authors trying to make it
01:58:48 Tehuti Imhotep at www.wisdombookcenter.com: Tehuti lmhotep,owner at Wisdom Book Center is celebrating 30 years of service in Baltimore City. On retail space is 5116 Liberty Heights Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21207,410.664.1946. www.wisdombookcenter.com
01:58:52 Ibrahim Ahmad: trouble as a result of the current crisis please check out binc (book industry charitable foundation, bincfoundation.org)
01:59:14 Ibrahim Ahmad: they can support staff who end up in trouble, etc
01:59:21 Sharon D. Johnson: ���� @Krista
01:59:24 Khem Irby: All six of my children. Grew up with cell phones/internet. They also do not want to be on platforms with older folk. Instagram/SnapChat is has become a major way of speaking to this generation.
01:59:31 Kristina Roberts: social media is important
02:00:09 Calvin Reid: This week Calvin interviews illustrator Anika Orrock, author of ‘The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League’ from Chronicle Books, a graphic history of the legendary women’s baseball league that flourished from 1943-1954 (depicted in a 1992 film). Plus on Star Gazing, graphic novel reviews editor Meg Lemke discusses Bishakh Som’s debut collection ‘Apsara Engine’ (Feminist Press), and Derf Backderf’s ‘Kent State: Four Dead In Ohio’ (Abrams ComicArts).
02:00:16 Kadija George: People can also pay via smartphones
02:00:42 Yvette Long: Sorry, my book is African American History: The Untold Stories it’s a text book that has demonstrated to be extremely helpful and valuable to our youth. As a new author, how do I better promote this book to the stores on this call?
02:00:47 Calvin Reid: Pleas ignore that post. I’m not sure how it got there
02:00:52 Greg Thomas: Social media also promotes actual illiteracy and blind consumerism and many of the other values that Black books are writing against. So it is a contradiction at best and has tremendous drawbacks, requiring serious strategy when engaged.
02:01:34 Cheryl Willis Hudson_Just Us Books: Activity guides for our children’s trade books are available from http://justusbooks.com
02:01:42 Martin Pratt: BlackAndMobile delivers here in Philly and Detroit
02:01:58 Martin Pratt: he is open to black business delivery
02:02:02 Sharon D. Johnson: Great conversation! I need to sign off (take care, @James Fugate; hope to see you soon). Thanks, Paul and team! ✊������
02:02:24 Calvin Reid: we need to to use social media. Those likes you see are people. Don’t sleep on Tiktok! Figure out how to use it to you advantage
02:02:47 Tehuti Imhotep at www.wisdombookcenter.com: l think we should have this coming together or chat every quarter or 4x a year.
02:03:00 Kristina Roberts: That depends on how you use social media. I am about to teach a free online creative writing class to more than 400 kids, which definitely promotes literacy.
02:03:14 MahoganyBooks: Thank you so much for this space. Thank you All for this conversation and space to connect.
02:03:20 Dawn Anthony: This has been fantastic! Thank you
02:03:28 Dawn Anthony: PLEASE DO!
02:03:30 Jason Vasser-Elong: Can the moderator email a list of resources to the participants.
02:03:30 Monda Webb: I agree with Ramunda and Troy of the importance of leveraging Social Media to raise awareness and increase sales. Real Estate Mogul Ryan Serhant and Motivational Speaker Gary Van der Zee swear by social media. If a business takes advantage of the analytics provided by InstaGram, they can effectively manage sales and advertising campaigns and discover new audiences.
02:03:39 Tehuti Imhotep at www.wisdombookcenter.com: conversation every 4 quarter.
02:03:58 Dawn Anthony: YESSS
02:04:00 Lark Sontag: yes
02:04:01 Nzingha Nommo: yes yes yes!!!
02:04:01 Greg Thomas: YES
02:04:02 Jason Vasser-Elong: Saint Louis representing too…lol
02:04:05 Yvette Manns: Yes! Let’s keep going!
02:04:07 Ron Kavanaugh: yes
02:04:08 Willa Robinson: Yes,
02:04:10 Clarence Brown Heart&Soul magazine: yes
02:04:10 Tara Minter: Yes.
02:04:11 Ms Shirley: Sounds great!
02:04:11 MahoganyBooks: Amen Monda! The data is there for us to serve those of the community who do have access to social media.
02:04:11 olga: yes please
02:04:12 Fatima Shaik: Yes. I’m just a listner, but yes!
02:04:12 Miriam Zanders: yes
02:04:16 Adrienne Ingrum: Yes!
02:04:22 Aza Smith: Yes!
02:04:24 Jeff Lewis: yes
02:04:27 Brett hewitt: yes
02:04:29 Rochon Perry: That’s fine. This call and information is very important!
02:04:41 Kristina Roberts: Yes!
02:04:43 Brian Leonard: Please do.
02:04:50 Rochon Perry: and Me is Rochon Perry from Cedar Grove Publishing in San Francisco.
02:05:14 Troy Johnson, AALBC: A Legend!
02:05:25 Janifer Wilson: yes
02:05:42 Greg Thomas: ***There has been a lot of info and links shared in the Chat. Can the moderators who are recording share the transcript or the info in the Chat???
02:05:46 Joy D.: Baba!
02:05:46 Kristina Roberts: This call was a great idea. You should do this on a monthly basis.
02:05:51 Brett hewitt: yes
02:05:59 Martin Pratt: Yes
02:06:04 Kassahun Checole: Let’s keep in touch via our web site and email: africaworldpressbooks.com or kchecole@awprsp.com
02:06:06 Joy D.: We miss you in St. Louis!!!
02:06:07 Whit Frazier: This panel of black booksellers, writers, academics, thinkers, social media experts and readers is exciting and inspiring! This needs to be the first of many such meetings/gatherings!
02:06:32 Alia Jones: I agree
02:06:42 Yvette Manns: I agree @Whit Frazier
02:06:46 Sharon Langley: Especially if the “shut down” goes for longer than expected.
02:06:52 Calvin Reid: I don’t know what to say. Social media on one platform or another is how people communicate today. People write stupid print books as well but we don’t give up books. if you use a platform well you can connect people to black resources, authors and more very cheaply and on a mass level. Because thats where black folk are. Its not the only way but its important. Black people are already there.
02:07:07 Kadija George: Yes, regular would be great - 30-60 mins earlier if possible
02:07:13 Sharon Langley: How do we develop ways to get books into peoples’ hands’
02:07:29 Sharon Langley: I like Mahogany’s idea of curb side book deliver
02:07:43 Kassahun Checole: Calvin, I agree with you we can make better use of social media.
02:07:46 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: yes, this definately should happen again. this was great and hopefully everyone’s info can be shared…..
02:07:46 Satia Orange: BCALA 50th anniversary in Tulsa in August. Perhaps re- visit opportunity to continue that historic connection.
02:09:26 Troy Johnson, AALBC: Another Legend!
02:09:31 Rochon Perry: Rochon from Cedar Grove (www.cedargrovebooks.com) - Would it be possible for there to be a master calendar of some sort for events?
02:09:33 Khem Irby: I just bought books from JustUS Books. I am trying to encourage our middle/high school students. I am working with a media specialist at a high school to build our library.
02:09:36 Monda Webb: Yes, Ramunda. My heart breaks with the disparaging statistics of black and brown people when it comes students who pursue Technology, IT and AI channels. To your point, the majority of people have and use smart phones all over the world. As a matter of fact, Jeffrey Katzenberg from Disney is starting a new digital cell phone only entertainment platform next month called Quibi. (www.quibi.com) People are adapting and changing to the times, and I believe we can mitigate the digital divide chasm with the right strategies and resources.
02:09:43 Tanya Wright: @calvinreid there needs to ways to create (esp. video) story around the book itself. Customers demand multiple touch points.
02:09:59 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Futher ideas, comments and questions can be sent to: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com
02:10:29 Calvin Reid: Who is this bookseller?
02:10:47 Natalie, Black Classic Press: The Source in Detroit
02:10:48 Khem Irby: Public schools need help with advocating for funding for books in schools. We cannot afford to buy books so many materials are now digital.
02:11:23 Sharon Langley: yes
02:11:27 Khem Irby: Black book owners should also become MWBE qualified to do business with our schools.
02:11:28 Sharon Langley: I agree with you
02:11:38 Carla Du Pree: YES!!!!! I COULDN’T say it loud enough!
02:11:41 Calvin Reid: thanks Natalie
02:11:45 Ron Kavanaugh: those grants are your tax dollars coming back to the community
02:11:45 MahoganyBooks: I agree @Calvin Reid. We MUST take advantage of social media it as the numbers are powerfully for us. As I mentioned via Nielsen, 90% of black households consist of users with a smartphone. Not a regular phone, but a smart phone with internet accesss.
02:11:48 Carla Du Pree: Re grants!
02:11:49 Jacqueline Jones: someone mentioned black audio book publisher. Please repeat the name…
02:11:50 Kassahun Checole: need to develop a list of all black publishers and book sellers and distribute to all
02:12:19 Calvin Reid: Yes, @MahoganyBooks I will check out your site
02:12:23 Sharon Langley: Can we please distribute to chat transcript to everyone on the call?
02:12:33 Yusef, Alkebu-lan Images: We have to drop but we’re looking forward to furthering this discussion!
02:12:45 Katura Hudson, Just Us Books: I think we can do that Sharon
02:12:58 Dawn Anthony: Absorbing everything…mobilizing…NC
02:13:11 Greg Thomas: How many smartphone uses actually use their phones for anything educational rather than mindless entertainment? It’s a much small percentage and this fact must be faced. Teachers know this and it’s a major struggle.
02:13:18 Khem Irby: The Dot Book Shop - Fort Worth, TX - Family owned
02:13:28 Sharon Langley: Thanks Katura!
02:13:31 Dawn Anthony: I little muffled: The dock?
02:13:38 Dawn Anthony: The dot..got it
02:13:41 nati nataki: Dock bookshop
02:13:46 Teka Lark: The apps must be easy to use. People will use the app for lit, if it is easy to use.
02:13:54 Natalie, Black Classic Press: https://www.thedockbookshop.com/
02:14:06 MahoganyBooks: So true Monda, I agree! 54% of our population are digital natives (Nielsen 2018) This means we have lived our entire lives online. The goal is to have social media and online be a SLICE of your portfolio, not your only platform. Instagram is our platform of choice (31K subscribers), and our demographics there are 25-55 years old so we are indeed there.
02:14:18 LG K20 PLUS: Could you please send a follow-up re all the speakers and their stores. I am in the San Francisco Bay Area and I plan to write a story. Lastly, was Marcus Books invited? Founder Dr. Raye Richardson just made her transition. thanks!
Wanda Sabir
02:14:34 Dawn Anthony: Thanks “Dock”
02:15:52 Khem Irby: Please share your links with A Black Education Network and with Racial Justice Now - These two groups are doing great work with teachers are education equity advocates.
02:15:54 Dawn Anthony: Please send resource reading list:
02:16:02 Jason Vasser-Elong: Praying indeed and thank you all for all you do and for bringing us together…
02:16:20 Calvin Reid: Hey Ethelbert
02:16:20 Dawn Anthony: Reading list: dnamuzic@gmail.com
02:16:21 MahoganyBooks: We have to be ok thinking outside the box. Thank you so much for having MahoganyBooks.com be part of this conversation. We’re excited about the possibility of continuing to stretch the idea of what black bookselling looks like
02:16:22 Kadija George: I’ll inform New Beacon Books, hopefully they can join the next call. They have the George Padmore Institute ( a foundation) above the store so they are also home to at the archive of New Beacon Books and the archive, mainly from John La Rose. Please check it out.
02:16:31 Ms Shirley: Just want to say thank you. Love the platform and look forward to engaging further in the future!
02:16:40 Carla Du Pree: Yes, Ethelbert! Thank you!
02:16:55 Teka Lark: Why can’t we all be a coop?
02:17:11 Eugene Holley: Speak Ethelbert!
02:17:55 Trylonda Whytus: reframe your thinking. use this as a positive opportunity to be better. I can happen. think positive and it will.
02:18:00 Calvin Reid: Yes I got it!!!!!!
02:18:04 Akbar Watson: One of these days we will get real and become aware that ABA is not part of our world.
02:18:05 Teka Lark: If we were a coop, we could survive. If every organization joined together, we could survive down periods.
02:18:14 Khem Irby: Are your stores eligible for Grab N Go sites for families? This could keep your businesses essential.
02:18:21 MahoganyBooks: Thank you Ethlerbert! We are indeed online en masse. Our community are looking for us and we’ve got to step out and new ideas.
02:18:24 Calvin Reid: I’m muted but I’m talking
02:18:27 Fatima Shaik: Thank you panelists.
02:18:37 Sharon Langley: @sharonelangley
02:18:42 Sharon Langley: on twitter
02:18:45 Sharon Lucas: Thank you. This has been very informative and I will share the information with my book club chain.
02:18:48 Kadija George: We also recently have had a pop up children’s book store.
02:18:49 Brett hewitt: positivevibesva.com
02:18:52 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: www.jnfenterprises.com
02:18:53 Sharon Langley: @sharonlangley on IG
02:18:58 Martin Pratt: @lmjpratt
02:18:59 Sharon Langley: @sharonlangleybooks on FB
02:19:01 Donna Gray-Banks: www.donnamgraybanks.net www.freshbookfestivals.net
02:19:01 Nzingha Nommo: excellent commentaries.. so thankful for this idea to bring us all together
02:19:05 Tanya Wright: www.hairiette.com
02:19:10 Martin Pratt: @L Martin Johnson Pratt on Facebook
02:19:10 Sherese Francis: Thank you everyone! I am a poet and author. You can find out more about my work at futuristicallyancient.com
02:19:15 Tonya Ellis: Thanks for the invite. This has been great! Middle Grade Children’s Author Tonya Duncan Ellis The Sophie Washington Series www.tonyaduncanellis.com
02:19:15 Akua HOPE: This has been most affirming! http://www.akualezlihope.com
02:19:16 Brett hewitt: @positivevibesva
02:19:18 Trylonda Whytus: try to get connected with the younger group to expand
02:19:19 Erika Walcott: Thank you for this conversation, it was informational…
02:19:20 Fatima Shaik: @FShaik1 Twitter New book coming out next year.
02:19:26 Martin Pratt: @PhillyYourBlackNews
02:19:27 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Follow-up messages can be sent to:the blackbookcommunity@gmail.com
02:19:28 Donna Gray-Banks: How do we stay connected with the people on this call?
02:19:34 Tanya Wright: @tanyattwright on twitter
02:19:42 Sharon Langley: I’m working on a family guide for reading for my book A RIDE TO REMEMBER by myself and Amy Nathan, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
02:19:43 Martin Pratt: can We PLEASE get this CHAT Record
02:19:44 Willa Robinson: Outstanding call. Thank you.
02:19:50 Linda Holmes: fantastic! lindajholmes.net
02:19:51 Sherese Francis: Please send the transcript of the chat to everyone
02:19:56 Yvette Manns: Hello, I am a self published first time author, of a book entitled,HBCU Proud. On instagram, check out @HBCUProudBook . I am currently working on my next book and I am inspired by authors Kelly Starling Lyons and Sharon Langley, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the NCTE conference.
02:19:59 Natalie, Black Classic Press: This session is being recorded
02:20:01 Martin Pratt: This Chat record is super invaluable
02:20:04 Akua HOPE: Yes! We are the ones we’ve been looking for!
02:20:05 Marco Garcia: @marcoxantonio of @whosdoris let’s connect!
02:20:08 Yvette Manns: My website is www.HBCUProudBook.com
02:20:09 Deshanda Curtain-Rodney: www.afriwarebooks.com
02:20:13 Natasha Tarpley: Thanks for this needed and informative call! Author Natasha Tarpley: www.natashatarpleywrites.com
02:20:18 Malaika Adero: A Black Woman Did That by Malaika Adero. I’ve written a reader’s guide to help my readers 8 years old and above exploring my subjects further. Go to www.aalbc.com and www.malaikaadero.com. Thank you for being here. We will power on.
02:20:20 Miriam Zanders: Thank you all for this connection.
02:20:22 Teka Lark: I am a poet and children’s book author. My website will be updated by this evening. But here is my twitter. https://twitter.com/willstartsmall
02:20:26 Alia Jones: @readitrealgood on Twitter
02:20:26 Mary Taris: Yes, “speak with one voice!”
02:20:28 Brian Leonard: www.civilrightsuniversity.com
02:20:29 Dera Williams: I have a preview book of childhood stories of growing up in Oakland. It was released in January and the full collection will be available late fall. good for adults and middle school up.
02:20:30 Sharon Langley: I will read the story online for children and their families. (Last week, there were quite a few, so I will probably do mine in the next week or so.)
02:20:30 Yvette Manns: Thank you to everyone here for providing hope and insight for the next generation of inspiring authors!
02:20:33 Lori Simon: An incredible powerful inspiring call.
02:20:34 Kelly Starling-Lyons: Such a wonderful gathering. Thank you! Here’s my author site - www.kellystarlinglyons.com. I write easy readers, picture books and chapter books. Latest book Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon. New book debuts April 1 - Tiara’s Hat Parade. Inspired by all of you.
02:20:36 Nkechi Taifa: www.BlackPowerBlackLawyer.com. upcoming memoir by Nkechi Taifa memoir. Join the mailing list. This is the Nkechi who wrote Shining Legacy about Black heroes and heroines and The Adventures of Kojo and Ama, both over 35 years ago!
02:20:51 Kristina Roberts: hey Malaika!
02:21:00 Tricia Cochee: From Tricia Cochee in Los Angeles:Pre-orders here for The Orisha Talks: Tales of Lust, Love, and Herstorical Memory - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/OrishaTalksTheBook?locale.x=en_US
02:21:11 Dera Williams: https://www.amazon.com/.. [Editor’s Note: Sorry AALBC does not link to Amazon unless it is an paid advertisement]]
02:21:16 Akua HOPE: Yay, Malaika!
02:21:17 Monda Webb: This is history in the making. Understanding that everyone who creates during this unpr
02:21:22 Kadija George: @sablelitmag // infosablelitmag@gmail.com
02:21:29 Fatima Shaik: In the short term, will we all have the chat transcript so that we can follow one another on social media platforms?
02:21:34 Carla Du Pree: As part of our 17th CityLit Festival, we were poised to support over 80 poets and writers on March 21st. We hope to use our platforms to celebrate those authors with new books in a different and engaging way. We think it’s imperative that organizations that have events work out ways to support booksellers and artists. I would also strongly advise people to contact their arts councils and loudly voice their needs. Real talk, places like Maryland are listening. One voice is a huge thing and will make a big difference in getting the support artists and small businesses need.
02:21:34 Yvette Manns: Social Media has been an AMAZING tool for me to connect and engage with readers and supporters of all ages! I strongly advocate for the *strategic* use of FB, IG and YT to spread awareness!
02:21:38 Whit Frazier: Great panel here and wonderful discussion. Links to my books and to academic projects can be found at whitfrazier.com
02:21:53 Dera Williams: Unveiled by La Rhonda Crosby-Johnson
02:22:03 LG K20 PLUS: thanks so much. wandaspicks.com, sfbayview.com, maafasfbayarea.com
02:22:12 Katura Hudson, Just Us Books: Katura Hudson - @arutak1 across social. I post a lot about books. New Edition too :-)
02:22:17 Sharon Langley: Yes,
02:22:19 Jeffrey Blair: Yes, having a special day or unified hashtag to promote all our stores
02:22:25 Marc Little: Marc Curtis Little. I am taking this time to shore up my current platforms, extend my reach to new consumers and improve my next release. I am making a more strategic effort to build relationships with African American online bookstores and brick and mortar stores. You can make contact with me at www.marclittlewrites.com.
02:22:27 Greg Thomas: THE TRANSCRIPT
02:22:33 Tricia Cochee: Thank you to the organizers and panelists, for making this happen!
02:22:38 Khem Irby: Replay the conversation
02:22:40 DORIEL LARRIER: Live stream support, or interview to get your store out there, bit.ly/pushthelivebutton
02:22:42 Sharon Langley: You can save the chat in a text format and email it like a document, just like you invited us to attend the meeting
02:22:44 Calvin Reid: Is this call being archived?
02:22:45 Greg Thomas: THE RECORDING
02:22:49 Satia Orange: why not select a black bookstore week?
02:22:58 Brian Leonard: https://www.amazon.com … [Editor’s Note: Sorry AALBC does not link to Amazon unless it is an paid advertisement]]
02:23:01 Dera Williams: You can get some of the resources from the chat tape after the meeting.
02:23:08 Jason Vasser-Elong: https://2leafpress.org/online/?s=jason+vasser-elong
02:23:09 Marc Little: I forgot thank the organizers of this conversation. Thank you!
02:23:18 Khem Irby: Black Book Café - 3rd Fridays
02:23:26 Kelly Starling-Lyons: Black Bookstore Week is a great idea.
02:23:28 Fatima Shaik: Can we just copy the chat? Copy and paste into Word?
02:23:29 Martin Pratt: I am volunteering
02:23:37 MahoganyBooks: We’d love to connect: www.mahoganybooks.com Instagram: @mahoganybooks. Twitter @mahoganybooks. Facebook,@mahoganybooks Curbside Service 12-4 Wed-Fri, #blackbooks2go. You can call 2020.844.2062 if you don’t have the internet. Thank you again #blackbookfamily
02:23:42 Monda Webb: As I was saying, everyone who creates something during this unprecedented period, is making history. We should be cognizant enough to realize just how important this is, so our work will be a purposeful about how we go down in the annals of history. The new Renaissance. You can find me on Amazon, Monda Raquel Webb, author and poet.
02:23:51 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: send a email blast to gather info of everyone. then get folks into a digital directory for all of us.
02:24:01 Jason Vasser-Elong: Jason Vasser-Elong, author of Shrimp, a collection of poetry https://2leafpress.org/online/?s=jason+vasser-elong
02:24:02 Marco Garcia: wetransfer.com is good for sharing large files
02:24:05 Mary Taris: https://www.strivepublishing.com/books/celebrating-the-sistas
02:24:11 Kristina Roberts: @planetzane on Instagram
02:24:27 jack weber: Using a FTP site or Hightail will allow for a large file transfer.
02:24:28 Natalie, Black Classic Press: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com
02:24:33 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: www.wetransfer.com can be used for snding the file.
02:24:40 Clarence Brown Heart&Soul magazine: you should be able to share the transcript thru Dropbox
02:25:01 Katura Hudson, Just Us Books: Just Us Books is justusbooks.com and @justusbooks across social
02:25:02 Troy Johnson, AALBC: So many Legendary book people in this conversation!
02:25:07 Fatima Shaik: Thank you.
02:25:12 Kristina Roberts: Planetzane@gmail.com if anyone wants some help or suggestions from me.
02:25:56 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Follow-up email from the organizers of this session can be sent to: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com
02:26:03 Martin Pratt: the Owner of the meeting can only save the chat
02:26:04 Dawn Anthony: The Gift Way Up in The Closet by Dawn Anthony… thank you for enlightening me about how to regain my nose! Website: DawnAnthonysings.com (Taking my power back during this quarantine!)
02:26:04 Jeffrey Blair: Eyeseeme African American Children’s Bookstore, St, Louis, MO;
www.eyeseeme.com
@eyeseeme
@eyeseeme_bookstore

02:26:06 Martin Pratt: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115004792763-Saving-In-Meeting-Chat
02:26:12 Carla Du Pree: Just Us Books, you are a blessing!
02:26:20 Willa Robinson: www.kp-pub.com, publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. We’re are accepting submissions.
02:26:27 Teka Lark: Love the Just Us Book Background.
02:26:29 Sister Rekhet: www.InBlackInk.org
02:26:45 Akua HOPE: I loved, loved, loved seeing you faces, Fam. This has been ambrosia, comfort, just to see your faces and hear your voices. I needed this. Thank you so much!
02:27:03 Leroy Mckenzie Jr.: jnfenterprises@yahoo.com if anyone seeking book marketing branding suggestions….
02:27:11 Dawn Anthony: Yes please…
02:27:27 Greg Carr: Thanks for this call. Schedule another soon. Teachers can and should drive our students to purchase books from Black booksellers online. This is a group that will be looking for materials. We can do this across platforms
02:27:30 Marco Garcia: yes pleaseee
02:27:30 Martin Pratt: Definitely want to take the conversation to next level …. #VOLUNTEERHERE
02:27:48 LG K20 PLUS: don’t forget Marcus Books and Dr. Raye Richardson
02:27:52 Natalie, Black Classic Press: Follow-up email from this session: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com
02:28:06 Dawn Anthony: Absolutely…knowledge needed-most valuable
02:28:06 Kassahun Checole: From Kassahun Checole to Everyone
02:28:12 Sharon Langley: theblackbookcommunity@gmail.com?
02:28:27 Dera Williams: Yes, we must mention Dr. Raye Richardson’s transition
02:28:30 Lynda M Sampson: Thank you so much for organizing this event!
02:28:38 ELIYOU: Children’s book author writing books that teach children to read and write in a fun and interactive way. Angela Page www.angelakpage
02:28:45 ELIYOU: com
02:28:49 Sharon Langley: Thank you for organizing this call. Much appreciated
02:29:10 ELIYOU: www.angelakpage.com
02:29:19 Jason Vasser-Elong: Dido…much, much appreciated.
02:29:28 Fatima Shaik: I appreciate this social media call because it is very hard to get time to get together in person.
02:30:07 Alia Jones: this was great. thanks to you all and good luck with everything. be safe
02:30:31 Carla Du Pree: I’d like to have a list of all the black booksellers in Maryland for possible future collaborations. citylitproject.org
02:30:36 Marco Garcia: thank you for this event
02:30:38 Whit Frazier: Thank you!!!!
02:30:45 Donna Gray-Banks: Thank you
02:30:46 Walid Petiri: thank you!
02:30:53 Carla Du Pree: THANK YOU!!!!
02:30:55 Kristina Roberts: Thanks for this.
02:30:56 Khem Irby: I am not an author, but I am a parent and an elected school board member, so this information will be pushed out to Greensboro, ,NC - Guilford County Schools. Feel free to contact me if you want to connect irbyk@gcsnc.com Khem Irby
02:30:57 Monda Webb: Thank you!
02:30:57 Tara Minter: Thank you!
02:30:59 Aza Smith: Thank you!
02:31:00 Joy D.: WELL, DONE!
02:31:03 Lori Simon: Thank you everyone for such an inspiring call.
02:31:04 Brian Leonard: Thanks to everyone
02:31:15 Irene Briggs: Thank you so much!!!
02:31:17 Ron Kavanaugh: This was great. Thank you!
02:31:20 Kristina Roberts: great job!
02:31:24 Dawn Anthony: We AINT GOIN’ TIL YOU LEAVE!
02:31:25 Joy D.: WELL DONE! WE care!!!
02:31:29 Malaika Adero: Thank you all. malaika.adero@gmail.com.
02:31:33 Kelly Starling-Lyons: Thank you! Loved the conversation and energy. Appreciate all of the organizers and everyone who participated.
02:31:35 Dera Williams: Please mention Dr. Raye Richardson of Marcus Book store
02:31:36 Marcia Fleming: Thank you all very much! I feel very privileged to be able to listen in and participate in this conversation!
02:31:37 Nzingha Nommo: www.afriwarebooks.com
02:31:40 Tanya Wright: blkbutterflyinc@aol.com
02:31:40 Mary Taris: Thank you all so much for sharing your time, ideas, and positive energy.
02:31:42 Calvin Reid: so long eveyone thanks
02:31:43 David Washington: David Washington, self-published author, Smashwords.com/books/view/884130 Thank You
02:31:43 Yvette Manns: Good Night!
02:31:44 olga: Thanks
02:31:48 Jacqueline Jones: Thank you
02:31:50 Clarence Brown Heart&Soul magazine: thanks
02:31:50 Terry Taylor: good night
02:31:52 Dawn Anthony: Good night!
02:31:53 Kadija George: great meeting everyone. thank you
02:32:01 Kadija George: what’s the email again please
02:32:03 Marcia Fleming: Good night to you all!
02:32:04 Rochon Perry: Good night from Rochon @ Cedar Grove.