Report The National African American Cultural Expo 1999

AA Cultural Expo Author’s Pavilion
The National African American Cultural Expo™ - 1999

Troy at the Expo
Troy Johnson, Founder, AALBC.com

First let me thank everybody who attended the National African American Cultural Expo held at the Pennsylvania Convention in Philadelphia, PA on June 25 to June 27 1999, and stopped by to say "hello".  It was indeed a pleasure to meet, face to face, some of the many visitors and friends of AALBC.com.

Next, I’d like to thank Ron Kavanaugh, Editor in Chief of Mosaic Magazine for sharing Mosaic’s booth with AALBC.com.

Click to subscribe to Mosaic Magazine
Ron Kavanaugh
Editor in Chief
Mosaic Magazine

The Authors Pavilion of The National African American Cultural Expo™, was one of the best opportunities to meet, hear, and learn about a large number of authors in one place.  

Some of the more than 30 authors, who read and signed books, included E. Lynn Harris, LaJoyce Brookshire, Omar Tyree, Gwynne Forster, Donna Hill, Colin Channer, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Tajuana "TJ" Butler. 

Click here to view some author photos taken at the event.

For you poetry lovers, there was plenty for you to enjoy as well.   The Poets Showcase headlined Nikki Giovanni, Gil Scott-Heron, and Sonya Sanchez.  Other poets included Tonya Matthews, Winner of the first BlackWords Grand Slammin’, Camika Spencer, author "When All Hell Breaks Loose", Gweny Love, Danko, the Twin Poets and more. 

If that was not enough:  Kwame Alexander, CEO of BlackWords Publishing and Omar Tyree, author of "Single Mom" held a workshop on how to get published.   Dr. Marcellus Walker, author of "Natural Healing for African Americans" held a seminar on the subject.

QBR - Max & Linda
Max Rodriquez, Publisher and Linda Duggins,
Ad & Marketing Manager for QBR

Many of our favorite literary magazines had representatives present: Mosaic Magazine, Black Issues Book Review, QBR, American Legacy were present and either giving magazines away or providing deep discounts.   I’m sure I must have picked up at least 10 different magazines!

I’ve only mentioned the Author’s Pavilion; but the whole event was extraordinary.  In addition to the Author’s Pavilion and Poet’s Showcase, there were film screenings, a Soul Food Pavilion, Black Inventions Museum, a Health Pavilion, a Children’s Clubhouse, appearances by Negro league players and Tuskegee Airmen in the Living Legends area.  Dick Gregory and the Reverend Leon Sullivan gave keynote addresses.  There were numerous other activities, vendor booths, performances and prizes — I’m sure I missed a few things.

In fact, the number of excellent events leads to my only minor complaint about the Expo: At times the noise of the surrounding events was distracting in the Author’s Pavilion.  Also, there was so much to do and see, at the same time, some of the author’s readings were poorly attended.  Despite this, all of the authors were extremely accommodating, spoke above the noise, signed books and really helped to allow those who attended to really enjoy themselves. 

My hat goes off to the producers of this event, Inner City Events, I really enjoyed the what I saw and wished I could have taken advantage of everything that was available.  I anxiously look forward to next year’s event. — Troy Johnson

 

National African American Cultural Expo
Produced by Inner City Events

6228 North 8th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19126

Tel: 215.549.1600   —   Fax: 215.224.9840  —   natlaace@aol.com

 

Related Links

Author Photos taken at the Event


Last Updated: Thursday, December 14, 2017