Report The National African American Cultural Expo 2000

This was the AALBC.com’s second year at the National African American Cultural Expo, which is held every year at the Philadelphia Convention Center. 2000’s event was held June 24th and 25th. This is a very large event was sponsored by Damlier Chyrsler and included scores of vendors, several famous keynote speakers and an author’s pavilion. The Authors pavilion is a real bargain. There are not many events where you can meet and hear so many authors at one time. Authors come from all over the country to attend this event, even though Philadelphia has such a wealth of local talent from which to draw.

Sonia Sanchez
Sanchez is one of the most tireless supporters of our people and of our the art we have created of the language. Here she is moderating a poetry reading. Most of the poets were young and relatively unknown, however Ms. Sanchez listened to each one, intensely, as she always does. Sonia can often be seen at the conclusion of events giving advice, signing books, and motivating writers both young and old - generally she is the last to leave.

If you have not heard Sonia read her work live, you are missing something amazing. Sonia reads with an emotion and intensity that draws you in. See Sonia live the next chance you get.

Karen Quinonnes
Karen is another true success story. Karen through sheer force of will and a good story generated a huge number of sales for her first, self published effort - Satin Doll. Satin Doll, a Blackboard bestseller, is the all time best selling book on Mosaicbooks.com and has one of the highest sales ranking of popular African American novels on Amazon.com. Karen just signed a two book, deal with a major publishing house. Look for more good things from this sister.

Marlena Gasper & Gerren Liles
Marlena: this a young sister, fresh out of Morgan State, is poised to make a big impact on the publishing scene with her publishing company Black Alchemist Press. One of her titles, On the Road to Damascus, by Gerren Liles, a poet whose work is truly inspired. Gerren is also a winner of a BlackWords slam competition.

Tony Lindsay & Kwame Alexander
Tony Lyndsay is the author of the new book One Dead Preacher. One dead preacher is published by BlackWords. BlackWords, President Kwame Alexander has been a strong supporter and partner of AALBC.com since our beginning in early 1998. Learn more about BlackWords

Photo Credits: Troy Johnson, AALBC.com

Frederick Price
Price is seen here giving one of his patented spiritual messages. Mr. Price is the author of many books. He held a standing room crowd captivated Sunday afternoon at the Philadelphia Convention Center

Faith Cottrell & Brian Peterson
Brian is the author of the popular novel Move Over Girl, originally self published, was recently published by Random House. Brian’s book sold amazing well for a first time, self published author - his is a true success story

Ron Kavanaugh & William Cox
Ron and William publish two of the best magazines dedicated to African authors and their books available today (Mosaic Magazine and Black Issues Book Review, respectively). In both of their magazines you’ll find book reviews, and articles on authors, the publishing industry, book clubs and more. Both magazines are a must for avid readers, students of African American literature or anyone interested in what is new in African American literature. Click here read or download an electronic version or subscribe to Mosaic Magazine

Lisa Sheppard
Lisa is a designer and author of African Accents. Notice the quilt in the background — Now you have an idea of the incredible pieces you will be able to create yourself with Lisa’s book African Accents. Click to learn more about African Accents

Tracy Grant & Dorothy M. Hazzard
Tracy Grant is the author of Hellified a coming of age story about several students at Howard University. Dorothy M. Hazzard is the author of She’s Been Blessed