"Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend" - October 17 & 18, 2014 (Bowie, MD)

This weekend I had a blast at the Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend in Bowie, Maryland. The keynote speaker was none other than Kimberla Lawson Roby. I remember the first time I met Kimberla years ago at Borders (when it was still around...sigh) in Largo, MD. She was very warm and welcoming then and she was the same this time around.

Anyway, the weekend was jam packed with activities which started on Friday night with Austin Camacho as the host for the evening. It opened with the first annual book club meeting which featured Author Naleighna Kai and her best selling novel - "Open Door Marriage," followed by 2 panel discussions: 1) Literary Movers & Shakers (Nanette Buchanan, Electa Rome Parks, Earl Sewell, Frances Frost, KL Brady and Shelly Ellis) which was moderated by J'son Lee, and 2) Literary Trailblazers (Rochelle Alers, Nina Foxx, Donna Hill, Kimberla Lawson Roby and Pat G'orge Walker) which was moderated by Harold T. Fisher of WHUR.

The energy and the excitement continued on Saturday. There were more panel discussions: 1) How to Replace the Bookstore in Your Life (Ramunda Young, Martha Ruff, KR Raye, and Edwina Putney) which was moderated by Earl Sewell and 2) How Can Readers Become Influencers in the literary world (Linda Duggins, Nina Foxx, Austin Camacho and Donna Hill) which was moderated by Pamela Samuels Young. Then we had the blessing of the luncheon by Pastor Bettye Watson.

After we enjoyed our meal and discussions with our table mates, Kimberla took to the stage and shared with the audience her journey into the literary world. She was emotional at times because it was indeed a journey but one she shared lovingly through the support of her family! Kudos to her! Kudos also go out to Sharon Lucas, the organizer and President of the Reading Divas Book Club for putting on this fun event!

Here are some photos from the event! For more info, please check out http://www.realdivasread.com/

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