Notes On The Harlem Book Fair
Following up on the Harlem Book Fair, here are some of the write-ups I found.
First, from The Ride: To be fair (no pun intended), there are really two Harlem Book Fairs - one that takes place outside on 135th Street between 5th Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and the other which takes place inside the esteemed Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture where noted scholars/authors/intellectuals discuss the larger more complex issues facing African Americans the audience of which is comprised mainly of middle/upper middle class blacks over the age of 35.
Second, Kyle, aka Writer X writes: [T]his year was more troublesome in the sense that I really felt like I was drowning in the tension between the commercial and "girlfriend" fiction booksellers and some older attendees and some of the more "educated" crowd."
Third, author Leila Jefferson writes: OMG!!! That is my initial reaction, lol...it was a great experience!! I was disapppointed I didn't get to walk around and check out everything else that was going on, but I guess I'll get that chance eventually...so many people came by and showed me and my fellow Pilot authors so much love!!
Finally, Ferentz Lafargue writes on The Night Shift Chronicles: This split provided for one of the more entertaining observations for the day. Inside the Schomburg figures such as former congressman J.C. Watts, Walter Mosley, and current congressman Charles Rangel opined in front of the c-span cameras. Meanwhile, outside on 135th a number of the literary entrepreneurs were seen staging their own press-conferences, compiling footage for what they will surely use on sites such as myspace, youtube and other promotional outlets.
Comments
Children's Author/Illustrator-of picture book "Grandma Buddy's House". The Friday's Wheatley Awards were excellent.Great to see Ruby Dee speaking on her husband Ossie Davis. Learned much about Octavia Butler. Great seening Walter Mosley. In 2006 there was an opening ceremony sponsored by a bank. Involved authors were heard and given the opportunity to toot their book on cable tv fantastic refreshments served. This year no pre grand opening. I wish there were opportunity for children's author to be heard and seen by major publishers besides the children's tent. Children's tent attracted people who needed to sit. Hopefully in the future Children's author should be given the opportunity to be in front of children and a forum for children's books. I was at the children's tent. I tooted my book. This year it was larger and more immense crowd. People were everywhere. The Harlem book fair is for the literary intelligencer. I am still glad we have this festival of African American writers.
Posted by: Betty Stallings-Murray | August 2, 2007 06:34 PM
Max Rodriguez of the Harlem Book Fair is a professional conman. Solid Gold Travel has had the unfortunate experience of being conned by him recently, leaving a huge debt and responsibility.
In early 2007, Mr. Rodriguez entered an agreement with the Bermuda Department of Tourism and Solid Gold Travel to sponsor a Cruise to Bermuda for August of 2008. When the time came for Mr. Rodriguez to pay his agreed upon deposit for the Cruise, he submitted 2 consecutive bad checks. After his second check bounced, we reached out to Mr. Rodriguez via phone and email to no response whatsoever. Now, after several months and several attempts to reach him, Mr. Rodriguez will not respond.
In recent conversations, we have found that Mr. Rodriguez has defrauded numerous other businesses and minority organizations.
As minority business owners for over 20 years, we understand the importance and value of the Black Business responsibility and reputation. Max Rodriguez has built a career out of scamming our community and should be held responsible for his actions.
If you or someone you know has been tricked, conned or ripped off by Max Rodriguez of the Harlem Book Fair, we invite you to share your story or contact us at solidbash@aol.com.
Posted by: Solid Gold Travel | December 11, 2007 10:34 PM