Miami Book Fair 2019 owes me nothing.
Actually, that would be an understatement. The Book Fair was a glorious gathering of literature, thought and community. Books, music, food were in order for the week, culminating in the weekend’s Street Fair.
I had the pleasure of sharing poems from my book, And the Walls Came Tumbling, along sid some amazing poets from around the country: Abigail, Chabitnoy, T’ai Freedom Ford and Ashley M. Jones. I was inspired by their passion and the thoughtfulness of their work.
With so many amazing things happening during the Fair, there was a little bit of something for everyone. Besides my reading, I was able to hear from other great voices like Hanif Abdurraqib, Edwidge Danticat and Staceyann Chin.
Being a presenting author with my first published collection of poems was an incredibly special experience. I am thankful to selection committee and those friends and supporters who shared the experience with me.
The Miami Book Fair is the “nation’s premier literary festival,” and continues to grow. Writers from all over descended on the Magic City for commune and conversation. I’m excited about the growth of the Fair and look forward to its continuing efforts to engage the Greater Miami community.
Literature/words/art must be felt/heard/breathed by the people and where the people are.
Literature that is alive and relevant has the potential to transform a people. It need not remain in books on shelves in buildings only visiting by a seldom few.