Debut in South Florida with AARLCC as a Venue
Lineup includes legedary actor Louis Gossett, Jr., actor Taye Diggs, actor & activist Isaiah Washington and Cedella Marley, entrepreneur & daughter of Bob Marley
On November 18 and 19, 2011, legendary Oscar Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr., actor-turned-activist Isaiah Washington, actor Taye Diggs, and daughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, Cedella Marley, will headline the inauguration of The Soul of South Florida Book Expo. The Expo is the premier event in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach area specifically targeting authors and readers of color. This family-oriented event will be held at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale.
The Soul of South Florida Book Expo will begin with a star-studded kick-off gala on Friday, November 18, 2011 featuring “An Evening with the Stars” beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for this Red Carpet Reception will be $60 ($75 at the door) and includes a signed copy of a book from your choice of author. For tickets or more information, call the Oracle Group International, a literary event production company, at 954-793-6401 or email info@theoraclegroup.net; or purchase tickets online at www.theoraclegroup.net.
On Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., patrons will enjoy a day-long expo which will host authors, music, vendors and children's activities. This free event is produced by The Oracle Group International and co-sponsored by the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, a facility that houses research, special collections, a cultural center, museum and a public library all under the same roof. The Expo is free and open to the public; however, due to the expected crowds, prior registration is encouraged.
In addition to Cedella Marley and Louis Gossett, Jr., authors slated to appear at the Expo on Saturday include best-selling author Victoria Christopher Murray, and highly acclaimed young adult author L. Divine.
Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last survivor of the Twin Towers collapse on September 11, 2001, will also be at AARLCC to talk about her book, “Angel in the Rubble.”
Speaking on behalf of the publishing side of African-American and Afro-Caribbean literature is Haitian-born Yona Deshommes, publicity manager for Simon & Schuster who works with best-selling authors like Zane, TD Jakes, Nicola Kraus and rapper/actor Common. Deshommes will be providing insider tips and helpful hints for aspiring novelists and self-published authors.
Expo participants can meet and hear first-hand from their favorite authors, get books signed and have photos taken.
Vendors are encouraged to register for this event and give the public an opportunity to buy food, books and music and provide activities for children. For more information, call 954-357-6224.
The Soul of South Florida Book Expo takes place during a weekend filled with book events in the South Florida area. This highly anticipated event was established to complement the current activities while making its mark as the go-to event for readers who enjoy books by and about people of color. “I am excited about the caliber of distinguished cultural leaders, forward-thinking participants, and the celebration of diversity this event will bring to the community,” said event founder and principal of The Oracle Group, Mocha Ochoa. “The South Florida area with its international flair is the perfect platform to showcase the literary arts with history makers who have made such significant contributions in the Diaspora while providing a social narrative about the Black experience.”