The National Black Writer's Conference

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

You may call this shameless self-promotion, but I prefer to think of it as sharing good news. Tomorrow is the first day of the 11th annual National Black Writer's Conference, and if you live in the New York City area, you should come check it out. And not just because I'll be reading at 12:00pm on Saturday with Jacqueline Luckett and Teju Cole. This year's conference theme is: The Impact of Migration, Popular Culture and the Natural Environment in the Literature of Black Writers. The line-up of speakers, panelists and special events is phenomenal and most events are free and open to the public. The conference runs from Thursday, March 29 - Sunday April 1.

I hope to see some of you there.

Peace!

Her Words as Witness: Women Writers of the African Diaspora

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

If anyone is in the New York City area and wants to go see a truly unique exhibit, they should check out photographer, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn's latest solo show,  Her Words as Witness: Women Writers of the African Diaspora at Restoration Plaza's Skylight Gallery in Brooklyn.

It just opened and I haven't been yet, but just the idea of a visual exhibit honoring 35 contemporary Black female writers from around the world-- many of whom are friends and muses of mine -- makes me want to hop the next train back to Brooklyn.

Some of the writers featured include, Edwidge Danticat, Sonia Sanchez,  Bernice McFadden and Elizabeth Alexander. The exhibit runs through March 31, 2012. For more information and an inspiring taste from the opening reception, check out the slide show on Patch.com.

Enjoy the weekend.

Peace!