Freeport, Long Island, Harlem Book Fair on Long Island top draw 2000+ Visitors

Freeport, Long Island, Harlem Book Fair on Long Island top draw 2000+ Visitors

Joysetta Pearse
African Atlantic Genealogical Society, Inc.
110 North Franklin Street
Hempstead NY 11550
Phil Andrews Public Relations Director

September 23, 2003

For immediate release:

Freeport, Long Island, Harlem Book Fair on Long Island top draw 2000+ Visitors

Blue skies, a bright shining sun, and gentle, fair winds made Saturday 9/20, a great day for the debut of the Harlem Book Fair on Long Island. Over 2000 people spent that lovely day in the courtyard at the Freeport Recreation Center interacting with local authors and authors from Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, and California.

William F. Glacken, Mayor of the Village of Freeport started the proceedings with words of welcome. Max Rodriguez of QBR -- the Black Book Review, and founder of the Harlem Book Fair brought greetings as did organizers Natalie Connor of the Long Island Partnership for Community Education, and Joysetta Pearse of the African Atlantic Genealogical Society. The main stage was then open to continuous presentations by authors and poets. The audience was particularly affected by the poignant presentation made by Katiadou Diallo, concerning her spiritual journey since the loss of her son, Amadou.

Deborah Gregory, author of The Cheetah Girls" series was swamped with fans and her books were immediately sold out. Michael Baisden, the controversial author and radio show hosts, was greeted by throngs of members of his listening audience. Some had problems with his positions on certain issues, but all were obviously elated at having the opportunity to meet him. His book, too, sold out immediately, and the panel discussion in which he participated was very well attended. It was standing-room-only inside, and a large number of people lined up in the hallway.

Among the other literary professionals present were Colin Bootman, Julius Carmichael, Dr. Juollie Carroll, Wayne Dawkins, Kim Fowler, Nancy Flowers, Dr. Alicia Terry Henderson, Patrick Hylton, Brian Keith Jackson, Bea Joyner, Dr. Lindamichellebaron, Steve Perry, Deirdre Savoy, and, Rev. Dr. Joseph Tucker. Freeport residents and authors Rochelle Alers, Lynda R. Day, Elaine McGrowder, and Denton Watson also attended the Harlem Book Fair on Long Island. To contact us for the 2004 Harlem Book Fair on Long Island you may email us at jpearse1@optonline.net or call Joysetta Pearse at 516-867-7480.