Harlem Book Fair
Harlem Book Fair
In mid-July, I was in New York for the 18th annual Harlem book fair; this is an exciting time for me because it gives me the opportunity to connect with like-minded artist. Leading to me arriving in New York, people kept telling me, “Mine yuh kno git shot, from dey bwoy dem” or “They’re protesting all over New York and the cops will think you’re African American and kill you.” But I ignored all that because I hate scare tactics and don’t follow those propaganda pieces from CNN and “Faux” news. A lot of African-Americans have been catching hell recently, and I believe the whole world should be showing them more love, but I digress.
This was also an important event because in the last few years, the number of Afrocentric book stores have plummeted from 197 to 54 (in 2016). Many bookstores worldwide are also closing down due the dominance of Amazon and sales of eBook readers. This is extremely detrimental because black bookstores are one of the heart beats of the black community. This is a great medium for black writers and historians to communicate amongst each other and now, there is a risk that these great works of writing will be forever phased out. This could be because of the popularity of social media, lack of distribution/promotions, bootleggers, the popularity of eBooks, or just a lack of interest. This form of black art hasn’t crossed over to the mainstream the way black music has. However, things are starting to build momentum again due to the success of the Hidden Colors series, and renewed thrust of “knowledge of self”; I felt this energy myself at the Harlem book fair.
It was a very hot and humid day on Malcolm X Blvd., with vendors selling everything from books, to incense, to soul food, and dashikis, but the heat only amplified the energy of the fair. Everyone was networking and “choppin’ it up” with each other. Shout outs to everyone who was involved in the Harlem Book Fair, and a special shout out to authors sapoDILLA, Kareem Hayes and Danielle Marcus. I see you grinding and I see good things happening for all three of you. This has been a good experience, and I hope to go to similar events soon.