In Celebration of Community: The Bronx Book Fair aka The People’s Book Fair
On August 24th, 2024 the Bronx Book Fair aka The People’s Book Fair brought together a community of global artists for “Creating For Purpose: Social Justice, Activism, Advocacy & Art. They shared their art, gifts and talents with a welcoming community of attendees and fellow artists. Artists of varying genres were represented. Their words powerful, empowering, beautiful and inspiring. Each understanding the assignment spoke truth to power! We are honored to be The People’s Book Fair!
We opened with a welcome by yours truly and a community prayer by Janice Nahshal, Assemblaged Artist and Author. Janice Nahshal held an enthusiastic audience in awe viewing her created art made from household and found objects. By popular demand we hope to see you in 2025! Thank you Taniyaah Jackson, assistant to Author and Assemblage Artist Janice Nahshal for your first time participation!
On behalf of myself, my truly amazing sibling and Co-host Edward Currelley and the Bronx Book Fair aka The People’s Book Fair we are filled with a depth of appreciation! We thank our individual and collective body of participating poets, spoken word artists, performance artists, musicians, supporters, sponsors, encouragers and community members beyond measure! We thank you for your attendance and support! We work for you! You propel us forward and encourage us as we prepare literally months in advance for our annual community event!
Special sibling love and appreciation always to my brilliant sibling, Poet, Author, Visual and Assemblage Artist Edward D. Currelley! We have served our community together since 1978 and continue serving with an ever growing joy and commitment! Abundant blessings in all present and future endeavors!
Thanks to our community of distinguished poets, spoken word artists, performance artists and musicians. You were wonderful! A very special thank you to Invited Guest Poet, Laini Mataka, Author of the acclaimed book Return of The Kings. Poet Laini Mataka, Author of Return of The Kings you were and are magnificent! Your resonating words of wisdom, encouragement, insight and brilliance powerful and treasured gems! We were all honored by your shared thoughts and insights during our conversation, your presentation and Q & A.
An abundance of appreciation to featured poets Eva Lianou Petropoulou, Jeanette Eureka Tiburcio Marquez and Joe Kidd & Sheila Burke for your unwavering support, community spirit and encouragement! Thanks Osunyoyin Alake Ifarike, George Wallace and Outlaw Poet Ron Whitehead!
Thank you, Outlaw Poet Ron Whitehead for a powerful reading of your requested, inspiring and encouraging poem “If You Are Struggling.”
Ngoma Hill’s demonstration of Performance Poetry incorporating the use of instruments, utilizing years of study, natural skill and gifts Ngoma Hill weaves song, music and words into his performances he defines the genre of Perfomance Artist. He is indeed a master at what he does!
Welcome back and thank you Poet Genevieve Ray for Co-hosting with Author and Poet Edward Currelley! You were both outstanding hosts for the Bronx Book Fair Poetry Salon! Well done! Thank you first time Bronx Book Fair featured poets Jac Que Lyn aka Jacquelyn Grant Brown and Tsahai General for sharing your powerful and exquisite poetry!
I am left moved deeply by the sharing that took place in my Emotional Emancipation workshop. Attendees entered a safe and welcoming space and courageously gave voice to issues in need of attention. Special love and prayers to those who shared. We support, love and appreciate you! Your courage and sharing served to inspire, encourage and support others. Your words are steps on the healing journey for all!
The Bronx Book Fair aka The People’s Book Fair works to create resonating programming. A space where all are welcomed! We advocate for social justice /environmental justice & equity, literacy, food & health justice. We encourage and support the creativity in all! We advocate against ageism, racism and sexism. We are about The People’s work!
Special gratitude to the Bronx Council on the Arts and Poets & Writers!
©Lorraine Currelley 2024. All Rights Reserved.
