Poets Network & Exchange: Bronx Book Fair 2021
Narratives: Arts Activism, Creativity, Social Responsibility, Resiliency & Joy.
“Poets Network & Exchange, Bronx Book Fair 2021 aired on July 30th and 31st. Bronx Book Fair 2021 phenomenal participating authors and attendees represented a global community. Bronx Book Fair expresses our profound gratitude to our authors. You are appreciated beyond measure!”,says
Lorraine Currelley, Executive Director.
Participating authors were Yokairy Tavarez, Danielle Stelluto aka Poetical Dee, Meredith Trede, Bertha Rogers, Ginnah Howard, Mutiu Olawuyi, Janice Nahshal, Adrienne Whaley, Nzinga Christina Reid, Troy D. Johnson, Eva Petropoylou Lianoy, Edward D. Currelley, Colie Aziza, Derrick M. Guest, Rajika Bhandari, Beat Poet Laureates, John Burroughs, William F. DeVault, Carlo Parcelli. and George Wallace, PlayCo, William Burke/PEPTALK, and members of the Harlem Writers Guild, Judy Andrews, Kay Bell, Minette Coleman, Eartha Watts Hicks, John Robinson and Marc W. Polite.
The Bronx Book Fair first Recognition Awards were presented during the
awards ceremony to authors Maria Aponte’, Keisha Molby-Baez, Bobby Gonzalez and Janifer P. Wilson, Founder & Visionary, Sisters Uptown Bookstore and Cultural Center. Lorraine Currelley, Executive Director welcomed guests. The ceremony opened with the sultry sounds of song stylist and author Colie Aziza opened the ceremony. Maria Aponte’ and Bobby Gonzalez performed poetry, to the delight of attendees. Author Edward D. Currelley shared a poem in honor of the awardees.
The Bronx Book Fair founded in 2013 and is dedicated to engaging and growing the community of poets and writers in the Bronx and to connecting readers and book lovers of all ages. Through readings, writing workshops, panel discussions. Our goal is to engage the community with a variety of literature and programs that will broaden access to Bronx literary artists, increase library usage and encourage a love of books and reading. The Bronx Book Fair is free of charge and open to the public.
Since 2017, Poets Network & Exchange, an award winning not-for-profit literary organization has produced the Bronx Book Fair, under the leadership of Lorraine Currelley, Executive Director. “I made herstory becoming the first female executive director in 2017. I am very proud of our growth and accomplishments. We have changed the trajectory of the Bronx Book Fair to a more expansive one, increasing author participation and innovative programming. Our audience and authors are local, national and global.” says, Lorraine Currelley, Executive Director.
Poets Network & Exchange produces and curates featured poetry readigs, spoken word performances, writing workshops, panel discussions, a scholar lecture series, an open mic and blog. Poets Network & Exchange advocates for social justice, literacy, social, environmental and health equity. “We use our voices as a platform and safe space to advocate for our community, while remaining a literary organization.”says, Executive Director, Lorraine Currelley.
Lorraine Currelley, poet, spoken word performance artist, multi-genre writer, Pearls of Wisdom storyteller, educator, curator and visual artist. Most recently named Bronx Beat Poet Laureate State of New York 2020–2022. Widely anthologized and multi-awards recipient. Executive Director for Poets Network & Exchange and the Bronx Book Fair.
She has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelors in Psychology and Specialization in Thanatology (grief and bereavement.) Anti-ageism advocate and activist. She resides in New York City. To contact and learn more visit: www.pw.org/directory/writers/lorraine_currelley
