A Two-Day Celebration of Caribbean Literature and Culture
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a cultural center dedicated to celebrating heritage and culture, will hold its first Caribbean Book Fair on October 26th and 27th, 2024. The free two-day event will take place at the museum, with support from an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant, and will feature activities focused on Caribbean literature and culture for all ages.
Celebrating Caribbean Voices
The Caribbean Book Fair aims to showcase the voices of both established and emerging Caribbean writers, offering a platform for author readings, book sales, workshops, and discussions. The event will explore the richness of Caribbean literature and its global cultural impact. Participants will gain insights into publishing while networking with writers, readers, content creators, and members of the publishing industry.
Authors, panelists, and workshop facilitators will represent a wide array of Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and several others.
Photo courtesy of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Youth-Centered Programming on Day One
The fair will begin on Saturday, October 26th, with events tailored to children and young adults. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., programming for elementary-aged children and their families will include readings by children’s book authors, book sales, and creative workshops in writing, illustration, and acting. A panel discussion on censorship activism, titled “Freedom to Read,” will also be offered for parents.
Young adult programming will follow from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring author readings, Q&A sessions, and workshops on writing for prose, poetry, and music. The day will conclude with a spoken word and rap performance showcase, providing an interactive experience for young readers and aspiring writers.
Scheduled participants include authors and scholars such as Dr. Carole Boyce Davies, Dr. Tameka Hobbs, and Dr. Winsome Miller Rowe, as well as workshop leaders like Omilani Alacon. Performers and judges for the lyrical showcase will include Black Dada and Frank!e Red.
Photo by David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)
Programming for a General Audience on Day Two
Sunday, October 27th, will feature events for a general audience, including author readings, book discussions, and workshops on publishing. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet authors, engage in discussions, and explore literature with Caribbean themes. The day will also include a second lyrical performance showcase to celebrate Caribbean culture.
Day two speakers and workshop leaders will include writers like Geoffrey Philp and Dr. Solanges Vivens, as well as instructors such as Calibe Thompson. The evening lyrical showcase will feature a performance by Mecca aka Grimo.
Photo by Calibe Thompson (Island Syndicate)
Free and Open to the Public
The inaugural Caribbean Book Fair is free to attend, and registration is now open. Those interested in learning more about the event or participating can visit Island SPACE’s official website for the schedule, sponsorship details, and other information.
The event is supported by various sponsors, including the Broward County Cultural Division and community partners like the William Jaume Charitable Fund, the Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, and others.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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