Scores of black literati and bibliophiles converged on an unassuming Harlem ballroom for the Second Annual Open Book Awards, the only African-American Literary Awards Show to acknowledge black authors in all genres -- from self-help and mystery to cookbooks and street fiction.
With over two hundred noted individuals from the worlds of literature, acting and business, the Open Book Awards gives a nod to not only a field which is exploding but to a rich African-American literary tradition.
"The African American Literary Award Show is a company created to give recognition to African Americans in the literary sector," explained Yvette Hayward, founder of AALAS, which presents the Open Book Awards. "It helps to honor, recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of African American authors and writers have made to the publishing world."
"It's the equivalent of a black Grammys, where we get out just dessert," said three-time book author
LaJoyce Brookshire, who said that one of her favorite books is the Bible. "I would say [we were] displaying our art forms in a positive light. I'm all for the positivity."
Hosted by 'CSI: New York' actor and author,
Hill Harper, 2006's Open Book Awards recognized winners in over 30 categories; book club members from around the country selected both nominees and winners.
Kwame Jackson, first season 'Apprentice' Runner-up, who was an award presenter that evening, noted that such a show was important because African Americans are so often lauded for their prowess in the sports and music arena but not necessarily for literature. "It's important because we as a community need to value literacy," added Jackson.
Former winner and presenter
Eric Jerome Dickey also thought the night was important.
"We have to honor our own," said Dickey. "It's important for us to recognize and honor our own talent. Because mainstream we get blips here and there. But a lot of people out of our circle, they haven't heard of us."
Dickey also said that award shows such as the Open Book expand the horizons of the reading public.
"You've got the street lit, you've got the Terry McMillans you've got Toni Morrison," he said. "I want to see the black John Grisham, I want to see the next Octavia Butler take it to another level. Not so far as writing but as far as recognition."
"It's always important to celebrate writing and reading," said author and presenter Erica Turnipseed. "And certainly stories that are by people of the African diaspora and that feature characters from the Afrcian diaspora. We need as many venues as possible to celebrate those stories and to bring them to light."
A special AALAS advisory panel selected
Walter Mosley to receive the Sojourner Truth Award for Excellence in American Literature this year.
"He embodies excellence in the world of literature," said Hayward. "I'm such a big fan of Walter Mosley and his work. His voice exemplifies and promotes the literary medium with a fresh voice. We couldn't have picked a better person to receive that award."
The Open Book Award's 2004 inaugural event honored Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Terrie Williams,
Dave Chappelle and
Patti LaBelle, among others.
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