It’s all smiles at the Black Book Expo in Los Angeles
Written by Michael D Thomas (Empire Beat Magazine)
Based on the number of smiles from authors, exhibitors and attendees alike, the fifth annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo (LABBX) had another successful year. “Empowering The Community Through Literature” was the theme of this year’s literary fest inside the Expo Center where even bestselling novelists such as Leslie Banks, creator of the Vampire Huntress Legends series to new authors appearing for the first time greeting interested book lovers. Even the urban superhero Dangerman made an appearance keeping a close eye for villains who hoped to spoil the day.
Under a sunlit sky, the late summer weather was perfect for attendees treated to an afternoon full of panels and informative workshops, from Paula Hines Lonergan’s Writing and Publishing and Tiffany Bradshaw’s - Marketing and Branding Yourself workshops, to Ivan Houston discussing his title, Black Warriors: The Buffalo Soldiers of World War II, Dani Dixon, the creator of “13” and Tumblecreek Press presenting Diversity in Comics and a Publishing and Writing Panel: “The Keys to Success with Ms. Banks, LABBX founder Itibari M Zulu, and Denise Cook, aka The Oracle. Even Lionsgate films was on hand to hand out bookmarks and other gifts promoting Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and Townsend Press handing out gift bags to passers-by.
According to expo executive director Charles Chatmon, a positive vibe was felt throughout the day. “This looks to be one of the best expos we’ve ever had.” Stated Chatmon, who began as an exhibitor before taking the reins of the LABBX three years ago. “Certainly the economy has not been kind to other community events in the city and across the country. The expo committee did an outstanding job making sure everything ran smoothly despite our own setbacks, and the Expo Center staff really went out of their way to make sure we had our event this year. You couldn’t ask for anything more.” The crowd enjoyed other activities with a focus on the family including the Children’s Literary Zone hosted by bestselling author and poet Terry a O’Neal and for the first time, the expo held a screenwriting and creative writing workshop.
Chatmon is expecting bigger and better things for the L.A. Black Book Expo, but insists it’s for the community, and would remain so. “As we continue to grow into one of the well-known literary events on the West coast, we have to keep in mind with the mission of providing the community with a first class, educational and fun event. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m proud of the fine work of the committee and hope we’ll do even better next year.” As the smiles indicate from children engaged in a playful activity inside the literary zone, the L.A. Black Book Expo’s fifth year was an enjoyable one indeed.
