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A Two-Day Celebration of Caribbean Literature and Culture
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a leading cultural hub dedicated to heritage and culture, announces its inaugural Caribbean Book Fair, set to take place on the weekend of October 26th and 27th, 2024. This free two-day event, supported in large part by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant, will celebrate Caribbean literature and culture with a diverse range of activities for all ages.
A Platform for Caribbean Voices
Island SPACE Caribbean Book Fair aims to amplify the voices of Caribbean authors and stories, offering a platform for both established and emerging writers. Through author readings, book sales, informative workshops and lively discussions, the event will explore the richness of Caribbean and Caribbean-themed literature and its impact on global culture. The fair will also provide valuable insights into publishing and foster connections among writers, readers, content creators and members of the publishing industry.
Participating writers, panelists and workshop presenters will represent Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Sint Maarten, the US Virgin Islands, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Belize and Grenada.
This event is made possible with the support of the Broward County Cultural Division, Alexandra P. Davis, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, the William Jaume Charitable Fund at Our Fund, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund and Samuel F. Morrison Community Impact Fund.
PHOTO: Auntie Freda engaging kids in reading at the 2022 Anancy Festival. | Photo courtesy of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Day One: A Day for Kids and Young Adults
- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Kids
- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. – Young Adults
Island SPACE Caribbean Book Fair kicks off on Saturday, October 26th with a full day of programming designed especially for kids and young adults.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. elementary school aged kids and their parents will enjoy children’s book author readings, book sales, workshops on creative writing, illustration and acting out stories, while parents can enjoy an early afternoon “Freedom to Read” panel discussion on censorship activism and what can be done about it.
From 3 to 6 p.m., young adults will enjoy readings and Q&A sessions featuring works by Caribbean authors and stories about the region, and engaging creative workshops on writing for prose, poetry and music. The day will culminate with a lyrical performance showcase, with spoken word and rap, that offers opportunities for audience participation, making it an unforgettable experience for young readers and aspiring writers alike. Attendees can also enjoy a few end-of-day mocktails with the authors and presenters.
Participating authors and panelists on day one include Dr. Carole Boyce Davies, Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Dr. Ettosi Brooks and Dr. Winsome Miller Rowe, with workshop facilitators Darius Dougherty, Omilani Alacon and Frances Marie Coke, while lyrical showcase judges include Black Dada and Frank!e Red.
PHOTO: Frank!e Red entertains an Island SPACE audience with her lyrical prowess at HERS 2023. | Photo by David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)
Day Two: Engaging a General Audience
On Sunday, October 27th, the fair continues with programming tailored for a broad, general audience. Attendees can meet authors, listen to readings and ask questions, explore books with Caribbean themes, and join workshops and panel discussions on salient topics in the worlds of traditional and self-publishing. The day will conclude with another exciting lyrical performance showcase, inviting attendees to join in and celebrate the dynamic culture of the Caribbean.
Day two authors and panelists include Dr. Solanges Vivens, Geoffrey Philp, Alex Bruno, Lloyd Stanbury, Alfonso Brooks and Dr. Shelly Cameron, workshop instructors include Calibe Thompson and Dr. Triphi Margaret Wallace, and Mecca aka Grimo will rock the stage during the evening’s lyrical showcase.
PHOTO: Guests engaging with panelists at an Island SPACE panel discussion in 2023. | Photo by Calibe Thompson (Island Syndicate)
Free to Attend – Registration is Open Now
This inaugural event is free to attend, making it accessible for everyone interested in Caribbean literature and culture. For more information about the event, including the daily programming schedule, sponsorship opportunities, and other ways to get involved, please visit https://islandspacefl.org/
Experience the power of Caribbean stories and discover new voices shaping the future of literature.
About Island SPACE
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives representing the Caribbean region in South Florida and the broader diaspora community.
To learn more about Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, visit islandspacefl.org and follow them on social media. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Broward Mall, 8000 West Broward Blvd., Suite 1202, Plantation, Florida 33388. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Group tours are available by reservation. Visit our website, call 954-999-0989, or email museum@islandspacefl.org for more information.
