In The (Children's Literary) Zone at LABBX

In case you missed it, the recent L.A. Black Book Expo’s Children’s Literary Zone was a success all thanks to coordinator and bestselling author Terry a O’ Neal. With featured guests, David G. Brown and Ina Buckner-Barnette, the next generation of authors, writers and poets were engaged in fun activities that made for a special day for all in attendance inside the Expo Center’s Courtyard. Arts, crafts and giveaways were also part of the Zone, and based on the reactions from the parents, it seems as if everyone had a great time and plan to show up again for the sixth annual L.A. Black Book Expo.




Honorable mention goes to poetess Until No More who assisted Terry and made sure the programs went smoothly throughout the course of the day.

Children's Literary Zone Schedule set

Our 2009 L.A. Black Book Expo Children's Literary Zone is all set with hostess Terry a O'Neal. Below are a list of the activities for Saturday, August 22 inside the Expo Center:

CHILDREN’S LITERARY ZONE
COURTYARD
Children’s Work Stations (Free 4 All)

* Worksheet (Word Search, Fill-in-the-blank)
* Make Your Own Book
* Color, Cut, and Paste (clowns)
* Make Friendship Bracelets
* Story Writing

11:30am – 12:30pm
Children’s Work Stations (Free 4 all)

12:45pm – 1:45pm
Cartoonist David G. Brown

1:03pm
Raffle Prize Drawing (Book-give-away)

1:05pm -- 1:40pm
Children’s Work Stations (Free 4 all)

1:43pm
Raffle Prize Drawing (Prize Give-a-way)

1:45pm – 2:45pm
Children’s Work Stations (Free 4 all)

2:50pm – 3:40pm
Ina Buckner-Barnette, The Sunshine Storyteller

3:40 pm
Raffle Prize Drawing (Prize Give-a-way)

3:45pm – 4:20pm
Children’s Work Stations (Free 4 all)

4:20pm
Raffle Prize Drawing (Prize Give-a-way)

Spelling Bee Contest throughout the day

And best of all.....it's FREE! See you then!


Charles Chatmon
Executive Director
Los Angeles Black Book Expo

Bestselling author Terry a O'Neal to host Children's Literary Zone

The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is proud to announce the Children’s Literary Zone hosted by bestselling author and poet, Terry a O’Neal. Her books are: The Poet Speaks In Black, Good Mornin’ Glory, and Motion Sickness.

An accomplished children’s book author, Terry penned Ev’ry Little Soul, My Jazz Shoes and Sweet Lavender, an award winning family fiction novel. Storytellers, arts and crafts and backpack giveaways from her organization called Lend Your Hand Inc.

Please join us in the Expo Center’s courtyard for family fun in the Literary Zone on Saturday, August 22,2009 beginning at 11:30 am.

Introducing the first annual LABBX Spelling Bee

For the first time, the Los Angeles Black Book Expo will host the first annual Spelling Bee during the event on Saturday, August 22.

Although still in the planning stages, the Spelling Bee promises to be a fun outing according to Expo executive director Charles Chatmon. “As we’re continuing to present innovative and yet educational programs to the children’s area, I believe the spelling bee will attract great interest among our young people.” The Expo has a Teen Poetry Fest comes with a grand prize for those who participate, so it stands to reason the spelling bee also has prizes in store for those who enter the contest. “One of the things that excited me about spelling bees when I was in elementary school,” Chatmon recalls, “is the sense of pride, the excitement of knowing you would win something. Hopefully, our first event will add a special flavor to our event, and something the family will enjoy.”

Chatmon says sign up forms will be available at the Expo during the early hours of the event, and the contest will take place in the afternoon.

For more information, contact the L.A. Black Book Expo at info@labbx.com

Greetings for 2009

Greetings,

As part of the ongoing mission of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo, we’re focused on reducing the illiteracy rate among our children. In 2009, we’re committed to moving forward and introduce programs that will help our youth enjoy the benefits of education and writing.

In the future we’ll present a spoken word program for both young and young at heart inside the AC Bilbrew Library where along with the California Writers Collective, presented a workshop this past February. Our new partner Barnes and Noble will assist us in hosting readings with children’s book authors as well as storytelling and fun interactive activities.

We have joined with our new media partner, 93.5 The Beat FM in donating books to the Michael Baisden Book and Toy Drive this past December to help disadvantaged families with a gift for the holidays.

Our Literary Zone for the youth will continue much of the above along with a few projects we hope will enhance our children’s programs for the whole family to enjoy. If you would like to volunteer your services, please email us at info@labbx.com and we will inform you on what area you can assist us.

Thanks for your time.

Charles Chatmon
Executive Director
Los Angeles Black Book Expo

Tracy D. Morrison and Brandon White at the LABBX Young Authors Forum June 14

Tracy D. Morrison and Brandon White, co-authors of "Mom, Is Today My Birthday?" will join author and filmmaker Ben Foster in the L.A. Black Book Expo's first annual Young Authors Forum Saturday, June 14. Here's the bio of this talented duo:

Tracy D. Morrison

Tracy D. Morrison was born in Shreveport, Louisiana; but has been living in Los Angeles, California since the age of thirteen. Tracy has always been drawn to writing. In fact, she passed the Writers’ Aptitude Test of America at the age of twelve. Tracy has worked as a professional make-up artist for television and film. Currently, she is pursuing an acting and writing career in the entertainment industry as well. She is a single mother to her ten year-old son, Brandon, who co-authored this book with her, and is her number one inspiration. At the lovely age of thirty-one, Tracy plans on taking the publishing industry by storm.

Brandon O. White

Brandon O. White is a 10-year-old fifth grader presently attending school at WLC Charter School in Los Angeles, California. He loves to showcase his creativity. In his spare time when he is not writing with his mom, he enjoys playing chess, video games, and skateboarding, where he trains with a professional. Brandon is one of the top students in his class, and he is very well liked by his peers.

Take a look at their joint interview with Charles L. Chatmon on Empire Beat Magazine

Ben Foster: Young Authors Forum panelist

The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is excited to host its first annual Young Authors Forum. One of the panelists is Ben Foster. In case you don't know about this rising star, here is his brief bio:

Ben Foster first gained attention for being one of the youngest filmmakers on the east coast. His short films have allowed him to gain national attention from stars like Halle Berry and Spike Lee. Ben stepped into the entertainment industry at the age of 8 months old, when he was chosen over many other babies for a print ad. Then at 11 months old, Ben played Ving Rhames’ son in the ABC pilot drama “Philly Heat”. When he was 9, he created his first film, “Tough Life”.

Now at age 15, Ben has accumulated several films under his belt. He desires to reach out to the youth by creating short films to help with decision-making. “Kid Patrol”, which he had written, directed, produced and shot in Hollywood, is being used as an educational tool. He has visited schools, youth centers and conventions, as a motivational speaker, where he shares this film projects and encourages his peers to make smart decisions in life.

His films have been featured in may film festivals and Ben has appeared on many television shows, radio, in newspapers and magazines. He recently received recognition from Black Enterprise Magazine as one of their teen entrepreneurs.

Want to know more about Ben? Check him out on his website and find out what Kid Patrol is all about!