The Westchester Library System (WLS) celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with their 12th annual African-American Writers & Readers Literary Tea. Distinguished as a novelist, playwright, poet, and journalist, Pearl Cleage captivated more than 225 audience members with her fresh perspectives on the universal themes of cultural enrichment, social identity, and the power of love. The Tea was co-sponsored by the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The Honorable Kenneth W. Jenkins, chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, served as the Honorary Chair.
Westchester Library System created the Literary Tea in 1999 as a way to recognize and celebrate African-American History Month, said Terry Kirchner, WLS Executive Director. By featuring African-American authors, we not only create an event which draws attention to great literature, we showcase the enormous value our 38 member libraries place on bringing quality programming to residents throughout the County.
Kirchner added, I am honored to be part of an organization that takes the time to recognize the invaluable contribution that Pearl Cleage is making to our literary heritage while raising money for a good cause. Proceeds from the Literary Tea go toward African-American programming for children in each of WLSs 38 member libraries.
Widely regarded for her collection of plays, including Flyin West, and her best-selling books, including What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day and her most recent, Seen It All and Done The Rest, Cleage has a way with both character and language. With the rhythms of Black life as her muse, she focuses on the experiences of love and female empowerment that she sees as vital to the African-American community. Conveying a deep understanding of the grace and perils of the human condition, Cleages work strives to get to lifes deepest truths and how life can be lived to the fullest.
The Literary Tea, an idea that came into being in 1998, is a cultural event that brings together African-American authors, literati, casual readers, and people who support the public libraries, said Toni Cox-Burns and JoAnn Dudley, co-chairs of the Literary Tea since its inception. The annual Tea both serves the community and promotes the role of libraries.
For a complete list of events throughout the Westchester Library System, including information on programs and displays celebrating African-American Heritage Month, visit your local library or the WLS website at www.westchesterlibraries.org. The Westchester Library System is located at 540 White Plains Road, Suite 200, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
About the Westchester Library System
The Westchester Library System (WLS) includes 38 member public libraries located throughout the County and is one of New York State's 23 public library systems. WLS and its member libraries have a total collection of 5.4 million items, including 3.7 million books, as well as audio recordings, videocassettes, DVDs, print serials, and other materials. The mission of the Westchester Library System is to ensure that all residents have seamless access to excellent library service throughout Westchester County. The Westchester Library System serves as a center of innovation for the Westchester County library community. WLS provides model programs, affordable and easy-to-use information technology, and support services that enable libraries to continuously improve service to their communities. For more information, please visit www.westchesterlibraries.org.
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GDL Presents Pearl Cleage (Part 2)by SuperSmileyt317 views
Meeting her was a great honor. She truely is an incredible woman and everything she read and spoke about that afternoon touched the very soul. You couldn't leaving that luncheon without feeling something.
symondiva 1 year ago