SmileyBooks Part II

Well the reviews are in on the SmileyBooks event last week it turned out to be one of the hottest events in NYC for the literary world. It seems that this was a unique event of the book world because it merged so many different types of industries in one place. I was happy to be a part of it's success.

<(Photo by Jefry Andres Wright)

In the previous post I talked about the stars that came out that night. For those of you that know me I have to tell the whole truth. Unfortunately I was disappointed by a few people and businesses' that sent in the RSVP to this intimate event but didn't show. More importantly they didn't even bother to call to cancel. Why is this important? The event was limited to 200 very special guests so those that didn't show took a space from many people that would have loved the opportunity to spend time with so many good and notable people. Usher, Whoopi and others had previous engagements and could not attend yet they took the time to call with regrets.

Maybe I am old school but I was brought up to always send my regrets if I had to cancel. The sad thing is that many of the people who I personally invited could have used this event to talk to those who spend thousands of advertising dollars each month on products. They could have pitched there stories to the top literary agents in the business or talked to people like Tavis Smiley or Charlie Rose. What a shame they missed the opportunity and didn't think about the fact that many of them would never be invited to an event of this caliber. Oh well, we tried. Coming off of the Republican Debate on PBS that Tavis Smiley put together where all of the major Republican candidates dissed him and all African Americans, I was totally disgusted by those few African Americans that didn't show or call. For the ones that did call. Thanks for having grace and style. While the buzz on the street has been great for this event, you hardly heard a peep in the media. Again, smart black people don't count I guess. Next week I hear that the Amsterdam News will do a feature. Please let me know if you hear of any other posting.

On a happier note, it was wonderful to receive so many congratulations and warm wishes from many who attended the event. Even from people I didn't know. James Earl Hardy sent a email to me before I got home that night. Thanks James, you show that class and style is not dead.

One final note: If you missed the interview with Ruby Dee, I suggest you try and find someone that has it. It is a rare opportunity to hear the words of this legend in the no holds bar interview with Tavis Smiley. Ruby Dee gave insights on life as an activist, a wife, a mother and an actress. It was simply amazing. Take a look at this sneak peek here or read the transcript from the show.

Thanks it for tonight. Thanks for reading.


Video by: Morris W. O'Kelly - Producer/Editor