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

SmileyBooks Event in NYC

Yes, I know it has been awhile. A brother has to work for a living. Thankfully it has been a very busy few weeks. A friend of mine called me in and asked if I could coordinate a very important event for SmileyBooks who have just opened their New York office. When I met the President, Cheryl Woodruff, I dropped everything and threw myself into making this launch the best event we could. As most of you know, I have been producing events for many years. This has to be the most rewarding yet. Everyone worked as a team to make it happen and the mix of guests was so varied and stellar I was impressed. It spanned from teachers to authors to legends to musicians to television personalities to regular working folks. The response has been tremendous. The folks that missed it were sorry they did.

Slide show photos courtesy of James Saunders III

I have to thank so many people but especially the two who made it happen. Ms. Cheryl Woodruff who fought the battles and got what we needed without any "divaism"-new word- don't hate. This lady will continue to be a powerhouse in the literary world and will be my longtime friend and Ms. Mae Jackson who brought us together. When I got frustrated and tired Mae was there for me. Renee Alexander, premier stage manager made the night easy, Jill Marie who took good care of all the celebrity guests, Jeff Dudley and his security team, the caterer Alan Kehoe who brought delicious food and a wonderful spirit, Michele Fox and Dano who kept things cool with the venue and put up with our ever ending changes, Onaje Allan Gumbs and his trio- oh you have to check out his new CD, my good friend Greg Cooks, Melvin Taylor who brought us Onaje, Misani and the legendary Carmen de Lavallade, Carol Fass

(Above photo courtesy of Jefry Wright) Public Relations and the Literary Public Relations who got the press there, Jefry Wright who kept on snapping wonderful pictures, James Saunders who's pictures are featured in this slideshow, John & Premier Technologies for the A/V equipment and crew, Blaxcom Solutions who turned it out with the video presentations, the Hay House Books staff, the Tavis Smiley Organization and all the wonderful volunteers and servers who kept the guest glasses full.

The authors- what can I say... Dr. Cornel West, Iyanla Vanzant, Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, Tom Burrell and of course Publisher Tavis Smiley - now that is alot of brain power on that stage. Most importantly the guests that took time out of their busy schedules to be there to make the evening a night to remember. Needless to say the celebrities that came out to support Tavis and Cheryl will always hold a special place in my heart. Here are just a few that were there;
dancer Carmen de Lavallade; dancer Judith Jameson; author Terry McMillan; actress Ruby Dee; author James Earl Hardy; Stacey Ann Chin, Blogger Keith Boykin; Ms. Ruby Dee: Charlie Rose; David Ushery and so many more. Well now you see why I haven't been bloggin.