By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Enoch Pratt Free Library will host their 38th Annual Booklovers’ Breakfast featuring Angela Flournoy, an award-winning novelist, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The sold out event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 7.
Flournoy, author of the critically acclaimed novel “The Turner House,” has earned several high-esteemed recognitions for her work, including the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Cabell First Novel Prize and a finalist for the NAACP Image Award.
The event is sponsored by AFRO News, the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Mahogany Books.
The occasion has become a staple for literary enthusiasts across the city and beyond. Each year, the breakfast kicks off Enoch Pratt’s Black History Month programming by providing a platform for high-profile Black authors and leaders. Past speakers include the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Imani Perry, a National Book Award-winning author.
Cleve Corner, manager of Author and Speaker Engagement at Enoch Pratt Free Library, spoke with the AFRO, providing insight on the work that goes on behind the scenes to make this event possible.
(Photo Credit: Meta (Facebook)/Angela Flournoy)
“It’s a yearlong project that includes the efforts of the entire author programs department,” said Corner. “My colleagues, Sofia Nehlawi and Brittany Allen, deftly manage all of the logistics for the program, from their constant communications with the venue and author’s representation to ticketing and seating. It requires a great attention to detail, and Sofia and Brittany do a remarkable job.”
Corner spoke on how they came to choose Flournoy to be the headliner of the event this year.
“It wasn’t difficult, as Angela is a critically acclaimed novelist,” said Corner. “We are so excited to have her join us this year. It also happens to coincide with the release of her latest novel, ‘The Wilderness,’ that was nominated for a National Book Award.”
Flournoy explained the themes of “The Wilderness.”
“The Wilderness is a novel that is about a group of friends over 20 years,” said Flournoy. “Bigger than that, I really think about it as a meditation on community. We see a lot in the news about people feeling more isolated and there being a loneliness epidemic. This book addresses what it might take to keep our friends in our lives and why it’s important, as we grow older, to keep those connections.”
Flournoy said she hopes the book and the discussion will inspire people to look more closely at those around them and develop a renewed sense of interest in those relationships.