Black History Month Literary Weekend Comes to DMV

 SILVER SPRING, MD—Author and civil rights activist Lisa McNair and literary consultant and Hurston-Wright Foundation co-founder Marita Golden are set to be special guests at Meet the World Image Solutions’ 7th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend Feb. 23-25. The event will feature eight local and nationally best-selling authors for three days of school visits, book signings, essay contests, and a literary jazz brunch.

“The purpose of the Black History Month Literary Weekend is to promote literacy and showcase a variety of authors while celebrating African-American history,” said Dr.

Rhonda M. Lawson, founder and president of Meet the World Image Solutions. "Since launching this event in New Orleans, in 2017, we've promoted nearly 50 authors, impacted 1,000 students and awarded nearly $3,000 in scholarships and prizes. I'm looking forward to even greater momentum when we bring this great event to the DMV for the first time."

The weekend's activities will cover three days:

Feb. 23, 7-9 p.m.

Guests are invited to get to know the authors at a welcome social at the DoubleTree by Hilton Silver Spring/Washington, D.C.-North. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited.

Feb. 24

The authors will visit students at Paint Branch High School in Montgomery County and Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts in Washington, D.C. These events are closed to the public.

Feb. 24, 4-7 p.m.

Meet the authors at a book chat and signing at Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the Bowie Town Center. This event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase.

Feb. 25, 11 a.m.

The signature event for the Black History Month Literary Weekend will be the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Brunch at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring, MD. Guests are invited to wear their best ivory or cream outfits and enjoy a three-course gourmet meal, live jazz, a mimosa bar, and a silent auction. VIP and general admission options are available. During the event, the winners of Meet the World’s 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest will be awarded. Guests are also asked to bring a gently used children or young adult book. All books will be donated to Books Breaking Borders, a community action project founded by sports media personality Kelsey Nicole Nelson to eradicate illiteracy.

"I'm so honored to be part of this amazing weekend that is catered to highlighting Black literary revolutionaries, both past and present, and giving back to the next generation," Nelson said. "There's nothing like seeing so many come together to promote literacy for all and celebrate diversity in education."

This year's featured authors are:

 Chef Diana Riley, award-winning Louisiana-based chef and best-selling author of Grace at the Kitchen Table and Cooking on Purpose: Lessons Learned From the Kitchen

 Dr. Emily L. Woolcock, Maryland-based internationally recognized surgeon, speaker, and three-time best-selling author of the children's book, My Doctor Looks Like Me

 Dr. AudreyAnn Moses, South Carolina-based certified Christian Life / Personal Coach, Mental Wellness Counselor, Professor of Psychology, Master Trainer, Speaker/Workshop Facilitator and Author

  Pastor Henry L. Razor, founder and senior pastor of Faith Hope & Charity Ministries Church in Chicago, IL.

 Michelle Knight, Louisiana-born children’s author and retired Army veteran with a mission to uplift and support others through inspirational advice and wise words of encouragement.

 Shartia "Love" Jones, certified life coach who desires to help women cultivate their inspiration, experience healing, activate continuous growth, and remain encouraged.

 Shenitha Burton, founder and owner of S.H.E. Publishing, LLC, a unique publishing and retail company based in Houston, TX.

  Marc Beausejour, New York-born and Atlanta-based author of Street Retribution, Fires of Justice, and The Preacher's Web.

Meet the World Image Solutions is a boutique literary and publicity services company that specializes in assisting small businesses, non-profit organizations, authors, and artists. It was founded in New Orleans Jan. 23, 2017 by author and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson.