A Recap of LABBE 2007 (with pictures)

As we prepare for our 2008 L.A. Black Book Expo, here are a few of the pictures taken at our most recent event. The committee did an excellent job in helping putting everything together amid all the challenges faced by us the entire year. If you look at the photos, you will notice the LABBE didn’t miss a beat, even after a one year absence.

The authors and exhibitors enjoyed themselves at the LABBE, speaking with potential buyers and networking with other authors. It was a hot day but nothing was hotter than the excitement we all felt in reviving our annual book venue.

Our author-exhibitors participated in a variety of events; whether it was one of the panel discussions held in the Ahmanson Senior Center ballroom, the Spoken Worlds in the courtyard hosted by our friends from the Poet’s Jazz House, or sharing their tales with the little ones at the Children’s Literary Zone.

We couldn’t have done this alone. With an event like this, it takes partnership to make it all come together. That’s why I am thankful to Wayne French, the president of the International Black Writers and Artists of Los Angeles in sharing their resources, time and help. Thank you IBWALA! Honorable mention goes to Dr. Rosie Milligan, founder of the Black Writers on Tour, Cynthia Exum of the successful first annual Leimert Park Book Fair, and Maxine Jackson, celebrating 10 years with the Black Writers Festival. All showed up in support and we thank you so, so much.

On top of this, we have to give thanks to two individuals who without their vision, could not provide an opportunity to so many authors, writers and poets in the city of Los Angeles and around the nation. The founder, Itibari Zulu for his determination in the creation of the LABBE, and we’ll forever remember Merilene Murphy for lending her wisdom and soul to our expo.
Although certain objectives were reached and others were not, we can say we lived up to our motto for 2007, ‘The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is back!’. With 2008 fast approaching on the horizon, we know that we’re firmly “In The Path Of Our Legends” and we’ll do everything in our power as a collective to make them proud.

That's not all! More LABBE 2007 fun and pics found on this site.

By the way, congradulations to our webmistress Chita Obasi with the birth of her first child! :)

Charles L. Chatmon
Executive Director
Los Angeles Black Book Expo