The second Hair Power – Skin Revolution book reading event was held on 17th July 2010, at the Poetry Cafe, in Covent Garden, London, co-hosted by myself and Nicola Greenwood.Two contributors Anduosjahla James-Wheatle and Yolande Deane read their hair story and personal essay from the book’s hair section. I participated in an in-depth interview (questions courtesy of Pauline Walker, anthology contributor and contributor to the Catchavibe website). I also read my personal essay and two poems from the skin section. The line up went as follows:
Anduosjahla James-Wheatle read her hair story,
My Journey to Me
Co-Host Nicola Greenwood interviewed me on the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the themes of hair and skin?
2. You’ve previously published two other anthologies showcasing the writing of black and mixed-race women Brown Eyes and Sexual Attraction Revealed. What is it about anthologies that you like?
3. What is it about the form of the personal essay and poetry that appeals to you over creative forms such as short stories and novels?
4. Your book comes out at a time when there seems to be more interest in black women and how they manage their hair, for example, the recently released Chris Rock documentary Good Hair lifts the lid on how African-American women manage their hair. Why do you think this is?
5. Do you think the book should be required reading for young girls and teenagers in today’s society?
6. What’s the difference between the Hair Stories section and the Personal Essay’s section on hair?
Yolande Deane read her hair essay,
Co-Host Nicola Greenwood interviewed me on the following questions:
1. Why did you choose the themes of hair and skin?
2. You’ve previously published two other anthologies showcasing the writing of black and mixed-race women Brown Eyes and Sexual Attraction Revealed. What is it about anthologies that you like?
3. What is it about the form of the personal essay and poetry that appeals to you over creative forms such as short stories and novels?
4. Your book comes out at a time when there seems to be more interest in black women and how they manage their hair, for example, the recently released Chris Rock documentary Good Hair lifts the lid on how African-American women manage their hair. Why do you think this is?
5. Do you think the book should be required reading for young girls and teenagers in today’s society?
6. What’s the difference between the Hair Stories section and the Personal Essay’s section on hair?
Yolande Deane read her hair essay,
Still a Bird…but not a Robin
Nicola Greenwood read her hair poem, Hair Place
I read my skin essay, Are You Black or White? And 2 skin poems: Lost for Words; Skin
The event was well attended with inspiring questions and debate received from a lively and interactive audience. I felt encouraged not only by the inspirational and vibrant energy in the room, but also by the audience’s suggestions that I make contact with comic Chris Rock, or at least send him a publicity leaflet, (which was something that I had recently discussed with Nicola Greenwood) – along with Gok Wan; who knows we just might generate some interest! Again, thanks to the anthology's contributors who read and to co-host Nicola Greenwood for ensuring that the evening was a wonderful creative expression of the book's reading programme.
Photos in ascending order:
1.Yolande Deane, Nicole Moore,
Nicola Greenwood read her hair poem, Hair Place
I read my skin essay, Are You Black or White? And 2 skin poems: Lost for Words; Skin
The event was well attended with inspiring questions and debate received from a lively and interactive audience. I felt encouraged not only by the inspirational and vibrant energy in the room, but also by the audience’s suggestions that I make contact with comic Chris Rock, or at least send him a publicity leaflet, (which was something that I had recently discussed with Nicola Greenwood) – along with Gok Wan; who knows we just might generate some interest! Again, thanks to the anthology's contributors who read and to co-host Nicola Greenwood for ensuring that the evening was a wonderful creative expression of the book's reading programme.
Photos in ascending order:
1.Yolande Deane, Nicole Moore,
Nicola Greenwood, & Anduosjahla James Wheatle.
2.Anduosjahla James Wheatle.
3.Yolande Deane.
3.Yolande Deane.
Photo 1: Courtesy of Amanda Epe
Photos 2 & 3: Courtesy of Nicole Moore
The interview referred to above is now online here: http://www.catchavibe.co.uk/black-books-hair-power-skin-revolution/14965/
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