Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the last Saturday in August, several thousand Harlem Book Fair attendees enjoyed a beautiful and edifying day in Harlem’s front yard, on the plaza in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Founded by Max Rodriguez, this year’s book fair was sponsored by the Bank of America.
Anticipating the fair got me to thinking about one of Harlem’s most memorable, although long-lost, landmarks. It stood down the block, at the corner where CVS is now. Boasting well more than 200,000 texts all authored by Black authors, the African National Memorial Bookstore was by many measures a unique institution. Langston Hughes, Eartha Kitt, Malcolm X, and Charlie Rangel were its patrons. From there, proprietor Lewis H. Michaux, a onetime laborer, extolled the value of education among Harlem residents for over 40 years. Michaux even prominently displayed a sign debunking anti-intellectual sentiments born out of slavery. It famously read, “The best way to hide something from a Black man is to put it in a book.”
That his taunt was little more than a provocative ruse, calculated to prod unenthusiastic future scholars — youth, is something amply indicated by the avowed Black Nationalist’s incessant exhortation, “If I can get a Black person to read, I can change their life!”
This was the fair’s 27th birthday. Fittingly, the annual literary confab celebrated the centennial of the Harlem Renaissance. There were live R&B musical interludes between some 20 authors showcasing their output by reading excerpts from their books.
Hosted by Bob McNeil, these 10-minute stage presentations ran all day. Books representing every sort of genre imaginable were available and attendees seemed to run the gamut as well: young and old; men and women; Black, white, Latinx, African, Caribbean, and Asian.
Nonfiction works by authors like Biodun Abudu, Eric Kellum, and Tanesha Cameron-Cole were on view. Self-help book authors, including Courtenay Lapovsky and Khadijah Butler, were on hand as well. Also present with their latest work were fiction writers including Margaret Adetimehin, Judy Ambers, and Karlene Joseph.
Camma Pearl’s books advertised as offering “Unforgettable, sizzling, slow-burn romance!” (Michael Henry Adams photo) 
Booths emphasizing positive outlook predominated. (Michael Henry Adams photo) 
Excellent nonfiction titles were available. (Michael Henry Adams photo) 
Torrie Q Jones reading “Sun Book One” from her “Reborn” book series. She also has book called “Luck Book Two,” and promised that Book Three is on the way. (Michael Henry Adams photo) 
Meditation specialist and part-time chef author Evely Elphia said, “My work offers lots of jokes, humor, and hope!” (Michael Henry Adams photo) 
Book Fair participants seemed to be in celebratory mood. (Michael Henry Adams photo)
Chatting with the engaging author Magnolia Xen, who specializes in romance fiction with a paranormal twist, revealed some interesting insights. All of the Instagram reels filmed on college campuses, asking new students to tell time from an analog clock, read a sentence written with cursive Spencerian characters, or answer history or geography questions, make contemplating what young people read today somewhat worrisome. Xen prefaced her observations saying that this year’s book fair turnout was the best of any during the five years she’s participated.
‘Do Black people read about our history for entertainment?’ I asked. “Not very much,” she said, adding, “Current events and politics don’t fare very well either these days.” ‘But we are living in such challenging times!’ I said. “And that’s the reason why,” she responded, meeting my anxiety with such calming patience. “They are looking for escapist books that can distract from today’s absurdity. Romance is really big. I write with a supernatural, metaphysical bent. I’ve done very well and sold a ton of books today, but horror romance, that’s a hot seller now, too!” “What a combination!” I answered, eliciting a pitying rejoinder: “Dating today can be scary, so it doesn’t take a big leap to become engrossed by these scenarios that at first might seem extra.”
I missed all the activities staged in the State Building. Readings and panel discussions in the morning basically focused on women’s health and self-health. Kameelah Phillips got things started by reading an excerpt from her women’s health book, “The Empowered Hysterectomy: Your Complete Handbook to Diagnosis, Decision, and Treatment.” The afternoon featured readings of nonfiction, fiction, and sci-fi literature. It was capped off by excerpts from some children’s books.
If I was happy to discover books about Harlem lore and heroism, I was happier still to encounter people I know, like Ron Lester from Disco Party Fundraiser and Yuien Chin, who operates Harlem One Stop. In general, with the historic state building in front and a thriving new Studio Museum behind us, these familiar faces and the familiarity of the Harlem Book Fair produced a feeling of exuberant uplift. Despite ongoing economic displacement or the president’s attempts to undermine and eradicate African Americans, we’re still here and we’re fighting back, preparing ourselves for whatever’s ahead.
