Shatona Groves and Crown Events bring Nashville’s African-American Author Fair to Scarritt Bennett Center, 1069 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. This unique free event for the whole family will be on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT. The African-American Author Fair attracts a wide array of traditional and self-published authors, book and magazine publishers, book clubs, libraries, illustrators, artists, and individual readers both locally and from abroad. There will be over 40 authors participating and there will be free face painting for the kids.

There’s something for all ages to experience at the Author Fair. It turns reading into a community experience, bringing a diverse group of people together to share ideas, learn, network and witness brilliant conversations. You will be able to buy books from several different authors, have them personalized and autographed, too. Also, promotional giveaways will be available at this free event that promotes a culture of reading and enhances the southern charm of Tennessee.

Remember these 3 C’s… Culture, Creativity, and Connecting. The Author Fair is all about promoting a culture of reading, celebrating creativity, connecting the reader to the writer… and a whole lot of books. And, the African-American Author Fair is committed to encouraging the love of reading and promoting literacy. The diverse event will add to Tennessee’s vibrant literary culture, while bringing awareness to local and national literary talent.

There will be several special rooms to experience at the festival.

Storyteller’s Room for Kids — It will be filled with children’s authors that will read and entertain the children. Kids will be mesmerized by the storytellers and have a chance to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their books.

Poet’s Corner — The Poet’s Corner is an open platform for poets to connect with their community face to face. A broad array of genres and interests will be represented as the poets read their work. Guests will be able to purchase personalized signed copies of their books.

Author/Illustrators Workshops — Whether you’re a beginning writer or a published professional, the African-American Author Fair is for you. The workshops are designed to help every writer at every level. Learn how to develop / improve your writing skills, use social media to increase your marketing awareness, and meet others in the industry to facilitate the next step in your publishing or illustrating career.

Here is a partial listing of the participating authors: Courtney Brooks, Shane’ Carter, Chauncey Citchens, Chartease Crittendon, Deonna Davis, Shemika Denise, Tim Duncan, Sonja Gant, Loronda C. Giddens, Sanya Gragg, Shatona Groves, Arica Hannah Fowler, Tracey Hayes, Lila,Holley, Natasha Hudson,,Charelle,L, Isaiah Marshall, Monica McLaurine, Diana Morris, CN Nash, Nathalie Nelson, Della Payne, Lisa Petros, Tracy Ray, Kesha Rushing, Heather Sanders, Shelia Sewell, Jarvis Sheffield, Lucrecia Slater, Andrew Snorton, Lisa Swift-Young, Tonya Thomas, Fennell Adventures, Myesha Tidwell, Daralynn Walker, and Dusty Walker, Jr.

Crown Events is the organizer of Nashville’s African-American Author Fair. The founder is Shatona Kilgore-Groves, a social entrepreneur and author herself. She is from Minneapolis, MN and attended college in Nashville, TN at Fisk University. She then later obtained a graduate degree from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion in helping others achieve their greatest potential. She specializes in conferences, retreats, and expos. With over 20 years experience, expect to be treated like royalty at a Crown Event.

Put this upcoming Crown event on your calendar now. Nashville’s Black Women’s Expo, Saturday, June 16, 2018, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT, at Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN 37217. A Celebration for Black Women with vendors, local and national entertainment, authors, networking, and more, with a whole day of entrepreneur workshops.