On June 10, 2017, at the Riverside EpiCenter in Austell, GA, the AAMBC Literary Awards honored literary legend Nikki Giovanni and urban literature pioneer Terri Woods in one of the largest gatherings for black literary creatives in the country. In a gala hosted by actor Blue Kimble and comedienne/actress Cocoa Brown, the room was filled with actors, screenwriters, and talented performers, such as up and coming soul singer Ikea Damone.
A record number of guests and presenters from Atlanta’s film and entertainment community supported the awards this year. The connection between literature and Atlanta’s huge movie and television community was apparent, with the hosts being great representatives of that collaboration. Kimble and Brown kept the crowd entertained as the various authors, screenwriters, and performers took the stage.
The gala included a red-carpet reception boasting an intimate exhibit from The Living Testimony Foundation, including original letters from Maya Angelou, Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, and Booker T. Washington. Guests were serenaded by several artists, including the soulful Jay Morris and the inspirational duo, Will and Alexis.
Urban literature pioneer, Terri Woods, gave a heartfelt acceptance speech while accepting the Urban Classic Honor Award, sharing humble beginnings as a writer selling handmade books along the East Coast before booksellers would give her a chance. “People say I started this genre and I’ll take that, because I was the only one doing this type of literature when it started, but if not for you; it wouldn’t have remained. Because of you and the many readers and writers who have kept it going, it’s still here and I’m grateful for that.”
Another highlight of the evening included Vanessa K. De Luca of Essence Magazine being awarded “Editor of the year”. “I am honored to be acknowledged for my work and was excited to come and witness this platform,” says De Luca.
The awards gala was the pinnacle piece of “Black Writer’s Weekend”. The weekend opened with a Bloggers’ Social sponsored by Sheen Magazine, along with an urban book bash highlighting some of today’s brightest voices in urban literature. The weekend included several workshops including an “Access to Hollywood” panel with several notable writers and producers, along with the Lit-Ish panel of influential male authors, including actor Greg Alan Williams from OWN’s hit series, Greenleaf, sponsored by Rolling Out Magazine. The weekend ended with a social event titled, “Cocktails and Conversation” with actress/author Robin Lee, along with author/actress Juju of VH1’s Love and Hip Hop, New York.
Sponsors of the 2017 AAMBC Awards included; BMW, Krave 24, Sheen Magazine, Argo Vibes, Bomade Liquor, Eric Gilliam Events & Logistics, MJS Publishing, Delphine Legacy Media, Shingo styling, Rolling Out Magazine, and Enchanted Branding & Public Relations,
Founded in 2009 by Tamika Newhouse, the annual AAMBC Literary Awards was launched in Texas to offer a platform for up and coming black writers. The organization currently hosts one of the largest gatherings for black literary creatives in what is now called “Black Writers Weekend” in Atlanta, GA.
For more information on the AAMBC awards visit www.aambcaawards.com
