Staff writer Eunice Nisbett
The peerless destination of Anguilla celebrates first annual lit fest: a Literary Jollification!
Hundreds of travelers from around the world converge for a weekend of powerful panels and workshops. Rock star authors Terry McMillan, Hill Harper, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Randall Robinson, Crystal McCrary and more gather to promote and celebrate literacy on the island
(New York, N.Y. June 7, 2012) – It was four magical days of illuminating discussions and inspiring presentations hosted by some of the world’s most distinguished and celebrated literary treasures, all set against a backdrop of one of the Caribbean’s most coveted islands. This was the scene for Anguilla’s first annual Lit Fest 2012: A Literary Jollification!
Sherry Lee Ralph
Home to vanilla hued buttery soft sand beaches and seductive waters in shades that defy imagination the unparalleled island of Anguilla served as the scenic host for a festival that empowered, educated and enlightened literary enthusiasts seeking wisdom and knowledge surrounding the world of publishing, arts and literature.
Headlining the conference was world renowned author Terry McMillan, creator of critically acclaimed works such as Waiting to Exhale, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, both bestselling books that later became box office smash hits. McMillan’s inspiring master classes “So You Want to be A Bestselling Author,” and “Honing Your Gift” both received rave reviews by the festival’s impressionable attendee’s who were enthralled by the author’s honest delivery and captivating presence. “Write as if your work will not get published,” states McMillan, her words mesmerizing the crowd. “This way you use your true voice when telling a story.”
Insightful creative workshops were hosted by political activist and writer Randall Robinson, including “From Inspiration to Publication,” and the impactful “We are One: Writing about the Diaspora.” The author lamented “it is of paramount importance to know your history; as your education starts long before you go to school.” Both workshops were widely received and praised amongst all within earshot of his stimulating words and eloquent delivery.
Powerful panels were also delivered by the likes of famed New York Times bestselling author and CSI star Hill Harper, acclaimed veteran of film, television and Broadway and original diva Sheryl Lee Ralph, and entertainment lawyer turned writer and author of Inspirations, Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World Crystal McCrary.
Terry McMillan
Featured notable speakers included Newsweek journalist and author of What Would Michelle Do?, Allison Samuels, owner of Hueman Books, Marva Allen, Senior Editor at Atria books, Malaika Adero, and Award winning, Canadian based fiction writer Mary W. Walters (The Whole Clove Diet). Distinguished Caribbean writers included Amy Berkower, publisher Lasana M. Sekou, Antiguan author Marie-Élena John, editor/ author Stephanie Stokes Oliver, and local poets Patricia J. and Dwayne L. Adams.
Amongst the energizing presentations and panels, guests also enjoyed an impactful lecture from local Anguillan and cinematographer David Carty, creator of “Nuttin Bafflin,” a story about the history, theory, and practice of boat racing. The book, which was later made into a critically acclaimed documentary, lends fascinating insight into a unique national pastime that is central to the rich Anguillan culture and history. Carty, a well-known boat builder and historian spoke about the legacy and history behind the national sport of boat racing while guests indulged in palate pleasing hors d’oeuvres served up by the gracious staff at da’vida restaurant.
Continuing the island’s fervent support of arts and literature, The Fountain
Hill Harper
Scholarship was ignited to stoke the flames of literary aspirations within the youth of Anguilla. The newly founded award will be given to a young student exhibiting a true passion and aspiration for the literary arts.
Portions of book proceeds from participating authors have been generously earmarked to fund the scholarship, which will assist the scholastic pursuits of the selected student. It’s through these efforts that Anguilla hopes to fulfill its declaration to become one of the Caribbean’s leading islands in scholarly pursuit. “Meeting the students of Anguilla has filled me with such hope, they embody such a desire to learn,” adds actor Hill Harper. “I’m thrilled that my participation in the inaugural literary festival and donating to the creation of the Fountain Scholarship Fund will help continue to fuel the youth of Anguilla’s passion for literacy”.
The Anguilla Literary festival also promoted tourism for the region, as well as adding a thunderous jolt of excitement and creative energy on the island. Guests traveling from New York, the Carolinas, Florida, Canada and beyond all converged to partake in the festive Memorial–day weekend event.
Honourable Hadyn Hughes
“The first Anguilla literary festival undoubtedly helped tourism on the island as it showed that we have a lot more than just the sun, sand and beaches, but that there is a deep intellectual capacity present,” adds Hon. Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary secretary responsible for tourism.
“We are home to some of the most highly regarded hotels in the world, and we are known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, so hosting a literary festival of this magnitude is indicative of the Anguilla spirit and I have no doubts that next year’s festival will be bigger and better.”
