Attending author talks: 2 points

 

For the Evening of Enlightenment event with Jason Reynolds and Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon organized by Dr. Sequoia Maner, I served as an assistant. I was able to help collect the decorations, set up the event, take down the event, direct guests to the location, and encourage people to take advantage of the free books offered or pay to explore more books of Reynolds’. This was a moderated author talk that was open to not just the AUC, but the general public. During the talk, Reynolds and Hallmon talked extensively about Black stories and representation in writing. As an aspiring author myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion. It really was an evening of enlightenment as someone who wants to pursue writing more fully, but deals with a lack of time or writer's block. 

The questions focused a great deal on his upbringing, writing process, and advice for the active readers and writers in the room. He was real and honest with his responses, sharing his struggles in life and in writing. The way he addressed the younger people who asked him questions was impactful, refreshing, and hopeful. His advice to just keep reading and read broadly resonated deeply with me, as I have been struggling to read for personal pleasure and exploration since my freshman year of high school was cut short due to Covid.

By Samantha Hines