As an author, it is always great to be acknowledged for your work. You don’t always get that instant feedback from readers. So, having an event like the AAMBC Awards is a blessing. I was invited to attend as a special VIP guest, a huge honor amongst the author community.
Yes, I’m an author baby! If you didn’t know I published my first book, I Hear That Girl: Life Advice for Every Sista, in 2015. It was a huge accomplishment for me and I’ve been blessed to share the concept of life advice with women across the country. Don’t have my book? It’s ok, you can purchase it here.
The AAMBC which stands for African Americans on the Move Book Club returned with its tenth Annual AAMBC Awards, and to kick off the official “Black Writers Weekend” from June 7 – 10. The awards show was hosted by Hop Hip Legend MC, musician, radio personality, and former MTV VJ ED Lover. The purpose of this book club is to expose unknown African American writers and to give them the opportunity to be recognized on a national level as well as winning accolades.
One of this year’s featured highlight was The Maya Angelou Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to legendary recording artist and producer, Angie Stone.
AAMBC creator, Tamika Newhouse says, “Angie Stone has influenced hundreds of creators, recording artists, and producers. Her songs have been the backdrop to many love stories and honoring her will be a dream for me since I grew up listening to her music.”
In addition to honoring Angie Stone, Newhouse selected Roxanne Shante for the IAMCREATIVE Icon Award. Newhouse says, “It’s ideal to honor Roxanne Shante who is often named as one of the first female MCs to have mainstream success. To be the first in anything is a huge feat and it is ideal for us to acknowledge the doors Roxanne helped open for more creative such as she.
Other honorees included ”Wahida Clark as this year’s recipient for the Francis Ray Trailblazer Award, and husband and wife duo Ashley and JaQuavis Coleman for the Urban Classic Honor.
Next year, I look forward to participating in more of the events during the writers weekend, and maybe even being honored as well! Who knows? The sky’s the limit… actually, beyond the sky’s the limit!
