This post was originally published on Rochester Beacon
Rochester, N.Y. — Rochester celebrated the first ever National Black Authors Day on Thursday.
The holiday was started by author and Rochester native CaTyra Polland to celebrate the achievements and legacy of past, present and future Black authors.
The event featured book readings, an opportunity to purchase books and discussions about literacy.
Local author and nurse Renee Addison spoke on why this holiday matters not just for the country but for Rochester.
“My hope is that a day like this, National Black Authors Day, will be able to open the door for other people in the community, all over the world to be able to know that everybody has a story within them,” Addison said.
The event was sponsored by WXXI, the Rochester City News, and the Rochester Black Authors Association, which is hosting a weekend expo that is coming up next month.