The Soul of South Florida Book Expo to feature Cedella Marley, Lou Gossett Jr. and Isaiah Washington

MIAMI – On November 18 and 19 2011, legendary Oscar Award winning actor Louis Gosset Jr, actor-turned-activist, Isaiah Washington, and daughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, Cedella Marley will headline the inauguration of The Soul of South Florida Book Expo.

The Expo is the premiere event in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach area specifically targeting authors and readers of color. This family oriented event will be held at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

The Soul of South Florida Book Expo will begin with a kick off Gala on Friday November 18, 2011 featuring An Evening with Isaiah Washington from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The ticket price for this event is $30 includes a signed copy of his latest book “A Man From Another Land”. On Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm patrons will enjoy a day long expo which will host authors, music, vendors and children’s activities.

This event is produced by The Oracle Group International, a literary event production company and co-sponsored by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library Association at the Center which houses research, special collections, a cultural center, museum and a public library all under the same roof. The Expo is free and open to the public however, due to the expected crowds prior registration is encouraged.

In addition to Cedella Marley and Louis Gossett Jr., authors slated to appear at the Expo on Saturday include Best Selling Author Victoria Christopher Murray, and highly acclaimed Young Adult Author L. Divine. Invited authors include Actor Taye Diggs, Food Network Stars, the Neelys and a host of national and local authors who will conduct meet and greet signing sessions throughout the day. Expo participants can meet and hear first hand from their favorite authors, get books signed and have photos taken.

The Soul of South Florida Book Expo takes place during a weekend filled with book events in the South Florida area. This highly anticipated event was established to compliment the current activities while making its mark as the go to event for readers who enjoy books by and about people of color. “I am excited about the caliber of distinguished cultural leaders, forward thinking participants, and the celebration of diversity this event will bring to the community,” said event founder and Principal of The Oracle Group, Mocha Ochoa, “The South Florida area with its international flair is the perfect platform to showcase the literary arts with history makers who have made such significant contributions in the diaspora while providing a social narrative about the Black experience.”

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr.–Born May 27, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY his acting career soon flourished and his work in the stage and film versions of the groundbreaking drama about African-American family life in Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) proved a watershed. This led to numerous appearances on network series in the 1960s and 70s culminating in 1977, when he picked up an Emmy for his eloquent portrayal of Fiddler in the landmark ABC miniseries “Roots”. but the tough by-the-book drill sergeant in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982) won him a Best Supporting Oscar that consolidated his place in the Hollywood hierarchy. The aspiring actor caught a break at his first Broadway audition for “Take A Giant Step” (1953), where, beating out 400 other candidates, the then 16-year-old landed the lead. The recipient of every known acting accolade, including multiple Golden Globes, Emmys, and People’s Choice Awards, Lou’s performance has connected him with his fans on a global scale. Lou has also developed the Eracism Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating entertainment that helps bring awareness and education to issues such as racism, ignorance, and societal apathy.

Isaiah Washington

Actor, producer and human rights activist, Isaiah Washington is an NAACP Image Award and Screen Actors Guild winning American actor. A veteran of several Spike Lee films, Washington is best known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.

In this inspirational memoir, Grey’s Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington explains how filling in the gaps of his past led him to discover a new passion: helping those less fortunate. DNA testing revealed that Washington was descended from the Mende people, who today live in Sierra Leone. For many people, the story would end with the results of the search; for Isaiah, it had just begun. Discovering his roots has given him a new purpose, to lead an inspirational life defined by faith and charity.

Cedella Marley

Cedella Marley’s life has always been rooted in music and culture. Growing up in the hills of Jamaica and touring the world as a Melody Maker, Cedella has had the best of both worlds – “a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll.” As the first child of the Reggae legend Bob Marley, Cedella has witnessed history in the making. She continually combines her vast influences of people, places, cultures and music, sharing it all with the world through her creative endeavors. Currently living in Miami, Cedella balances her life as C.E.O. of Tuff Gong International, one of four Melody Makers, and a full time mom of three. Cedella has harnessed her creative energy and put it towards developing a collection of customized women’s clothing, appropriately named Catch A Fire, the title of her father’s first album.