We Speak Events

Literary Artists speak on #HipHopinBooks at the Atlanta’s A3C Hip Hop Festival

Published

9 years ago

October 8, 2017

umeektv

Mike Seabrook/Klarque Garrison

When it comes to Hip Hop and fiction, many often forget the origin and how it impacts our communities. From the likes of a Donald Goines, to Teri Woods, and Ashley and JaQuavis Coleman, our stories have been widespread for decades, impacting millions. This year, the A3C Festival and Conference joined forces with the AAMBC Awards and its origination to produce the Hip Hop in Books panel.

Moderated by Legendary LaQ’uita, the panel featured literary artists such as JaQuavis Coleman and Wahida Clark, who both have dominated the New York Times best sellers list to new age authors, Myss Shan and Booker T. Mattison. The panel also featured AAMBC Awards creator, Tamika Newhouse, who launched the AAMBC platform to advocate for literacy ten years ago.

The panelists spoke on the importance of storytelling and how literary artists contribute to the growth of Hip Hop. When it comes to those types of books, you often think of musical talents and perhaps the songwriter and producers, but the talent, often forgotten about are those who pen novels. With an ever-changing industry, it was much-needed to hear from these talents, and the best part was getting signed books during the wrap-up session.

The AAMBC Literary Awards is a platform that celebrates black books and black writers in a star-studded ceremony each summer. Their partnering with A3C only encourages the mission that we read and that we create! They made reading seem fun, powerfully, and the fact that we can create our stories for millions to read is pretty dope to me.

Check out some images from the Hip Hop in Books panel.

Related Topics:a3c festival black authors black writers booker t mattison books hip hop jaquavis coleman literary tamika newhouse wahida clark

Up Next

[PHOTOS] BET Hip Hop Awards 2017: Carbi B + Lil’ Boosie + Keyshia Ka’Oir + Migos Attend

Don't Miss

Under-appreciated rapper LeCrae hosts album signing in Atlanta

umeektv

Click to comment

We Speak Authors

Micky Angelo Petrillo Shares an Inspiring Journey on The Andrew Eborn Show

Published

2 weeks ago

August 2, 2026

Jimmy Star

Some conversations stay with you long after they end. Micky Angelo Petrillo’s appearance on The Andrew Eborn Show was one of those rare moments—an honest, heartfelt discussion about courage, resilience, and the extraordinary freedom that comes from finally embracing your authentic self.

Known for his deeply personal documentary, The Man I Was Born to Be, Micky spoke openly about his remarkable journey, proving that it is never too late to live the life you were always meant to live. With Andrew Eborn’s thoughtful and compassionate interviewing style, the conversation went far beyond headlines, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and hope that have shaped Micky’s inspiring story.

The interview highlighted the message at the heart of Micky’s documentary: authenticity has the power to transform lives. His story is one of perseverance, humor, vulnerability, and determination, offering encouragement to anyone who has ever struggled to find their true identity. The documentary is currently making its way through the film festival circuit following a successful preview screening, bringing Micky’s message of visibility and acceptance to an even wider audience.

Andrew Eborn’s ability to create meaningful dialogue allowed viewers to see not only Micky’s personal journey but also the universal themes of acceptance, family, and self-discovery that resonate with audiences everywhere.

For viewers seeking an interview filled with honesty, compassion, and inspiration, Micky Angelo Petrillo’s appearance on The Andrew Eborn Show is a powerful reminder that the greatest journey we can ever take is becoming ourselves.

Watch Micky Angelo Petrillo on The Andrew Eborn Show on Octopus TV here: