The California African American Museum (CAAM) will celebrate National Children’s Book Week with the literacy event Heads are Turning, Children are Learning on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event co-hosts include actor Thomas Hobson of The Fresh Beat Band; actress Niketa Calame of The Lion King (animation); and actor Donis Leonard, Jr. from Showtime’s House of Lies.
During the literary event, renowned children’s author and illustrator Kadir Nelson will be on hand and several noted celebrities will read from his books. Participating celebrities who will read to children on the main stage in CAAM’s Courtyard include actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who will read from Nelson’s book “Nelson Mandela” and actress Deidrie Henry, who will read from Nelson’s book about Michael Jordan “Salt in His Shoes.” In addition, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen will read from her book “Dancing in the Wings.”
Many local authors will also read from their books including Bunny Hull, Quentin Holmes, Cassadra Black, A.K. Usafi, Lesley A. Anderson and Calida Garcia Rawles. Local authors will read in the CAAM galleries. Other activities include live performances, art workshops and face painting. Also there will be book, poster and art-kit giveaways. In addition, Eso Won Books, an independent Black-owned bookstore, will be on site selling the books included in the program. Guests can purchase a special gift for their friends and family. Adults have not been left out in this day of literacy, as the Los Angeles Public Library will host a table providing public library information and adult literacy.
Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to join CAAM in this special day of literacy. CAAM’s events, programs and exhibitions are free for the public to attend. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays. Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM at 39th and Figueroa Streets. For more information about CAAM and its exhibitions, programs and events, please visit: http://www.caamuseum.org
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis. The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.
