Six years of community empowerment and education – Caribbean Life

Founded by Dhanpaul Narine, the Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival is not only a platform to promote literacy among children in Queens, but also a unique event that has evolved over the past six years. From its humble beginnings with a small group of children, it has grown into a dynamic festival held at the Richmond Hill branch of the Queens Library that has made a significant impact on our community.

This unique initiative encourages children to read poetry, give speeches, perform music, conduct and present their research and showcase their talents, while providing them with a nurturing and inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and welcomed.

In collaboration with the Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE) and the New York City Department of Education, the festival has received official recognition and support for its contributions to children’s literacy.

Recently, the festival honored two distinguished community members: Dr. Basdeo Mangru and Sherry Albredo. Dr. Mangru, a historian and the first female graduate of the Master of Arts from the University of Guyana, has written extensively on immigration from the East Indies. Albredo, a member of the community board, has contributed significantly to various community initiatives.

The most recent event focused on Indo-Caribbean heritage, examining migration from India to the Caribbean and subsequent migration from the Caribbean to North America.

Past events have honored black history and women’s contributions and featured readings and original poems inspired by figures such as Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jr.

He added: “One of the most remarkable aspects of the festival is its ability to bring children, parents and the community together. It creates a family-friendly environment where children can shine and parents can be proud of their achievements. The active participation of prominent members of the community as presenters.”

The next major event, “Poetry, Prose, and Passion,” is already generating buzz and is scheduled for August 3, 2024. Dr. Narine said, “We look forward to welcoming all eager parents and children to this exciting celebration of literature and community.”

Dr. Narine expressed her deep gratitude for the generous support of the Queens Library and emphasized that all festival activities are provided free of charge to the public. As the festival continues to grow, the need for additional space becomes apparent, reflecting the growing interest and involvement of the Queens community. Your support and commitment is greatly appreciated and recognized.

For more information and updates on upcoming events, the Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival encourages community members to continue to get involved and participate in this enriching cultural celebration.