Yona Deshommes, a prominent figure in both education and publishing, began her notable career at Edwin Gould Academy, where she developed impactful programs for at-risk youth. She advanced her career as Associate Director of Publicity at Atria Books and co-founded Riverchild Media and Collective 5 Entertainment, achieving New York Times bestseller status. Yona is renowned for her ongoing commitment to championing authors of color through the LIVING OUT LOUD series at the Harlem Book Fair. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with the Hermes Creative Award.

Max Rodriguez, the esteemed founder of QBR/The Black Book Review and the Harlem Book Fair, has dedicated nearly thirty years to the advancement of African American literature. His establishment of QBR as a leading platform for African Diaspora writers has garnered it the designation of “the African American literary review of record” by the New York Times. Max’s influential work has also earned him a place in the Writers Hall of Fame at Chicago State University.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices