by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (610) 931-8810
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson
D-Phila., 186.
An annual book fair featuring meet the author signing their books took place on Saturday, June 20, at the Universal Institute Charter School. State Representative Kenyatta Johnson “Books Not Guns” Book Fair took place at 1415 Catherine Street in the South Philadelphia school. The Books Not Guns Book Fair was created to showcase K through grade 5 students interested in writers of the city, as well as book-related events that take place in libraries, bookstores, community centers, and other educational and cultural spaces. Rep. Johnson took keen interest in using book festivals to flourish around the city and help reduce gun violence in Philly and abroad. It became apparent that book festivals celebrating authors of books such as “Akeela and the Bee” (it became a movie) can assist many fine youth writers who call the South Philly area Universal Institute School home.
To that end, State Rep. Johnson put together a plan to have a free book give away, prizes, parents workshops, and workshops for kids followed by the showing of the movie Akeela and the Bee at the days event. The book fair, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, event included children's activities, education, fun, and food. Coordinated by the State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives D-Phila., 186, Children and Youth Committee, lots of people attended the indoor event.
The event was such a success, the State Rep. Johnson intends to continue its sponsorship. The book fair organizers gave away nearly 80 books helping to generate needed reading by kids. By design, Rep. Johnson invited to the Book Fair people of different cultures, literary genres, and subject matter, guaranteeing a diverse audience, and the success of the event. For the children, youngsters interested in books entertained the young audience, while potential authors helped children consider making their own books.
State Rep. Johnson’s Book Fair comprises school students excited about books, positive parents encouraging reading lots of books per month, a list of people supporting children and youth, brochures, newspaper features, posters, and snapshots engaging family in stop the violence activities.
