The Miami Book Fair Celebrates Caribbean Voices
The Miami Book Fair promises to be even more stimulating this year as it Celebrates 40 years of readings, workshops, conversations, and book offerings. Get ready for 8 days of inspirational bookish events November 12-19, 2023 as the fair welcomes literary superstars and newbies alike.
Considered one of the largest literary festivals in the country, The Miami Book Fair, organized by Miami Dade College, came about in a bid to bring book lovers together back in 1984. Then called Books by the Bay, that seed planted by Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón, Books & Books owner, Mitchell Kaplan, and other enthusiastic booksellers has grown from a two-day event into an international festival of cultural arts featuring authors, publishers, and book worshipers.
Reaching an even wider audience, since 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the Miami Book Fair introduced its online platform virtually tapping into audiences across the globe. This virtual and in-person formula has now become a staple for the fair’s more than 200,000 attendees and 300-plus authors and exhibitors who benefit from the cultural and educational events. This year’s packed series of talks, readings, book signings, workshops will feature some of the country’s noted celebrities, authors, and media personalities, among them Kerry Washington, Walter Mosley, Jada Pinkett Smith, Joan Baez, Henry Winkler just to name a few.
Authors, publishers, book shop owners, browsers, and bibliophiles will rub shoulders during the 3-day Street Fair (November 17-19) exploring endless books, magazines, and accessories on offer. As well, the always popular Children’s Alley is sure to attract youngsters, and their parents, through a never-ending journey of storytelling, crafts, and performances.
READCARIBBEAN
One of its most anticipated programs this year is ReadCaribbean in which authors will explore identity, resistance, heritage, culture. Through fiction, non-fiction, film, and memoir via in-person and virtual events, audiences will get glimpses of Caribbean rhythm shared by the countries in the region connected by history and tradition.
M.J. Fievre, Coordinator for the ReadCaribbean program
“The ReadCaribbean program is pivotal in merging the unique voices of the Caribbean with the broader Miami community. This program elevates Caribbean literary works and serves as a nexus for discussions, promoting understanding and building connections. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties have a substantial Caribbean population, particularly Haitian and Jamaican communities. Consequently, ReadCaribbean provides a platform closely linked with these communities’ narratives, histories, and aspirations,” explained M.J. Fievre, Coordinator for the ReadCaribbean program.
Born and raised in Haiti, Fievre is an accomplished author and educator. The Florida-based author writes in multiple genres — from powerful memoirs to children’s/young adults to poetry and inspirational — in English, French, and Haitian Creole. Fievre is committed to promoting Caribbean literature through her advocacy and community work, underscoring her belief that cultural exchange can be a source of unity.
“The tales from the Caribbean, rich in history, traditions, and experiences, offer a deep understanding of the region’s societal intricacies and enduring spirit. By facilitating this interaction, ReadCaribbean elevates Caribbean voices and nurtures connections among
diverse communities, promoting unity and shared values,” said Fievre in a conversation with Caribbean Today.
EXPLORING IDENTITY
The in-person program kicks off on November 18 at noon with Echoes of the Caribbean: Exploring Identity, Culture, and Resistance in Contemporary Literature in which authors Karen Lord (Barbados), Kevin Jared Hosein (Trinidad and Tobago), Safiya Sinclair (Jamaica) and Myriam J.A. Chancy (Haiti) will share insights on their creative process, the significance of their chosen themes, and how their personal experiences and heritage inform their narrative style.
Haiti Unveiled: Narratives of Culture, History, and Womanhood will continue the movement at 2pm with authors Edwidge Danticat, Micki Berthelot, Myriam J.A.Chancy, and M.J. Fievre. From tales of resilience to poignant explorations of identity, these authors illuminate the multifaceted experiences of Haitian women and the broader societal narratives.
Said Fievre: “When I write, the world is introduced to my homeland’s unique rhythm, emotions, and colors, and my journey as a Haitian woman. These narratives allow readers to genuinely perceive Haiti’s vitality, the Caribbean’s diverse character, and our communities’ collective spirit.”
She added: Authenticity in storytelling guarantees that our tales remain unaltered and genuine, providing a counter-narrative to any misconceptions or preconceived notions. By embracing our voices, cadences, and languages, we ensure that the stories do not lose their inherent essence or become overshadowed by external perspectives.
COMPLEXITIES
The program continues with voices from more countries around the region including Cuba and Puerto Rico, either in-person or online. They will delve into cultural complexities that define a people, the art of Caribbean filmmaking, and traditional medicine in healthcare. And importantly, some of these offerings will be in several languages, reflecting Miami’s diverse nationalities and cultures.
Fievre noted that Caribbean narratives, in their own cadences, enrich the literary world, becoming powerful reminders of the value and power of diversity. And, while the literary world is slowly waking up to the rich tapestry of Caribbean stories and the nuances they bring to the global narrative there’s still considerable ground to cover. The ongoing efforts of platforms, publishers, and self-publishing authors collectively steer the industry toward a more inclusive future, but the journey is far from over, the ReadCaribbean Coordinator insisted.
The Miami Book Fair is certainly a major platform that is taking on this fight, raising Caribbean literary voices.
“Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional, a passionate reader, or someone just stepping into the vast world of literature, the Fair promises an enriching experience. With
the ReadCaribbean program being a vital part of this literary fiesta, it’s evident that the tales of the Caribbean have found a cherished space in the hearts of Miamians,” declared Fievre.
