Norton to be Honored Guest at D.C. Native’s Book Launch
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will be the honored guest at the book launch for D.C. native author R. Kayeen Thomas' new novel, The Seven Days, whichbridges the experiences of African American slaves, the civil rights generation and today's African American culture. At the event, which will take place on Tuesday, April 30, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at Busboys and Poets at 14th and V (2021 14th St NW), Thomas will speak about his new book and Norton will speak about Thomas' early acclaim as a novelist, still in his 20s.
"In Kayeen Thomas, his family and our school system have produced a prolific young novelist and playwright who, just six years out of college, has already written three books," said Norton. "The Banneker High School and Carleton College graduate brings the hip-hop sensibilities of his generation to his work with universal appeal."
Thomas published his first book, Light Stories of Urban Resurrection, while pursuing an African-American studies degree at Carlton College in Minnesota. Following college, he taught various grades in public and private schools from 2006 to 2011, and continued to write and create. His second book, Antebellum, was released to significant acclaim in 2012, including earning him a nomination for the 44th NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Debut Author. The Seven Days, his most recent book and a prequel to Antebellum, was officially released on Tuesday, April 16.
Published: April 26, 2013