she has sponsored this evening by can understand and frank hughes. >> a moment such as this makes you think of life's journey. never did i imagine my journey would take me down this wonderful path, i'm humbled in forever grateful to my sponsors frank hughes in can anderson. my journey took a fork in the road when my husband took a job in a small town called 16 missouri. at a great opportunity to work for a top notch, family run business and work for some amazing mentors and industry leaders. it tim and -- encouraged me and showed me the path. i would not be standing here today without them. i have been blessed to be with great industry -- their commitment to the small and mid side operator is truly remarkable. but as this journey started with my family, that's where it will end. jeff brook mac and ryan. i love you more than you know. and i share this honor with you. >> well a cool and accomplished class we have this year. speaking of cool, it got a bit chilly outside. it's nice to be in the warmth of spring creek ranch. >> this is a celebration of the accomplishments of our new pionee

nathaniel mackey, richard white, langston hughes, james baldwin, michelle alexander, adrian kennedy, carl beatty, angela davis, william kelly, robin kelly, frank wilkerson, carol harris, -- [inaudible] vsos he for advancement of -- [inaudible] roscoe mitchell, george lewis, et cetera et al. as well as the entire modern jazz tradition from the so-called mainstream expression of the light from circa 1890 to the present. especially kenny, general baker, mike cameron. finally first last and always i'm a solid and fake a very special person whose love, friendship and support, counsel, compassion, insight, humor, in this generosity i have been and remain happily reliant on for many wonderful years now. i'm very fortunate to not only be her marital parter but some who also cherishes for exemplary example as as a writer, visual artist, editor in human being who continues to deeply inspire -- to matter what, her name is -- thank you for everything, honey. i know you know this already but it bears repeating nonetheless, i love you with all my heart and soul. and thanks again american book awards for the very important and essential work that you do. >>