michael simanga, a multidiscipline author, scholar, director of the fulton county department of arts and -- >> former director. >> former director. >> now part of the national black arts festival. >> that's right, yes, now director of the national black arts festival, which is major, major. i'm glad because i have been enjoying that are for decade. while he was at the fulton county department of arts and culture he produced over 200 cultural events, including exhibitions and festivals and films and has a doctorate in african-american studies and author of the widely acclaimed novel of "in the shadow of the sun" and he is co-ed for of the recently released very important book, anthology, titled "44 on 44." 44 african-american writers on the election of barack obama as 44th president of the united states, and last we have leta hooper, whom i have here before me, and some folks are just so distinguished that sometimes it gives you -- takes you a minute to get yourself wrapped around them. that is lita hooper. a poet, play write and an educator and her work has appeared in numerous antho

keligoff, author anthony grooms, lita hooper, michael simanga, executive director of the national black arts festival, and conrad tillard. this is about an hour and a half. good afternoon everyone. leroy can find the best in everybody. and he would have to bring out the -- he would have to bring jay miya -- jeremiah write -- wright. i've been coming here as a panelist and one imbibing in the audience like most of you and it's been a wonderful experience, and i'm also glad to be here because those being honored today are among my heroes. ishmael reed and others who are going to be honored this evening, and we have a very -- not only distinguished but diverse group of panelists who are really extremely well-versed in politics and also have made their own marks in political writing in various genres. i'm going to introduce them, not in a particular order but i'd ask you to raise your hand when i call your name. our first panelist is anthony green, who identifies himself as a writer of conscience as he puts it, and he writes on a variety of subjects. in several genres. from historical ficti