ITORIAL
all Libraries and City of Chicago venues. Sold!!
Hence, the Cavalcade of Authors was born.
The Late New York Times Bestselling Author, L.
A. Banks (Leslie Esdaile Banks), graced us with
her presence at the Masquerade Ball that was
held at DuSable Museum of African American
History. I was a little ambitious at that time to
plan for a weekend of events and bookstore
signings, but it set the stage for others to
come. Thirteen years later, the Cavalcade is
going strong and not only is it a different kind
of event where readers and book clubs get to
play Spades and Bid Whist with the authors, but
they also learn Stepping and KiZomba less, play
musical chairs and jacks, too. Next year, we’ll
take the show on the road to Atlantis Resorts in
Paradise Island, Bahamas.
This issue of Naleighna Kai Literary Café
Magazine is a nod to the event, its participating
authors, and others you will meet only the
way. I also asked our resident bad boy, Shakir
Rashaan, to pen something about his journey
in caring for his beloved. Several of his posts
hit my social media newsfeed, and it warmed
my heart to see the love and care that a man
could have for his wife. In this day and age
where so many are touted and given a pass for
not holding true to their commitments, this was
refreshing.
You’ll also see a few reviews here including The
Hate You Give by Tiffany Tyler and insight to the
fight between good and evil in Shannan Harper’s
review of Eva Brock’s series. J. D. Mason join
us by interviewing the man we love to hate (but
also wouldn’t mind taking for a tumble in the
sheets)—Jordan Gatewood. Not to mention, I’m
giving you a sneak peek of the special edition
novel Loving Me for Me that is being published
for sale only at the Cavalcade events in Chicago.
I press one of these every year, so I don’t die
with the book still in me. Bonnie Taylor-Williams
shares a slice of history on how that tragic event
in 1955 inspired the woman behind With These
Hands. Angelia Vernon Menchan shares the
kind of wisdom in her article that will make
everyone sit up and take notice.
So dive right in to take a look at what we’ve
been up to. And if you’re feeling a little left out
when it comes to the Cavalcade, make plans to
join us for the Out of this World Ball if you’re
in Chicago, or pack your bags, swimsuit, and
books and travel with us to the Bahamas next
year.
NKLC MAGAZINE | 3