Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Chi Pi Zeta Chapter will host its third annual Ladies of the Dove Literary Festival from
9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 10 at Liberty County High School to showcase local and national authors and celebrate literacy.
New York Times best-selling author Omar Tyree is scheduled to be the keynote speaker, and best-selling author R.M. Johnson will address the crowd as a guest speaker.
The inaugural festival’s keynote speaker, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, will return to make a special appearance, as will L. Divine, the author of the popular young adult series, “Drama High.”
Other national authors scheduled to appear at the festival include TaNisha Webb, Norlita Brown, Yolanda King Stephens and Twilla Robinson Booker.
Spoken-word artist Patrick Duncan will perform poetry readings, and saxophonist Bernard Rose of Hinesville is scheduled to perform as well.
In conjunction with the literary festival, Chi Pi Zeta will host its annual essay contest to reward local students with cash and prizes for their writing talents.
At the 2011 festival, Chi Pi Zeta awarded more than $1,000 in cash and prizes.
Students are encouraged to apply for this year’s contest through their school or the chapter’s website, www.chipizeta.org.
Festival Chairwoman Dr. A’ndrea Wilson, who also will participate as an author, said she hopes to build on last year’s event to make this one even more successful.
“Last year’s festival was great, and this year we are growing and working hard to offer an even better event,” she said. “We hope that the surrounding communities will take advantage of this opportunity to meet famous authors, find books and celebrate literacy. Save the date. It’s a free event.”
Space still is available for local vendors to showcase their products and services. The event also is in need of corporate and individual sponsors. Information about vending and sponsorship can be found on the chapter’s website.
For more information, go to www.chipizeta.org or www.blogtalkradio.com/litfestlounge or email litfest@chipizeta.org.