South Ozone Park hosts ‘Book Party’

Teens heard from authors at a South Ozone Park ‘Book Party.’ Photo by Rohan Narine/Courtesy of Richard David

By Victoria Merlino

A group of Eastern Queens politicians hosted a “Book Party” for kids returning to school last week, featuring two award-winning authors in discussion. 

Authors Delicia Davis and Imam Baksh joined Assembly District 31 District Leader Richard David in South Ozone Park talk about their books and promote literacy. U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks and Councilmembers Eric Ulrich and Donovan Richards also sponsored the event. 

Davis spoke about her new book “Dear Diary, I’m Not Feeling Myself,” discussing topics like body image, building confidence as a young woman and her own struggles as a woman of color.

“Improving confidence, self esteem and discussing mental health with young people is extremely important,” said Davis in a statement. “This is why I truly appreciate our District Leader Richard David for organizing the Book Party. It was timely, informative and it actually brought out young people and their families who are the audience for my book.”

Baksh, author of the new book “The Dark of the Sea,” is a two-time winner of the Burt Prize for Caribbean Literature. 

“I love events like this where I can put my writing before young people and see them respond and start a conversation with my stories” said Baksh in a statement.