Get Lit! Programs – a non-profit within Eastern Washington University that seeks to engage our diverse Inland Northwest community in reading, writing and literacy – holds an annual literary festival every spring that draws over 10,000 people from the Inland Northwest and beyond.
This year, Get Lit! is proud to present its headlining author,Keith Boykin!
The headlining author is hosted by Spokane Community College’s President’s Speaker Series and the Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities, in partnership with Get Lit! with additional support provided by Pride Foundation and the EWU Pride Center.
Boykin is the editor of The Daily Voice online news site, a CNBC contributor, a BET TV host, and a New York Times best-selling author of four books. His books have each been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, including his third book, Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies and Denial in Black America. Boykin won the Lambda Literary Award for his second book, Respecting The Soul, while his first book, One More River to Cross, is taught in colleges and universities throughout the country. His most recent book, For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Still Not Enough: Personal Writings about Confronting Life’s Obstacles and Believing in Yourself, was released in March 2012. It responds to the crisis of youth development and suicide in the black community, specifically among young gay men of color.
On Wednesday, April 11, Boykin will speak about “Race, Gender and Presidential Politics,” and will be available for book signing after his talk. His reading will be held at Spokane Community College’s Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St., Building 6 at 7 p.m.
The following morning, Thursday, April 12, Mr. Boykin will participate in a moderated question-and-answer session at SCC’s Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities, Building 16, 2nd Floor at 9:30 a.m.
This event is free and open to the public.
You can read Keith Boykin’s bio page or check out this video.
In addition to Keith Boykin, the Get Lit! festival will feature more than 50 events, including author presentations and readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, poetry slams and more. A complete list of participating authors and events is available on the Get Lit! website at or check out the latest news on their blog.
Most of the events are free to the public. For ticketed events, a festival pass will get you into all headlining events for only $45 and can be purchased at TicketsWest outlets, by phoning 1.800.325.SEAT, or visiting www.ticketswest.com.
Note: Students are able to get a free ticket with their to all festival events. Student tickets are available at their college bookstores or at the door of the event – Student ID required!
Farand is Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Eastern Washington. Email Farand.