The California African American Museum (CAAM) will host a free event for children with special celebrity book readings, writing workshops, art and more. Heads Are Turning, Children Are Learning Literacy Day will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at CAAM from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Actor Donis Leonard Jr. from Showtime’s House of Lies will serve as the host.

The youth literary event will feature local Los Angeles authors including Valerie Woods author of Katrin’s Chronicles: The Canon of Jacqulene Dyanne Vol. 1, a young adult mystery novel set in 1968 Southside Chicago. Dawn Comer Jefferson and Rosanne Welch will present their book The Promise, a 1850s slave narrative based on a true story. Amiekoleh Usafi will be reading her children’s parable Gladstone. Yasmeen Christian is bringing Ava Had a Bad Hair Day, a children’s book with fun illustrations.

Heads Are Turning, Children Are Learning will have writing workshops for children lead by featured authors. Youth and chaperones can also have their books signed by their favorite authors, participate in arts and crafts activities, listen to kid-friendly music and receive free books.  Food will also be available for purchase from a delicious food truck.

“Literacy Day will be a refreshing break for children and families from recent news and civil unrest.” said Program Organizer Babe Evans. “Attendees will create positive, creative and fun memories with CAAM and leave with a renewed appreciation for literary art.”

Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to join CAAM for Literacy Day. CAAM’s events, programs and exhibitions are free for the public to attend. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays.  Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM at 39^th and Figueroa streets.  For more information about CAAM and its exhibitions, programs and events, please visit: http://www.caamuseum.org or call (213) 744-7432.  Follow CAAM on Twitter and Facebook: @CAAMinLA.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans.

Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis.  The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.