For Immediate Release:
August 6, 2020—Debutante Lisa Braxton, author of the debut novel, The Talking Drum, is a recipient of an Outstanding Literary Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. The award was announced today at the organization’s virtual convention where she was interviewed about her book during The Author Showcase. The Showcase selection committee considered The Talking Drum compelling and socially relevant and notable for its inclusion of African American history.
The Talking Drum is about three couples in the 1970s and how they’re affected when an urban redevelopment project takes over an immigrant neighborhood for gentrification. The fictional city of Bellport, Massachusetts, is in decline with an urban redevelopment project on the horizon expected to transform this dying factory town into a thriving economic center. This planned transformation has a profound effect on the residents who live in Bellport as their own personal transformations take place.
The novel explores intra-racial, class, and cross-cultural tensions along with the meaning of community and belonging.
The National Association of Black Journalists is an organization of African-American journalists, students, and media professionals. Founded in 1975 in Washington, D.C., by 44 journalists, the NABJ’s stated purpose is to provide quality programs and services to and advocate on behalf of black journalists. The organization has worked for diversity and to increase the number of minorities in newsrooms across the country.
Lisa on Twitter: @LisaReidBraxton
Congratulations!!!
Thank you!