G-SCENE: E. Lynn Harris Tribute (New York City)

I had the pleasure of attending one of the nationwide tributes to the late critically-acclaimed author E. Lynn Harris last night.  Throughout the week many of Harris' close friends and literary pals such as Eric Jerome Dickey and Terrance Dean talked with fans about the legacy of one of today's most prolific African-American scribes.

In New York City's Columbus Circle, one of Harris' closest friends, former NFL player/Ford model-turned-sports agent Sean James, and literary friends Erica Kendrick, author of new novel Appetite, and Tonya Lewis-Lee, co-author of Gotham Diaries, sat at the panel of the tribute to share their personal stories with Harris.  Their stories included conversations of inspiring words that stuck with them in their pursuit in their professions and self-satisfaction.

  
(authors Erica Kendrick [left] and Tonya Lewis-Lee [right] read excerpts of Harris' speech and newest novel Mama Dearest respectively.  Kendrick described her first meetings with Harris as being a superfan.)

As an admirer of Harris' work and accomplishments, I was most encourage by Kendrick's recount of her first meeting with him.  She mentioned how the two discussed their similarities to which Harris left Kendrick with his wisdom to "find your voice."  She shared how she did not realize what was meant by that statement as her intention to meet Harris had nothing to do with needing advice to become a writer.  However, when Harris describe to Kendrick how writing saved his life, she realized her calling based upon her experiences and churned out her first novel Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader.  Then, she knew her voice.  Ultimately, she was saved from her recent life's struggles.

Even, James, who is heterosexual, mentioned how he had to deal with the banter from his male friends who did not want to understand his close friendship with Harris, an openly gay man.  James relived his experience in his first meeting with Harris whom he embraced immediately in business with Harris needed a model for his novels.  Thus, they working relationship became personal as they shared a great interest in football, scholastic, and other hobbies.  James never saw Harris as a gay man but rather a passionate man who loved people, life and to inspire others.

After the event, I realize that I have felt the spirit of E. Lynn Harris.  Moreso, I was challenged by Kendrick to write my novel and to find my voice.  I realized that I found the direction I need to embark.

  
(Sports agent and personal friend of Harris, Sean James, spoke about his memories of the late author.)

Comments

[Cleon T. Day, III]

I was in ATL at E. Lynn Memorial Service on Sept 25th. E. Lynn's Aunt and first cousin were here for that tribute. His family, including his mother had been here earlier in the week for a booksigning to launch his new book "Mama Dearest".

The memorial service was very moving, it was a celebration with family, friends and colleagues, along with his personal assistant and partner of eight years. They all gave very touching but uplifting stories of meeting and befriending E. Lynn.