Memories of a grandfather dressed meticulously for his job as a Pullman Porter. A spitfire grandma who doled out hugs and ‘whoopins’ equally. A spoken word manifesto on the brilliance and beauty of Black women and girls. These are just some of the stories featured in Snapshots Volume 8, an anthology of personal and family narratives published by the Community Writers Group of Los Angeles (CWGLA).

The Community Writers Group of Los Angeles will host CWGLA Live!, a book launch for Snapshots Volume 8 and a celebration of the Black experience, past, present and future. The event will feature writers performing snippets of their works about notable and unsung family members, personal journeys toward self-love and healing, early childhood memories, and “Aha” moments found in adulthood.

 Among the many stories of history, hope, and healing, Snapshots writer and CWGLA Board Member, Valerie Gilkey, will share her piece “The Queen” which celebrates the legendary Barbara Morrison who passed on March 16, 2022. The piece coincides with CWGLA’s return to in-person events by hosting the launch at the famed Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in the heart of Leimert Park and Black Los Angeles.

CWGLA Live! is an event not-to-miss, and will also announce recipients of the Elise Woodson Scholarship Program for African-American high school students. Books and merchandise will be available for purchase with a portion of proceeds applied to the scholarship program.

Seating is limited and RSVP is required at: https://www.cwgla.org/event-details/cwgla-live-snapshots-volume-8.