feature story / 19 Join the Conversation SEPTEMBER Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi OCTOBER The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin NOVEMBER Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah DECEMBER Sycorax’s Daughters by Kinitra Brooks, Linda Addison, Susana Morris (eds.) These books are next on the Go on Girl! agenda such a visual picture of that grease- stained paper bag that for that par- ticular meeting somebody made fried chicken and all the fixings of a Southern meal. After 11 months of passion- ate book talk, all the Go on Girl! regional chapters come together for the annual award weekend, at which favorite writers are honored. This year’s national conference in Chicago was the group’s 25th , and honored authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chigozie Obioma and Dr. Haki Madhubuti. But merely reading and appre- ciating these stories has never been enough for Go on Girl! They want more black writers to feel empowered to tell their stories, and to believe that there are readers ready to receive them. As part of that effort, the orga- nization grants two monetary scholar- ships yearly: one to a student studying literature or communications at an historically black college or univer- sity, and one to an unpublished writer struggling to be read. “Two of our un- published writers have gone on to get book deals and had their first novels published,” says Johnson. “You have to see the weekend in action to really appreciate it.” For more information about Go on Girl! membership or past reading lists, visit GoOnGirl.org. Joanne Fisher is a freelance writer and voracious reader who can’t wait to dig into the GOG reading list. n Latoya Peoples at the local GOG chapter meeting Preschool - Grade Eight For more information, please contact Kellen Kent, Director of Admission 973.410.0400 x 15 or kkent@chathamdayschool.org www.chathamdayschool.org Small By Design We keep you smiling! 250 Millburn Avenue | Millburn 973-467-0077 Saturdays and Evenings Available On site parking | Convenient location Wendy Wisz, DMD General, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry Every effort is made to ensure the utmost comfort for each patient. Enjoy a modern professional environment and a caring staff. As a former faculty member of Fairleigh Dickinson Dental School, Dr. Wisz now devotes all her time to private practice.