Join Penguin Random House at March On’s 2024 Film Festival in Washington, DC
At Penguin Random House, our mission is to ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. We believe that books, and the stories and ideas they hold, have the unique capacity to connect us, change us, and carry us toward a better future for generations to come. It is this belief that led us to discover the visionary team behind the March on Washington Film Festival. We realized our shared goal of using storytelling, in its many forms, to hasten us toward progress. This month, during the annual festival, we will bring our communities together to celebrate this critical work and hear from leaders and artists working to bring our stories and our visions for the future to life.
Please join our Penguin Random House colleagues at the March On 2024 Film Festival on Oct. 6th and 12th for extraordinary conversations celebrating the legacy of James Baldwin, our efforts to diversify the book industry, the legal fight against book bans, and how we share our authors’ captivating stories through audio. Take a peek at our schedule:
October 6, 2024
2:00 p.m. ET – Opening tribute celebrating the enduring impact of James Baldwin
Experience a special screening of James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket, a powerful documentary that explores Baldwin’s life and his unwavering advocacy for justice followed by a conversation with filmmaker Karen Thorsen, scholar Dr. Frank Leon Roberts, influencer and activist Cree Myles, and more. Location: National Archives, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408
October 12, 2024
1:00 PM – Reading with Isisara Bey and Keith Colon
Celebrate the 101st anniversary of Khalil Gibran’s classic book, The Prophet, with a special reading by Isisara Bey, accompanied by violinist Keith Colon. Location: Planet Word, 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
1:30 PM – Get On the Banned Wagon: The Fight for Books
Join Ojasvinee (OJ) Singh, Legal Fellow at PRH, for an insightful survey of Penguin Random House’s legal actions in defense of books, authors, and the right to read and be read. Location: Planet Word, 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
2:00 PM – Talking Book – How to Be An Audiobook Narrator
Learn what it takes to become an audiobook narrator with veteran voice actor Karen Murray and Julie Wilson, lead of PRH Casting. Gain insights into preparation, vocal skills, and even try your hand at narration! Location: Planet Word, 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
3:00 PM – Opening the Book on Publishing: The Women Innovating Penguin Random House
Engage in a roundtable discussion with executives from various departments of Penguin Random House, moderated by Jamia Wilson. Panelists include:
- Kim Shariff, EVP, Strategy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Lara Phan, VP, Account Marketing & Event Strategy
- Susette Brooks, Director, Inclusive Marketing
Location: Planet Word, 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
4:00 PM – Special Presentation: African Traditions in the Novels of Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison scholar, Dr. Kokahvah Zauditu-Selassie, explores the African deities, ancestral ideas, spiritual archetypes, and lyrical prose in Morrison’s novels. The session will feature a processional led by King Salim Ajanku, Master African drummer, and insights from Mama Koko, a distinguished scholar and spiritual leader. Location: Planet Word, 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
7:00 PM – Notes from America with Kai Wright and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Attend a special live recording of Notes from America with host and managing editor Kai Wright and Justice Jackson, author of Lovely One. Location: National Archives, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408
October 13, 2024
1:00 PM – The Gathering Table’s multi-course meal curated by Chef Keith Corbin
The closing event connects cookbooks to the nurturing of the civil rights movement, and the role of our ancestral food legacy in culture, health, land, and freedom. At communal tables, guests will savor our history on a plate, and engage in an exchange of stories on how the making and sharing of meals has and continues to unite and strengthen us as a people.
For the full, week-long schedule, visit https://marchonfest.org/march-on-festival-2024/schedule/
Tickets: Tickets for the festival events are free with RSVP and are available at first-come, first-serve, except the meal with Chef Corbin which is $65.
If you have any questions about this event, or want to participate in future events, please email Susette Brooks at subrooks@penguinrandomhouse.com.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of the publishing world, where creativity, innovation, and passion converge to shape the future of storytelling.