National Center of Afro-American Artists, Inc.
To Host
"COOTA AND THE MAGIC QUILT" Book Signing

On June 9th, 2004 at the National Center of Afro-American Artists located at 300 Walnut Ave. in Roxbury will host local writer, Haywood Fennell, Sr. who will read and later sign his recently released children's book, "Coota and The Magic Quilt." He has written an exceptional children's novel, "Coota and the Magic Quilt", which not only tells a story, but delivers a practical and realistic experience of life that young minds can relate to and most importantly learn from.

"Coota and the Magic Quilt," with illustrations by Gina Beavers an artist/illustrator living in Springfield. The book is about Jerome, (nicknamed Coota by his friends) that lives in Roxbury a neighborhood in Boston and wants to grow up to be a "gangsta rap star." Coota's mother is concerned about her son's safety and sends him south to visit his grandmother, Miss Mattie, a no nonsense grandmother without a TV in her home. It is at the library that Coota meets, Cheryl, a beautiful and talented young girl that he instantly likes. She is sightless, but will teach Coota how to see life differently. "Coota and the Magic Quilt" is an insightful and youthful urban adventure.

In a recent interview with the Unity First, Mr. Fennell states, "I'm blessed to have a team of supporters in place to help get this book printed and out to the public by summer 2004. While many might consider it a children's book, adults can enjoy it as well". The book is being self-published and is due out in April 2004.

Haywood Fennell has just completed the sixth consecutive year of performing "Harlem Renaissance Revisited With a Boston Flavor,' a play that he wrote about one of the most culturally significant times in American history. Fennell has been seen on WBZ's "Coming Together" and WCVB's "Chronicle as well as being seen on "Speaking About,' a weekly cable TV on BNN that he co-hosts discussing this book.

For more information please call, Loren E. Roberts, President, Halo Associates, (617) 842-5860