Octavia Reese

Black Panther Panel Discussion 

Pictured above:  Novella “The Hibouleans v. 1, by Octavia Reese (2nd from left), Jeff Johnson, and Dr. Yaounde Olu, NCGR III, author of “Almanac of Unfavorable Timing”

For Release 9/12/18              Nzingha Nommo, 708-420-1155

“WAKANDA FOREVER…”

Nestled inside the Maywood Fest’s showing of the film Black Panther, Afriware Books will host a Black Panther Panel Discussion on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018 starting at 6pm.  The Maywood Fest is a three day event 9/14-9/16 which takes place at Veteran’s Park, 125 5th Ave. in Maywood, IL.  We are pleased to have three distinguished subject matter experts including Jeff Johnson, Octavia Reese, and Dr. Yaounde Olu.  Afriware Books’ owner, Nzingha Nommo is honored to be facilitating the panel discussion. “It was a delight to invite three people from diverse professional backgrounds who I’ve enjoyed discussing the film with.”

Jeff Johnson is an aficionado of film, television and comic books.  Jeff studied film criticism at Roger Ebert’s alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, while completing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Jeff provided consulting services to filmmakers while earning an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Professionally, Mr. Johnson is a Director of Process Improvement at USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions around the world.

Author and cellist Octavia Reese, will also join us.  She is  the proud mom of three boys, and is a relentless creative, speaking life into women through writing, music, dance and art.  Ms. Reese is the author of a young adult sci-fi fantasy series, The Hibouleans, featuring heroic and brilliant young women of color. She’s also composed a musical score to accompany to the novella series. 

And finally, Dr. Yaounde Olu, an award winning editorial cartoonist for The Chicago Crusader in Chicago will join us.  Dr. Yaounde’ Olu is additionally a native Chicagoan, illustrator, cable television producer, astrological scientist, researcher, educator, founder and artistic director of the Drum Divas, composer, and indie comic and graphic novel publisher.  Dr. Olu holds a BS in Education from Chicago State University; an MA in Fine and Performing Arts from Governors State University, and a PhD in Health Sciences/Holistic Medicine from the Union Institute. She also holds certificates in Manuscript Editing, Book Publishing, and Publication Design from the University of Chicago.  

The panel will discuss the cultural significance, creativity and career paths surrounding the success of the film Black Panther.  The format will include introductions, film commentaries and Q&A from the audience.

Afriware Books will have Black Panther comic books, and merchandise to compliment the occasion. Octavia Reese and Dr. Olu will have merchandise available.