Free Readings at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus
by Renowned Authors at "Voices of the Rainbow" Series
-Writers include Kwame Dawes, Willie Perdomo, Suheir Hammad, Joyce Zonana,
Colum McCann, Ellen Litman and Nathalie Handal-

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Several distinguished authors and poets of different genres will read from their works at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus this spring. Part of the English Department’s “Voices of the Rainbow” series, the readings are free and open to the public.

The Brooklyn Campus is located in downtown Brooklyn, on the corner of Dekalb and Flatbush avenues.

Monday, February 23, 11 a.m. - Kwame Dawes and Willie Perdomo
Born in Ghana, Dawes spent most of his early adult life in Jamaica. Author of 13 volumes of poetry, including "Gomer's Song," he is Distinguished Poet in Residence at the University of South Carolina. Perdomo, of Puerto Rican descent, is the author of the poetry collections, "Where a Nickel Costs a Dime" and "Smoking Lovely," as well as the children book, “Visiting Langston,” winner of a Coretta Scott King honor.

Wednesday, March 11, noon - Suheir Hammad and Joyce Zonana
Born in Jordan to Palestinian refugees, Hammad is a TONY Award-winner for her performance in Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam. She has written three books, including a collection of poetry, "Zaatar Diva." Zonana is of Egyptian-Jewish heritage. Her book,"Dream Homes: From Cairo to Katrina," chronicles her life and her realization that "home" is not a location, but a spiritual state of mind.

Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m. – Colum McCann
A native of Ireland, McCann has written two short- story collections and four novels. His latest novel, “Let the New World Spin,” will be published shortly.

Tuesday, April 7, noon - Ellen Litman & Nathalie Handal
Ellen Litman is author of the short story collection, "The Last Chicken in America." It depicts Russian-Jewish immigrants trying to assimilate in America. Nathalie Handal, born in Haiti to Palestinian parents, has written essays, plays and two poetry books, “The Neverfield” and "The Lives of Rain."

The English Department’s multicultural "Voices of the Rainbow" series is funded by the Provost’s Office. For more information, call Louis Parascandola at (718) 488-1109.

Media Contact: (718) 488-1015

Posted: February 9, 2009