Written by | Ray Cornelius
The multi-talented Issa Rae brought her national book tour to Atlanta Monday night for an intimate reading and signing. The hilarious actress, writer, and producer is promoting her first book titled, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which is loosely based on her úberly popular web series, “Awkward Black Girl.” The private affair took place at the Alliance Theater in Midtown and also featured Rae in a one-on-one conversation with celebrated author, playwright, and Atlanta icon, Pearl Cleage. ASPiRE Network and CocoaFab.com served as event sponsors.
Issa Rae in conversation with Pearl Cleage
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is a collection of humorous essays written by Rae on what it’s like to be unabashly awkward in a world that regards introverts as hapless misfits and black as cool. She read a little bit from her book and then took questions from her adoring fans, who purchased their copies prior to the event.
Issa Rae signing books and taking photos with fans
Afterwards, Rae took pictures and autographed books. Check out a little bit of Rae’s conversation with Cleage about how YouTube changed her career and helped to build her now famous brand of comedy.
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In addition to her popular web series and new book, Rae is also one of the co-host of ASPiRE’S popular talk show, “Exhale” and is on Forbes Magazines list of 30 Under 30. She has developed content for Pharrell Williams and Tracey Edmonds and is currently working on a new series for HBO.
Check out more pics from the event below:
Issa Rae on the red carpet holding her new book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Alliance Theater’s Community Engagement Mgr. Michael Winn and Issa Rae
Issa Rae being interviewed by Cocoa Fab’s Rita K. Davis
Media personality Rashana Ali/Issa Rae with singer Algebra Blessett
Alex Davis and ASPiRE TV’s Chelsye Burrows
Issa Rae fans waiting in line for their seats
BLFF’s Deidre McDonald and Kathleen Bertrand
with Liquid Soul’s Tirrell D. Whittley
Actress DeEtta West with ASPiRE’s GM Paul Butler and guest/Pearl Cleage with Algebra Blessett
Slo Mo Magazine’s Carlton Hargro with Sabrina Harvey
Issa Rae in conversation with Pearl Cleage
Issa Rae with BLFF’s Deidra McDonald and Kathleen Bertrand
Issa Rae signing books after the conversation and Q&A
Issa Rae signing “Exhale” co-host Angela Burt Murray’s book
Issa Rae with Atlanta City Council Member, Kwanza Hall
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
