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.

On stage

 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.

Signing

 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.

[youtube id=”JkfG1oSfgtA” width=”600″ height=”350″]

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

Issa Rae on the red carpet holding her new book, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

Issa Rae and Michael Winn

 Alliance Theater’s Community Engagement Mgr. Michael Winn and Issa Rae

Cocoa Fab talking to Issa Rae

 Issa Rae being interviewed by Cocoa Fab’s Rita K. Davis

Rashana Ali Issa and Algebra

Media personality Rashana Ali/Issa Rae with singer Algebra Blessett

Alex Davis and Chelsye Burrows

Alex Davis and ASPiRE TV’s Chelsye Burrows

Line

Issa Rae fans waiting in line for their seats

Terrell Whitley Kathleen Bertrand and Deidra McDonald

BLFF’s Deidre McDonald and Kathleen Bertrand

with Liquid Soul’s Tirrell D. Whittley

Detta West, Paul Butler and guest Pearl with Algebra

Actress DeEtta West with ASPiRE’s GM Paul Butler and guest/Pearl Cleage with Algebra Blessett

Sabrina Harvey and Carlton Hargo

Slo Mo Magazine’s Carlton Hargro with Sabrina Harvey

on stage 2

Issa Rae in conversation with Pearl Cleage

Issa Ray with Kathleen and Diedra

Issa Rae with BLFF’s Deidra McDonald and Kathleen Bertrand

Signing books

Issa Rae signing books after the conversation and Q&A

Angela and Issa

 Issa Rae signing “Exhale” co-host Angela Burt Murray’s book

Kwanza Hall

 Issa Rae with Atlanta City Council Member, Kwanza Hall

Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com

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