Detroit, Mich. (March 15, 2005) – There has been a surge of self-publishing in recent years. African Americans in metro Detroit are bursting at the seams with many new inspirational books. On Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 5 p.m., the Museum of African American History (MAAH) will be the location of  Book Expo featuring local authors from around the metro area. The Museum is located on 315 E. Warren just west of I-75 in the heart Cultural Center. The theme: "Literacy, History & Community."

"The museum is the finest in the country. It has some of the most outstanding and inspirational exhibits and we wanted to support the vision with our inspirational writings" said Brenda A. Jenkins local author and Expo organizer. She sees MAAH as valuable to the life of the community and worth any effort possible to financial support it. Dozens of authors will have booths and make contributions to the Museum. The entrance fee for the Book Expo is $5.00 and includes a tour.

American Christian Writers, a group that Jenkins and some of her author friends are apart of, have stepped up to do their part for MAAH by organizing a Book Expo.

"My love for people, our cultural institutions and reading propelled me to seek out others of like-mind to help me in this endeavor. I called some friends to make this dream come true," said Jenkins.

Christian authors and publishers will come together for the first book signing and membership drive at MAAH.  ACW Members, Dr. Sabrina Black, Pamela Hudson, Diane Reeder and Christina Dixon are the other  authors participating and organizing the event.

Jenkins's involvement with her grandson's schooling and her work as a volunteer inside some of the Detroit Public Schools made the decision to promote literacy very easy. But it is much more than her commitment to families and community that inspires and motivates her to give of her energy and time to pursue this awesome undertaking. "It was a community and my love of reading that enabled me to be who I am today" she said. Jenkins is also a conference speaker and consultant.

Among the people giving their time and energy will be community organizations offering resources and literature that will bring hope and relief to families in the metro Detroit area.

This event is a labor of love for Jenkins and the Christian authors. "We all love God, books and our community. Hopefully we can inspire membership and expose people to MAAH’s educational programs. Sponsoring groups: American Christian Writers (ACW/Detroit), Writers Resources and Accountability for Publishing (WRAP), ARIEL Connections, Advanced Consulting & Marketing Services, PriorityONE Publications and Written Images. Books will be sold and signed by the authors.

For more information call Brenda Jenkins at 313.719-1621 or go to ariel-connections.com