The world lost one of its literary giants on Thursday, July 23, 2009. New York Times Bestselling Author E. Lynn Harris died at the young age of 54, leaving a legacy that will continue in those he inspired and entertained.
Conversations LIVE! Radio took a look at his life as an author and activist with those whom he affected along the way. Among the guests for the hour were bestselling authors Tony Lindsay (CHASIN' IT), DaPharoah69 (seen above with Harris/ THE KING OF EROTICA), Latrese Carter (LIAR, LIAR), N'Tyse (MY SECRETS, YOUR LIES) and James Earl Hardy (B-BOY BLUES). Webb also shares statements by Sherrie Shepherd (co-host of The View), Bestselling authors Marita Golden (IT'S ALL LOVE) and Cheryl Robinson (SWEET GEORGIA BROWN) as well as Patricia D. Woods of Books2Mention Magazine. (see below)
MARITA GOLDEN, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF IT'S ALL LOVE: "I will always remember E. Lynn's generous spirit. He gave of his time, his talent and his treasure in support of emerging writers
consistently throughout his life and career, He was a board member of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and was a spirited champion of the work and mission of the foundation in creating opportunities for Black writers. He gave generously to the foundation and created
opportunities for others to do the same through parties he hosted. I will miss his sense of humor, his entertaining stories and the inspiring way he lived his life."
SHERRIE SHEPHERD, CO-HOST OF THE VIEW: "I am sad that he (E. Lynn Harris) passed. I wish he and his family peace."
CHERYL ROBINSON, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SWEET GEORGIA BROWN: "I cried when I heard the news and as I am writing my thoughts I am still crying because he was and will continue to be my inspiration. When times got tough in this business, he was one of the authors I looked toward, someone I admired for all that he achieved and all that he gave back. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed. A man who gave so much to so many, even to those he had never met personally. He made an indelible mark in the literary world by being the first to write about black gay men living an "invisible life". And he did so in a way that not only entertained but also enlightened women to a lifestyle that we knew very little of. E. Lynn Harris opened our eyes and gave us a look inside. He will continue to live on in my heart and my mind and legions of new fans will continue to experience him through the vast body of work that he has left behind. E. Lynn Harris was a truly kind and caring person who made a mark in this world. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
PATRICIA D. WOODS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF BOOKS2MENTION MAGAZINE: "My deepest condolences goes out to E. Lynn Harris' family, friends and fans. We have lost a dynamic storyteller who possessed an uncanny ability to craft novels that literally pulled readers into the intriguing world of characters that were interesting and witty, told with humor and candor, seasoned with just the right amount of unexpected twists and turns. Delivered with that sensational style that is without a doubt E. Lynn Harris' exclusive signature.
"The first novel that I read by E. Lynn was Just As I Am. I was so profoundly touched by this body of work that I read the book four times.
"Since then, I have read and made it my business to stay abreast with all of his work. We will indeed all miss him and with out a doubt take comfort from the amazing stories that he crafted, for he has indelibly made a mark in the literary world and in the lives of all who had the opportunity to read, gain knowledge and inspiration through his masterful ability to open our eyes and truly try to see life from a different perspective.
"Thank You E. Lynn Harris for the incredible journey. Rest In Peace."
Conversations LIVE! Radio thanks all of those who joined the discussion via chat and listened online. The impact of E. Lynn Harris will continue to be felt and enjoyed through those he touched with his gift, and the dialogues he encouraged will have a lasting effect on us all.
Missed other discussions on Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com.
