April 27, 2011 – Talk show host Tavis Smiley celebrated 20 years in broadcasting in a conversation with Brian Lehrer of WNYC radio. Tavis, who recently published a new book, Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure (purchase here: http://amzn.to/juAB4D) talked of his tough childhood in Indiana, twelve siblings, a nearly fatal beating by his father, check forgery conviction, and his rocky relationship with Barack Obama.

It was a rare opportunity for Mr. Smiley, who Time magazine listed as one of the “100 Most Influential People of 2009” to be on the answering end of a conversation. He was at ease and spoke openly of personal and intimate details of his personal and professional life.

The event was presented by WNYC and took place at The Cooper Union in NYC. In attendance was comedian Paul Money, who couldn’t resist an opportunity to do a quick stand up; Marva Allen, HueMan Bookstore in Harlem; Troy Johnson, AALBC.com; and many fans and friends.

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Freelance photographer Marcia E. Wilson/WideVision Photography gallivants around NYC looking for literary events to spotlight on the “Around Town” page. She may be at a reading near you.