In Conversation: Courtney B. Vance With William Allen Young

Join us for an afternoon with Emmy and Tony award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, whose television and film credits include Lovecraft Country, The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story and Genius: Aretha as well as Hamburger Hill, The Hunt For Red October and The Preacher’s Wife. He is also the author of The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power.

The event features an Opening Musical Performance with renowned Cellist Adrienne Woods from 2 - 3 p.m.

The book, written by psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith (known as “Dr. Robin”), is a moving combination of memoir, psychology, and practical tools that offer Black men guidance and support for reclaiming mental well-being and finding the whole, full-hearted living. Early in his career, Vance lost his father to suicide. Recently, his godson met the same fate. Both were quietly at risk, susceptible to the poor mental health outcomes prevalent among the Black community due to institutionalized racism, microaggressions, and stress caused by socioeconomic factors. In The Invisible Ache, Vance seeks to change this trajectory.

With over 100 film and television credits and known by millions as the father of Moesha, the character portrayed by actress and Grammy winner Brandy, William Allen Young, will lead the conversation with Vance. After the discussion, a book signing will follow.

"In Conversation With Courtney B. Vance" is hosted by the community partners the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), the Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF), and Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC). The event is part of the African American Heritage Month festivities, led by the mayor’s office and recognized by the City of Los Angeles.