Labor Day Weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer for New Yorkers, perfect for a weekend getaway. Still, on the evening of Sept. 6, Harlem proved that some moments are too important to miss.
Everyone who was meant to be at the historic Friendship Baptist Church—fans, friends, family, and dedicated supporters—was inside a sanctuary with deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement. All celebrated the release of Eriq La Salle’s newest novel, “Laws of Solomon”—a stand‑alone crime thriller published by Levett Books and Poison Pen Press, and the latest installment in his acclaimed Martyr‑Maker series.
A Cultural Opening: Drums, Dialogue, and Deep Reflection
The evening began with the sharp, rhythmic pulse of West African djembe drumming, instantly grounding the audience in heritage, community, and anticipation. The energy carried seamlessly into an open conversation with La Salle, moderated by Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, and Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Sr., minister in residence…