The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence honors Louisiana storyteller Ernest J. Gaines and recognizes rising African-American fiction writers of excellence at the national level. This year’s winner, Rob Franklin, will read an excerpt from his winning novel and participate in a Q&A with one of the award’s judges. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and programming begins at 6:30 p.m. A brief reception will follow.
