The African American Literary Award Show (AALAS) held its 4th annual fete at the Gatehouse on September 25th.

Each year, the event also presents one lucky author with the Sojourner Truth Award, which is symbolic of those who have paved the way for others and advanced the standing of African Americans within American literature. The winner of the coveted award this year was Howard Dodson, Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; a division of the New York Public Library.