New York Times’ bestselling author to work with Renton High students

Omar Tyree will also host a community lecture on May 18, 7 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. 2nd Street, Renton

May 9, 2006—Author, publisher, lecturer and performance poet Omar Tyree will visit Renton High School on Thursday, May 18 to work with student writers and impress upon high school students the importance of reading and writing. Tyree will also speak with students on important issues such as intellectual culture vs. popular culture, the purpose of black American art, images of women in the media as well as other topics.

Tyree, a New York Times’ bestselling author and 2001 NAACP Image Award winner, known for the urban classic Flyy Girl and 12 other novels, agreed to visit the school from his home in North Carolina after just one phone call from Renton High Principal Kathryn Hutchinson.

Hutchinson called Tyree after seeing several students immersed in Tyree’s novels. The students told Hutchinson that the books’ subject matter was relevant and of great interest to them; enough so that some said they were also now contemplating becoming a writer.

Tyree, who has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African-American community, will work with small groups of students during the day and present a larger lecture at 7 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S 2nd St, Renton, WA. Tickets are $5. Everyone is welcome.