University of Baltimore Hosts Launch Event for D. Watkins's New Book, The Cook Up, May 3
April 26, 2016
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
In recognition of his newly released memoir, The Cook Up, the University of Baltimore will host a book release event on Tuesday, May 3 for D. Watkins, M.F.A. '14, the award-winning writer, speaker and lecturer in UB's Klein Family School of Communications Design. The Cook Up is Watkins's highly anticipated book about growing up in the city. The celebration will begin at 7 p.m. in the H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons Town Hall, 1415 Maryland Ave. It is free and open to the public.
Watkins has gained significant attention for his insights into the lives of modern black Americans. He has appeared on Meet the Press, NPR, CNN, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The Huffington Post, Salon and elsewhere. In addition to his degree from UB, Watkins holds a master's degree in education from Johns Hopkins University. Watkins is from and currently resides in east Baltimore.
"As a dynamic teacher, D. inspires students from all walks of life to tell their stories, be themselves and work hard, because as he says, you never really know who you are going to evolve into," said Kendra Kopelke, director of the MFA in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts program. "We are thrilled to host and support the launch of his new book."
Wes Moore, the New York Times bestselling author of The Work and The Other Wes Moore, describes The Cook Up as "Amazing storytelling that brings us deep into the reality of East Baltimore. A moving and important piece of contemporary memoir."
Activist and organizer DeRay Mckesson said the book offers an "unflinching, raw, coming of age account of the personal impact of the drug trade. Simply a must read."
The Beast Side, Watkins's debut collection of essays, was published last year.
For more information about the launch event, contact kkopelke@ubalt.edu.
Learn more about the M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts program.