In recognition of Lupus Awareness Month, Flare Fighters Fest presents a book reading and writing workshop with author and filmmaker Bridgett M. Davis. Her newly released book, Love, Rita: An American Story of Sisterhood, Joy, Loss, and Legacy, is a tribute to her sister Rita, whose life was cut short by lupus when she was forty-four. Love, Rita chronicles Bridgett and Rita’s bond and sisterhood while exploring the persistent effects of racism in the lives of Black women. The author will read excerpts from her book and lead attendees in a reflective writing workshop.

Bridgett M. Davis (pronounced Brih-jet) is the author of the memoir, Love, Rita, published by Harper Books in spring 2025. Her first memoir, The World According To Fannie Davis: My Mother’s Life In The Detroit Numbers, was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and a Best Book of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews, BuzzFeed, NBC News and Parade Magazine, and featured as a clue on the quiz show Jeopardy! The upcoming film adaptation will be produced by Plan B Entertainment and released by Searchlight Pictures. She is the author of two novels, Into the Go-Slow, named a Best Book of 2014 by The San Francisco Chronicle, and Shifting Through Neutral, shortlisted for the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Legacy Award. Davis is Professor Emerita in the Department of Journalism and the Writing Professions at Baruch College and the CUNY Graduate Center, where she taught creative, narrative and film writing. Her essays have appeared most recently in The New York Times,  the LA Times and The Washington Post, among other publications. A graduate of Spelman College and Columbia Journalism School, she lives in Brooklyn with her family.

Flare Fighters Fest (dba Flare Fighters) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at the intersection of arts and creative expression, holistic wellness and movement, and community. Founded in 2024, Flare Fighters is proudly based in the heart of New York City, Harlem. Our signature event, Flare Fighters Fest, is held annually in New York City each fall, bringing together individuals, artists, and advocates for a weekend of education, movement, curated networking, and community-building—all while celebrating the healing power of the arts. Follow us @flarefightersfest for more information about Flare Fighters Fest 2025 and other upcoming events.

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with 50 max attendees. Please register in advance.

In compliance with Word Up Community Safety guidelines, all attendees are encouraged to stay masked at all time.

Recirculation, a project of Word Up Community Bookshop, is located at 876 Riverside Drive (near 160th St.) in Washington Heights, NYC. You can take the 1 train to 157th St., A/C train to 163rd St., and the M4 and M5 to Broadway and 159/160th.