Ellis Returns to Booker T. Washington High for Book Launch

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GREENWOOD DIST. — Magic City Books is excited to host NAACP Image Award-winning actor Jay Ellis for a special event celebrating his new memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: Adventures in Boyhood, on Monday, August 5 at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at Booker T. Washington High School, where the megastar was once a student.

Jay Ellis Reflects on a Creative Childhood and Hollywood Journey in His New Memoir

Born in Sumter, South Carolina, to a military family, Jay Ellis spent his childhood inventing new personas for every town he landed in, including Tulsa.

After college, he decided to take his one-man show to Hollywood, where he got his start in a recurring role on BET’s The Game. Subsequently, now an actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Ellis gained fame for his role as Lawrence on HBO’s Insecure, which earned him an NAACP Image Award. He appeared alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.

Jay Ellis, star of HBO’s Insecure, tells the story of growing up with an imaginary best friend you will never forget–part Dwayne Wayne from A Different World, part Will Smith from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air–in this hilarious, vulnerable memoir.

A testament to the importance of invention, trusting oneself, and making space for creativity, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? is a memoir of a kid who confided in his imaginary sidekick to navigate parallel pop culture universes. Additionally, it explores a lifetime of birthday disappointment (being a Christmas-season Capricorn will do that to you) and hoop dreams gone bad.

“Nothing is more annoying than knowing that a handsome movie star like Jay Ellis is also a talented writer. His debut collection of essays is so funny, poignant, and personal. I loved this, and you will, too,” comedian and actor Mindy Kaling shared.

Jay and Renowned Podcaster Crissle West will be in Conversation

Crissle West, a seasoned professional with over 11 years of experience in the podcasting industry and renowned for her captivating storytelling and insightful interviews, will join Jay in conversation.

As the host of the critically acclaimed podcast The Read alongside their friend Kid Fury, she has established a loyal following and garnered acclaim for her ability to engage audiences on a wide range of topics.

Esteemed publications such as ESSENCE, The Washington Post, Slate, and others have recognized her impactful work. As a result, this recognition has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the podcasting landscape.

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How to Secure Your Spot for the Exclusive Book Launch Event at Booker T. Washington High School

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 28. One World will publish “Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?” on July 30, 2024. You can also find event information and tickets on magiccitybooks.com.

This ticketed event will be hosted at the Booker T. Washington High School Auditorium. Each ticket comes with one (1) hardcover copy of Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? and one (1) seat at the event.