The Go On Girl! Book Club Annual Author Awards History

2004 Author of the Year Award

When we decided to acknowledge the authors who touch our souls so profoundly, with a special award, the look and feel of the memento was not taken lightly. It had to express the essence of our club, as readers and as proud Black women. We chose artiste Orah-el of Sacred Healing Arts because her works make you feel.

A master potter and porcelain artist, Orah-el is also a renowned holistic healer and yoga master. Originally from New York City, she currently makes her home in Jamaica, where she and husband King Ia-Nats teach art and literacy. Based in an area with few resources, the couple's small community school, which they built, helps local children overcome literacy inequities.

Mama Orah-el
Award Plaque Creator

Each year, our honored Author of the Year receives an Orah-el Award Plaque which combines our remarkable logo with the power of mother earth in hand- crafted elegance. Though all awards share a similar design, each one's uniqueness is enhanced by the clay, which is distinctive to the area in which Orah-el is working at the time, thereby adding to its one-of-a-kind "craftswomanship." Orah-el's own art, which has always incorporated images of family, lovers and spirituality, is featured in notable art collections and art galleries around the world.

When asked what inspires her to create such works of art, Orah-El eloquently states: "my work comes from that quiet space inside, where the Creator and I are one. I spend all of my time in Paradise shaping the clay into the pottery you see today. I know each piece is for someone special, so I put that love and peace into everything I do." It is this ethic that ensures that every award we present is an irreplaceable and special work of art, just like our authors who receive them.

GOG Award History Trivia

Q: At the end of our first year, when we were only 12 members, even though we didn’t have an official Award Ceremony, we still had a favorite author and book that year. Who was our very “first” Author of the Year?

A: Walter Mosley for
Devil in a Blue Dress