February 22, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicholas Brown
(301) 699-3500, ext. 6241
nicholas.brown@pgcmls.info

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) launches a month-long celebration of women’s history this March with a special virtual appearance by world-renowned choreographer, director, and creative visionary Laurieann Gibson on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 7 pm ET. Gibson will discuss her new book, "Dance Your Dance: 8 Steps to Unleash Your Passion and Live Your Dream," with C. Lorenzo Evans III of American University and Washington Performing Arts. Known for her choreography and creative direction for megastars like Alicia Keys and Beyoncé, Gibson has a massive international following that reaches across generations.

Laurieann Gibson joins the Library’s amazing lineup of headliner virtual author events since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Past events have featured Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds, Bassey Ikpi, Leonard Pitts Jr., Lisa See, Philippa Gregory, Steven Rowley, Matthew Quirk, Zach Smedley, Jennifer De Leon, Natasha Trethewey, and Richard Blanco. Her book empowers readers to find paths for achieving their dreams, calling on the creative and entrepreneurial spirit in everyone. Gibson uses personal stories of her artistic experiences and the challenges she has faced to model how anyone can pursue their dreams and find fulfillment.

“PGCMLS is thrilled to host Laurieann Gibson for an event as part of her international book tour,” said Roberta Phillips, CEO of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “She has had a major cultural influence on the United States and is especially beloved here in Prince George’s County. I can’t wait to hear her conversation with C. Lorenzo Evans III, who grew up as a customer of our Library and is now on to great things as an executive and creative entrepreneur.”

Laurieann Gibson’s program will be broadcast live on PGCMLS’ YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook accounts (@PGCMLS). ASL interpretation and live captions will be provided. This special event is co-presented with Joe's Movement Emporium, Prince George's Community College's Center for Performing Arts, and Prince George's County Human Relations Commission. Books are available for purchase through Loyalty Bookstores, a Black, woman, and LGBTQ+-owned indie bookstore in Maryland and Washington, DC

Learn more about the Library’s Women’s History Month resources and events at pgcmls.info/heritage, which features book recommendations, educational videos, historical reference sites, and other free online resources.

About Laurieann Gibson

Laurieann Gibson is one of the most important pop culture influencers in entertainment today. Having served as creative director and choreographer for numerous international superstars, Gibson brings a unique brand of blending traditional artist development with movement and dance training to their collaborations. Her expertise in developing artists’ performance skills along with her creative insight has led to her choreographing and directing world tours for some of today’s biggest pop acts, an Emmy nomination for directing the HBO concert special Lady Gaga Presents the Monster Ball Tour: At Madison Square Garden as well as numerous television appearances, including as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance and the return of Making the Band. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her doggie “son,” Samson.

About C. Lorenzo Evans III

C. Lorenzo Evans II is a DC and Maryland-based executive and creative entrepreneur. His 15 years in finance and business operations has resulted in a transformative impact on the financial and business operations of organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Maryland (Clarice Smith Center), Washington Performing Arts, and a host of other organizations. He is also a professor at American University and at National Arts Strategies (in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania). Evans is highly respected internationally as a choreographer and dance entrepreneur, and has collaborated with numerous prolific artists, including Chuck Brown and Fantasia.

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 915,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve booklovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike.

PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Virtual events and outreach provide access to the Library from the comfort of home or on the go. Special programs include the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, STEM Pals, and 3D printing, which offer teens and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology and STEM skills for job readiness or personal enrichment. The Library also provides drive-up WiFi access at all branches and mobile hotspot devices. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland. As a strong community partner, the Library regularly collaborates with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide access to essential community services and programs. Partners include the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, Employ Prince George’s, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Prince George’s Community College. Learn more at pgcmls.info or by visiting the Largo-Kettering Branch at 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD 20721. Curbside Services are available on Tuesday-Friday (1-6 pm) and Saturday (1-5 pm) at 16 of the Library’s branches.