OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Renowned poet, speaker and freedom worker, Dr. Jaiya John, PhD, will debut his 22nd book and host a conversation at Ocala’s Mary Sue Rich Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025.
John, a former Harvard professor, has family in the area, and considers opportunities to read and speak in Ocala “a special and sacred homecoming.”
“My people are for me the very land and sky and water and sun of Ocala. They are my soulful wealth and joy. To launch this new book in Ocala before anywhere else in the world is a great honor for me. A divine gift and blessing,” said Dr. John in an announcement.
“Wildflowers Praying at Midnight,” his latest work, was released Dec. 16, 2025.
This event is complimentary, though attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Dr. John’s various works, including “Daughter Drink This Water,” which was listed among Oprah Daily’s “8 Life-Changing Books Therapists Swear By.”
Mary Sue Rich Community Center is located at 1821 NW 21st Avenue in Ocala. The event begins at 6 p.m., and is sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Tau Omega Chapter, and SANKOFA Public Library.