This was not your average book signing event. This may go down as the most raw and unforgettable book signing to date. Take a look as writer Lathleen goes behind the scenes of actor/singer turned author’s book signing in one of the toughest neighborhoods in New York City. Check out the video footage and pictures after the jump, you don’t want to miss this! 

News for Tyrese LA Book Signing Today at Barnes & Noble!

Barnes & Noble

189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA

April 18, 2011 – 7:00PM

Here’s how his book signing in New York went down, last week!

Reporting/Writing/Video by @Lathleen

Everyone is seated at Hueman Bookstore in Harlem New York. The setting is classroom style, except the desk that sits in front of the room is covered in a black cloth stacked with books. The seat for the desk is empty because Singer, Actor now Author, Tyrese Gibson has not arrived yet. The anticipation is slowly turning on as more fans arrive at the book signing awaiting to catch a glimpse of Mr. Gibson. Before you know it, he pops in, Tyrese is here. Outfitted in a brown leather jacket, blue jeans, complete with a gray and black scarf that sits on his neck. He immediately reports to the front of the room, cracking a smile revealing his white teeth which quickly lights up the room. A well dressed man with shoulder length dreads arrives with Tyrese, he is Jeff Johnson, best known as a BET personality.

Tyrese Shares a Hug with Activist Jeff Johnson

Happy to be here, Tyrese looks on into the crowded room and speaks directly to the people “whoever can’t afford a book, I want the message to get out there so bad, I’m going to buy you a book,” he says. “It’s that serious I don’t want anybody to leave here without one,” Tyrese assures everyone as more people start to gather in. The room is now full and slowly reaching its capacity, humble, Tyrese makes a promise “No one will leave here without their book being signed.”

Tyrese Chats with New York City Crowd at Book Signing

Tyrese has scored many major lead roles in several Hollywood films as well as being nominated for more than one Grammy award. This same man humbly stands before a packed Harlem crowd and offers to buy a book to someone lacking money. The action speaks volumes for the Hollywood star who is clearly using his celebrity to touch local communities.

In this video below, writer Lathleen offers you a very exclusive backstage pass to Tyrese’s book signing event. This is uncut footage of what the star calls “uncomfortable truth.” See if you can handle it..

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