The Black Cultural Programming Committee, in conjunction with the Educational Advancement and Ronald McNair Programs, presented a lecture and reading by author Omar Tyree Monday night at the University Center Auditorium.

An Evening with Omar Tyree had the Howard University graduate, journalist and poet entertaining the crowd as he used his various literary works as methods in defining the dynamic between male and female relationships.

Tyree explained how each of his books depict characters as they progress in their environment. He said they mimic reality by following the natural evolution of urbanism.

Tyree’s latest novel, For the Love of Money, is a sequel to one of his early successes, FLYY GIRL.

I’m an educated person, Tyree said. I don’t believe in not progressing.

After introducing himself and describing his previous books, Tyree read poems from For the Love of Money, as well as one of its chapters.

The chapter, which reunited the main character, Tracy, with her first love from FLYY GIRL, had the audience laughing and cheering.

According to audience members Latonya Johnson and Roneferiti Fowler, Tyree had a gift for expressing truthful emotion and depicting real occurrences.

I thought he was very funny in the way he dealt with reality, Johnson said. He didn’t sugar coat it.

After the readings, Tyree took questions from the audience, whom he initially had to prompt.

I’m so thorough, people generally don’t ask me much, Tyree said jokingly.

He was asked if he was apprehensive about making the character of Tracy sexually active at age 13 in FLYY GIRL. Tyree asked the audience how many among them knew people who had sex at that age.

As various hands went up throughout the auditorium, Tyree said, It’s the truth. If you are an artist, you have to have the courage to tell the truth.

He pointed out that unlike other authors, he does not present an overt sexuality in his works.

I give you alternatives and balance, Tyree said. I’ll struggle to make a point across.

According to Tyree, he wants readers to see where his characters are coming from.

When I go to bed, I want to be able to sleep good and not worry about the integrity of my books, Tyree said. I give you a real plate of food when everyone else gives you McDonald’s.

Tyree defined his audience as young urban adults, ages 13 and up.

Teenagers are hard to writer for because nobody wants to be honest with them, Tyree said.

Among his influences are Richard Wright, whom Tyree admired for getting straight to the point, and Toni Morrison, who does not water down her art.

Tyree said he saw himself having a long and prosperous career. He predicted his next book, Just Say No, which will be released Aug. 7, 2001, will break into the New York Times bestseller list.

I’m going to keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny, Tyree said.

Members of the audience said they were impressed by Tyree’s humor, as well as his intellect and straight forwardness.

He was very direct, very to the point and very honest, Fowler said. That is very hard to find today in authors.