Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP) is a disease that affects approximately five to ten million people that live in the United States. Most people that are diagnosed with BOOP respond well with steroids such as prednisone. Cases in which the underlying cause of BOOP is unknown are labeled as idiopathic. The cause of Unkle Earl’s BOOP was unknown. However, as a consequence, his lungs were scarred, resulting in the need for a double lung transplant. The purpose of his book is to provide education and awareness to eliminate the stigma and fear associated with organ donation and transplantation that exists in minority and marginalized communities.

Earl Holt Jr. will be joined in conversation with community leader, public servant, and consultant Keith Holt.

About the Author:

Earl Holt Jr., better known as Unkle Earl, grew up in East Baltimore.  Due to a rare disease called BOOP which resulted in the scarring of his lungs, Unkle Earl needed a double lung transplant to survive.  On May 12, 2015, he received a second chance to live his best life.  Growing up Unkle Earl loved to collect sports cards and comic books and he has turned his passion into an online store. 

About the Moderator:

Keith Holt is a community leader, public servant, and consultant based in Baltimore. He currently serves as President of the Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the LGBTQ Diversity Leadership Council for Maryland Democrats, and Community Engagement Coordinator for SAGE USA, focusing on elder advocacy and affordable housing. 

Over the past 15+ years, Holt has founded initiatives such as the Baltimore Free Ball and Conference and the Status Update Campaign. Holt’s career has included roles as Director of Community Engagement for Baltimore City Council, Youth and Sexual Minorities Outreach Coordinator for the Baltimore City Health Department, and consultant to major institutions like the Smithsonian, Johns Hopkins University, and Peabody. In 2022, he was elected to the Maryland State Central Committee by winning a seat representing Baltimore’s 43rd district. His work emphasizes mental health, HIV advocacy, government operations, and organizing in vulnerable communities. 

About the Program: 

• To attend in person please register here. 
• Doors will open to registered attendees at 1 pm. 
• Books will be sold by Greedy Reads and available for purchase before and after the event.
• ADA accessible parking spot, free street parking, bike parking, and electric car charging station available.