The Austin African American Book Festival presents New York Times bestselling author and multiple award-winning poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander at its 17th annual event. Mr. Alexander has written more than 38 books, including his novel in verse "The Crossover,” which has been adapted into a miniseries for Disney+.  The festival will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00- 4:00 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Library at 1165 Angelina Street.

The festival theme of “Our Undefeated Legacy” pays homage to another of Mr. Alexander’s works, “Undefeated,” which extolls the commitment and tenacity of some of America’s greatest heroes. Mr. Alexander will discuss “The Door of No Return,” the first book in a trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village and the odyssey of an African family. “The Door of No Return” highlights the joy, beauty and daily wonders of a culture and history. It was an instant New York Times best seller and will be available for purchase at the festival.

Gayle Jessup White started her career as a journalist at the New York Times and is now the public relations and community engagement officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s legendary estate. Ms White is herself a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and two of the families that were enslaved by him, the Hemmings and the Hendersons.  Her book “Reclamation: Sally Hemmings, Thomas Jefferson and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy,” which she will discuss at the festival, details how her exploration into her family origins led her to the founding father.

Dr. Peniel Joseph will discuss “The Third Reconstruction: America's Struggle for Racial Justice in the Twenty-First Century.” For this insightful work, Dr. Joseph was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, which recognizes exemplary work that explores issues of human rights, social justice, and the power of individual action. Dr. Joseph holds a joint professorship at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of several other award-winning books, numerous essays on civil rights, presidential history, and social justice.

Included in the children’s programming is Story Time with Austin’s own Anne Wynter. Ms Wynter, who won the Ezra Jack Keats award for her book “Everybody in the Red Brick Building,” will present her work “Nell Plants a Tree.” This poetic picture book shows that living things need love, care and tenderness to grow, whether they be trees or families.

Literary and education consultant Patrick Oliver will also be on hand to do a vision board/journaling activity aimed at young readers. Mr. Oliver is dedicated to promoting reading and writing as tools of empowerment.

For people inspired to trace their own family odysseys, historian kYmberly Keeton, will host a genealogy workshop and suggest resources available locally and online.

The Austin African American Book Festival strives to build a love of reading and strengthen community by sharing literature by and about African Americans. The festival includes a vendor marketplace and a showcase where emerging writers will read from recent work. This event is free and open to the public.

Date: June 24, 2023

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location:

George Washington Carver Museum

1165 Angelina St,

Austin, TX 78702

Click Here to View More Information