12th Annual Austin African American Book Festival

For its 12th year, Austin’s African American Book Festival (AABF) honors classic African American titles, uplifting novels of present-day, and works that imagine a masterful future. The festival will be held Saturday, June 23 from 9:30-5:00 pm at the Carver Museum and Library, 1165 Angelina St. in East Austin. This community event is free and open to the public.

This year’s keynote speaker is publisher Paul Coates, who started Black Classics Press 40 years ago to ensure that black literature is available for future generations. Coates formerly served as the African American Studies reference and acquisition librarian at Howard University and is the father of cultural critic Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Writers Victoria Christopher Murray and John Jennings will read and sign their latest works. Murray won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground. In addition to being a graphic novelist, Jennings is a professor of media and cultural studies.

Evan Narcisse, author of the Rise of the Black Panther, and festival veterans Dr. Mark Cunningham and Dr. Peniel Joseph, present literary discussions inspired by the Black Panther phenomenon.

Brooke Obie, an award-winning author of the debut novel Book of Addis: Cradled Embers and Dexx Peay, author of the science fiction series The Fire and Ice Chronicles will also read and sign their works.

Younger readers will enjoy Lori Aurelia Williams, who has written four young adult novels and was a Michener Fellow at UT Austin. Illustrator Don Tate will read from his latest work and lead youthful attendees in an art activity.

As has become a tradition, attendees have a chance to discover literary talent at the new author showcase, which kicks off the festival at 9:30.

For more information visit www.aabookfest.com