16th Austin African American Book Festival

Now in its 16th year, the Austin African American Book Festival returns as a live event June 25 from 10:00 to 3:00 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Library at 1165 Angelina Street. 

This year’s featured author is Dr. Julianne Malveaux.  She’ll discuss her book “Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History,” which will be reissued later this year. Dr. Malveaux is an economist, author and commentator and the Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.  Her weekly columns appear nationally through Black Press USA and the Trice Edney Newswire.  

Festival favorite Dr. Mark Cunningham will lead a discussion on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”  The book provides insights into the Civil Rights leader’s concerns and aspirations for America's future. His words signify a deep understanding of America’s societal trajectory and seem unnervingly prescient today. 

The festival continues to be a family event and we are honored to host lauded children’s authors Don Tate and Van Garrett, both from Texas. Tate is a writer and illustrator who has won many awards for his nonfiction children’s books. Tate will present  “Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes.” Garrett is an award-winning writer, and teacher who will present his debut picture book “Kicks.”  Following their presentations, both authors will join historian kYmberly Keeton, as she leads children in making collages focused on the art of Ernie Barnes.  

Kelly Fair will discuss her success guide “Every Girl Is a CEO!” This book helps girls learn to set and achieve goals, as well as work through any obstacles they face along the way. Fair is an award-winning social entrepreneur who founded the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program. 

Now that we can meet in person, the festival will again include a new author showcase and a limited number of vendors from the community. 

The Austin African American Book Festival strives to build a love of reading and strengthen community by sharing literature by and about African Americans. This event is free and open to the public.  

Schedule

10:00am – 11:00am
Author Showcase – Carver Museum Theater

Don’t miss our annual authors ’showcase, where emergent writers get to share their work. This session benefits the Central Texas’ independent writing community.  

11:30am – 12:30pm
Dr. Julianne Malveaux – Carver Museum Theater   

Discussing her book “Surviving and Thriving, 365 Facts in Black Economic History,” Dr. Malveaux traces the economic prosperity of African Americans from both a historical and contemporary perspective, a conversation often ignored when considering the overall history of our people.    

1:30pm – 2:30pm
Dr. Mark Cunningham Book Discussion – Carver Museum Theater

Join us for a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” as Cunningham investigates why the promises of the Civil Rights movement have yet to fully materialize despite the fact some progress has been made.

Children/Youth Activities

10:00am – 11:00am
Children's Story Time and Table Stations  

Support Central Texas independent children’s authors for story time and table station activities and stock up on the latest in local Black children’s literature.  

11:00am - Noon
Story Time with Don Tate and Van Garrett  

Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate will read from his book “Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes.” Barnes was an athlete and artist whose work celebrates the dynamic spirit of Black people. Joining Tate is award winner Van Garrett, who will present his first picture book, “Kicks,” an ode to the flyest sneakers and those who wear them.  

12:30pm - 1:30pm
Black History Art Activity with kYmberly Keeton  

To further celebrate the genius of Ernie Barnes, historian kYmberly Keeton will lead our youth in an art history activity that will elevate Barnes ’themes of self-expression and pride.  

1:30pm - 2:30pm
Every Girl A CEO Summer - Teen Girl workshop with Kelly Fair  

Joining us from the Windy City is Kelly Fair, founder of Polished Pebbles, a girls mentoring program. Fair will lead a workshop to introduce life skills, career readiness, and goal setting to young girls.