16th Austin African American Book Festival Recap
After two years in the virtual world, the Austin African American Book Festival returned to the George Washington Carver Museum and library on June 25, bringing with it award-winners, scholars and book lovers of all ages.
In the museum, the adult literature segment of the festival began with the author showcase, where six authors discussed their careers and presented excerpts of their work. The books ranged from romance, to memoir to biography. Poet Christofer Michael closed out this session with a rousing recitation of his rhythmic and poignant work.
Economist, commentator and scholar Dr. Julianne Malveaux enlightened festival goers with little-known accounts of economic breakthroughs that created wealth in the African American community. Some of these histories appear in her book “Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History.”
Festival favorite Dr. Mark Cunningham led a discussion of Martin Luther’s King’s “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” Although written more than half a century ago, the book, its themes and questions are relevant today, as was evident from audience questions and insights during the discourse.
Meanwhile in the library, seven children’s authors presented their work in a literary version of open mic night. Austin-based writer and storyteller Debra Orr led this session, which included Kennedy Malveaux a 13-year-old author from Houston, Texas.
Award-winning illustrator and author Don Tate read from his new book “Pigskins to Paintbrushes: The Story of Football-Playing Artist Ernie Barnes.” Tate was joined by Van Garrett, a poet and award winner, who presented his first picture book “Kicks,” which is an ode to sneakers and sneaker heads.
Social entrepreneur Kelly Fair, who founded the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, closed out the festival with a workshop on life skills, career readiness and goal setting for girls.
The Austin African American Book Festival strives to build a love of reading and strengthen community by sharing literature by and about African Americans.
