Our Story

Dr. Roz Oliphant Jones, a longtime educator and bookseller in Austin, Texas had a vision to organize a book festival in Austin similar to the Harlem Book Fair in New York. In 2006, she reached out to writer Evelyn Martin Anderson and together they established the Austin African American Book Festival. The inaugural festival was held in 2007. Since that time the festival has grown to include nationally recognized authors, a platform for local and regional authors, literary discussions, children’s activities, and a vendor marketplace. The Austin African American Book Festival, held at the George Washington Carver Library and Museum, is a highly anticipated community event that attracts 400+ festival goers each year.