18th Austin African American Book Festival Recap
Poet and scholar Nikki Giovanni drew record crowds to the 18th annual Austin African American Book Festival on June 29 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Library.
Adult Programming - Carver Museum
As is tradition, the festival’s adult programming started with a an author showcase, where independent writers could read from their work. In this way, the festival introduces attendees to authors who are just starting out or who independently promote their work. Because many people wanted to make sure they had a seat for Ms. Nikki Giovanni the theater at the Carver Museum was almost at capacity when the festival began.
When Giovanni took the stage at 11:00 both the theater and the overflow areas were full and people kept coming. Many festival goers consoled themselves by buying Giovanni’s books and getting in line to be among the first to receive the poet’s autograph. Meanwhile, Texas’ Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston facilitated a great discussion covering topics ranging Ms Giovanni’s career to her take on the current events.
Poet Christopher Micheal conducted a poetry slam with members of Austin Poetry Slam. The group celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The work performed was impactful, insightful and entertaining. It was truly a demonstration of how poetry is a powerful tool of communication, persuasion and empathy building.
Dr. McKinley Melton with James Madison University’s Furious Flower Poetry Center led a workshop for educators wanting to incorporate the work of Black poets into their curriculums. Those attending the workshop received a free syllabus and educators earned continuing education credit.
Jessica Care Moore, Detroit’s Poet Laureate, performed some of her work before taking questions from the audience. Moore is not only an internationally renowned poet, but also a playwright, performance artist, and executive producer of "Black Women Rock!”
To close out the adult programming, Dr. Mark Cunningham moderated a panel of literary advocates to discuss how we community members can be better advocates of literature and prevent the banning of books. Panelists included: publisher and author Wade Hudson, professor and playwright Dr. Lisa B. Thompson, Black Pearl Books owner Katrina Brooks and author and literary activist Patrick Oliver.
AABF Kids Edition - Carver Library
The children’s programming included books and workshops with an emphasis on using art for self expression and growth.
Young readers began the day with story time and breakfast snacks. The Festival along with Outreach Productions gave each child a book for their personal libraries.
Ms. China Smith, founder of Ballet Afrique, led a workshop, where children created a dance inspired by a poem.
During story circle, independent authors shared a portion of their work, which allowed the children to discover some new authors and buy books that they could add to their library of Black literature.
Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate taught the children drawing techniques, which they can use to illustrate their own stories.
Acclaimed author and publisher Wade Hudson read from his latest work“The Day Madear Voted.” The book tells the story of Madear who casts her first vote in 1969 after overcoming the obstacles erected to keep her away from the ballot box. The book’s release date was July 9, but the publisher granted a limited early release exclusively to the festival. The book was illustrated by Don Tate.
Literary activist Patrick Oliver led a writing activity using Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry. This opportunity allowed young readers to engage deeply with poetry and self-expression.
Terry P. Mitchell read from her book “The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin.” Attendees learned about the many contributions Black men and women have made to the Austin community. Free, autographed copies of the book were distributed.
Kona Ice was provided free to the children a good way to cool off and mark the end of another successful festival.
