17th Austin African American Book Festival

The Austin African American Book Festival presents New York Times bestselling author and multiple award-winning poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander at its 17th annual event. Mr. Alexander has written more than 38 books, including his novel in verse "The Crossover,” which has been adapted into a miniseries for Disney+. The festival will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00- 4:00 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Library at 1165 Angelina Street.

The festival theme of “Our Undefeated Legacy” pays homage to another of Mr. Alexander’s works, “Undefeated,” which extolls the commitment and tenacity of some of America’s greatest heroes. Mr. Alexander will discuss “The Door of No Return,” the first book in a trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village and the odyssey of an African family. “The Door of No Return” highlights the joy, beauty and daily wonders of a culture and history. It was an instant New York Times best seller and will be available for purchase at the festival.

Gayle Jessup White started her career as a journalist at the New York Times and is now the public relations and community engagement officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s legendary estate. Ms White is herself a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and two of the families that were enslaved by him, the Hemmings and the Hendersons. Her book “Reclamation: Sally Hemmings, Thomas Jefferson and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy,” which she will discuss at the festival, details how her exploration into her family origins led her to the founding father.

Dr. Peniel Joseph will discuss “The Third Reconstruction: America's Struggle for Racial Justice in the Twenty-First Century.” For this insightful work, Dr. Joseph was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, which recognizes exemplary work that explores issues of human rights, social justice, and the power of individual action. Dr. Joseph holds a joint professorship at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of several other award-winning books, numerous essays on civil rights, presidential history, and social justice.

Included in the children’s programming is Story Time with Austin’s own Anne Wynter. Ms Wynter, who won the Ezra Jack Keats award for her book “Everybody in the Red Brick Building,” will present her work “Nell Plants a Tree.” This poetic picture book shows that living things need love, care and tenderness to grow, whether they be trees or families.

Literary and education consultant Patrick Oliver will also be on hand to do a vision board/journaling activity aimed at young readers. Mr. Oliver is dedicated to promoting reading and writing as tools of empowerment.

For people inspired to trace their own family odysseys, historian kYmberly Keeton, will host a genealogy workshop and suggest resources available locally and online.

The Austin African American Book Festival strives to build a love of reading and strengthen community by sharing literature by and about African Americans. The festival includes a vendor marketplace and a showcase where emerging writers will read from recent work. This event is free and open to the public.

SCHEDULE

Adult & Keynote Authors – Carver Museum

10:00am – 10:45am
Indie Author Showcase

At this festival favorite event discover new literary treasures when independent authors take the stage to present their work.

11:00am – 12:00pm
Kwame Alexander | Boyd Vance Theater

Meet New York Times bestselling author and multiple award-winning poet, producer and educator Kwame Alexander as he makes a stop in Austin to discuss his books, including the recent titles, “The Door of No Return,” and “Why Fathers Cry At Night.”

12:30pm – 1:30pm
Dr. Peniel Joseph | Boyd Vance Theater

Dr. Peniel Joseph discusses “The Third Reconstruction: America’s Struggle for Racial Justice in the Twenty-First Century.” For this book Dr. Joseph received the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, which recognizes exemplary work that explores issues of human rights, social justice, and the power of individual action.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Gayle Jessup White in conversation with Dr. Mark Cunningham | Boyd Vance Theater

Get ready for an eye-opening discussion about how Ms. White’s genealogical explorations led her to her ancestors Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings. She documented her journey in the book, “Reclamation.” Ms. White is the public relations and community engagement officer at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s legendary estate.

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Genealogy Workshop with kYmberly Keeton | Conference Room

If you’re inspired to trace your family roots, join historian kYmberly Keeton for a treasure trove of free resources and tips. To maximize your time in this session, personal laptops are suggested. Due to space restrictions, this workshop has a 25 person limit, but no worries, materials will be made available for festival goers unable to attend.

Schedule

AAABF Kids Edition - Carver Library

10:00am – 10:30am
Free books, breakfast snacks & “Cool Ride In the Sky” Puppet Show

Rise and shine for the AAABF Kids Edition in collaboration with our friends at Outreach Productions. Come enjoy a cool puppet show, breakfast snacks, and a free book or two.

10:30am – 11:15am
Children’s Story time featuring Indie Authors

Join the circle for learning and laughter through stories. Support new and emerging authors, and stock up on the latest in Black literature for children.

12:30pm – 1:15pm
Anne Wynter reads “Nell Plants A Tree”

The Ezra Jack Keats award-winning author reads from her latest book, a delightful story about family heritage and a pecan tree.

1:00pm – 1:45pm
My Vision and Game Plan for the Future (ages 9+)

Using social justice issues, personal and career aspirations, and visual arts, literary activist Patrick Oliver engages young people in an empowering vision board activity to foster optimism and productive citizenship.

1:00pm – 1:45pm
Carver Library Tour with Little Readers & Thinkers (ages 3 – 8)

Let’s walk up, down, and all around to behold the wonder of books and programs our favorite library has to offer.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Free Kona Ice while supplies last

Nothing says summer like the ice cream truck! Join us outside for a free cup of your favorite Kona ice treat!

3:00pm – 3:15pm
Willie Sue Anderson reads “Wynter, Take A Bow!”

A beautiful story comes to life as the author reads and the book’s main character dances. All readers present are invited to prance a bit, too.