19th Austin African American Book Festival Recap
Hundreds of book lovers turned out to see national treasure Walter Mosley at the Austin African American Book Festival on June 28 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Library. This was the 19th year for the annual celebration of Black writers and literature.
Adult Programming - Carver Museum
Poet Christopher Michael led the Indie Author Showcase, where over a dozen independent authors and publishing representatives shared insights about their work. The showcase featured a wide-ranging selection of books from poetry and memoirs to financial guides.
Renowned historian Dr. Peniel Joseph spoke to a packed audience about his latest book “Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution.” Dr. Joseph highlighted how that pivotal year led to changes that strengthened our democracy and how some of those achievements are under threat today. Dr. Joseph is the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at University of Texas at Austin.
The centerpiece of the festival was the conversation between novelist Walter Mosley and publisher Paul Coates. The two luminaries discussed storytelling as a tool to reveal injustice, reclaim freedom, and build legacy. The overflow crowd asked Mosley about his writing process, their favorite books, and the importance of literature in education.
For the first time in the festival’s history, founder Dr. Rosalind Oliphant took the stage as a featured speaker. She appeared in conversation with acclaimed author and Hurston/Wright Foundation co-founder Marita Golden. Together, the two engaged in a lively discussion on the role of storytelling in cultural preservation, personal truth, and community empowerment.
Panelists Paul Coates, Yvonne Massey Davis, Jennifer Baker and moderator Dr. Mark Cunningham discussed perspectives on publishing, activism, and community
organizing. They explored how concerned citizens might confront today’s challenges and support communities that face ongoing threats to education, equality, and truth.
AAABF Kids Zone - Carver Library
This year’s children’s program drew a record number of young readers. They were treated not only to readings from award-winning writers, but also workshops, snacks, Kona Ice and free books.
The program opened with beloved author and librarian Alice Faye Duncan, who brought the crowd to life with a spirited singalong and a reading from her book “Yellow Dog Blues,” an amusing fable about love, loss and the history of Black music.
Grammy-nominated artist SaulPaul followed with a high-energy mini concert that got the audience moving while delivering an empowering message about making good choices and learning from one’s mistakes.
Award-winning author Anne Wynter read from her latest work, “So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story,” a poetic picture book that introduces Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black joy.
Out Tha Box Productions delivered a vibrant music and movement session led by students from their pre-professional company, FLAVA, and Spotlight Theater Summer Camp. In this high-energy experience, young readers celebrated rhythm, expression, and community through the joy of dance!
Independent children’s authors also took the stage to share their stories. Many were self-published, offering young readers not only entertainment but a powerful lesson: today’s technology makes it possible for anyone with talent and determination to bring their stories to life and share them with the world.
Literary advocate Patrick Oliver and Austin’s first Poet Laureate Zell Miller III led a multimedia workshop honoring the legacy of the late Nikki Giovanni. Through writing, drawing, and collage young readers explored themes of purpose, creativity, and vision. Giovanni was celebrated as the 2024 Festival keynote speaker.
Alice Faye Duncan returned to share her book, “Opal Lee: What It Means to Be Free,” the inspiring story of one woman’s fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Thanks to the Town Lake Links Andrea Pair Bryant Book Project Initiative, 25 children received a free copy of the book.
To close the day, award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate returned to the festival stage. His interactive presentation encouraged young readers and writers to draw, dream, and bring their own stories to life through art.
