19th Austin African American Book Festival

The Austin African American Book Festival (AAABF) returns to the Carver Library and Museum on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual celebration brings together authors, historians, and activists who use literature to shape narratives, preserve history, and inspire future generations.

This year’s theme, “Our Stories, Our Voices,” emphasizes that African American voices must be heard, honored, and amplified.

Festival highlights include a conversation between best-selling author Walter Mosley and Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press, on how literature shapes cultural and political consciousness. Acclaimed historian Peniel Joseph will present his upcoming book “Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution,” exploring the year’s defining impact on the movement.

Award-winning author and creative writing coach Marita Golden will discuss her latest book “How to Become a Black Writer” with festival founder Rosalind Oliphant, sharing how Black writers can honor their stories and voices.

Children’s author Alice Faye Duncan will lead youth programming inspired by her books Opal Lee and “What It Means to Be Free” and “Yellow Dog Blues.”

SCHEDULE

Adult Program | Carver Museum

10:00am – Indie Author Showcase | Boyd Vance Theater

In this festival favorite event, independent authors take the stage to discuss and read their work.     

11:00 am - Dr. Peniel Joseph | Boyd Vance Theater

Acclaimed historian Peniel Joseph discusses his new book, “Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution,” and shares what the voices of 1963 still teach us today.

12:30pm - Walter Mosley in Conversation with Paul Coates | Boyd Vance Theater

Novelist Walter Mosley and publisher Paul Coates engage in a powerful conversation on storytelling as a tool to illuminate injustice, reclaim freedom, and build legacy. From fiction to publishing, they explore how Black voices across genres and generations propel cultural and political transformation.

2:00 pm - Marita Golden on the Power of Black Writers | Boyd Vance Theater

Author and literary trailblazer Marita Golden, founder of the Hurston/Wright Foundation joins AAABF founder Dr. Roz for an insightful dialogue on Black storytelling as a force for cultural preservation, personal truth, and collective empowerment.

3:00 pm - Our Stories, Our Voices: Organizing for Truth & Justice  | Boyd Vance Theater

In this urgent panel discussion, Paul Coates, Yvonne Massey Davis, and Jennifer Baker joined by moderator Dr. Mark Cunningham, bring together perspectives from publishing, activism, and community organizing. In the face of ongoing threats to education, equity, and truth, they explore the steps we can take to confront today’s challenges and strengthen advocacy for the future.

SCHEDULE

AAABF Kids Zone - Carver Library

10:00 am - Breakfast Snacks & a Reading With Alice Faye Duncan

With her red tambourine and a capella singing, beloved author and librarian Alice Faye Duncan shares her book, “Yellow Dog Blues,” an amusing fable about love, loss and the history of Black music.

10:30 am - Speak Hope, Sing Joy With SaulPaul

Join Grammy-nominated artist SaulPaul for a mini concert with a big message as he mixes storytelling and music to uplift young voices.

11:00 am - Storytime With Anne Wynter

The award-winning author reads from her latest book, “So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story,” a poetic picture book that introduces Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black joy.

11:30 am - Music and Movement With Out Tha Box Productions

Join Out Tha Box Productions for a vibrant Music and Movement session led by students from their pre-professional company, FLAVA, and Spotlight Theater Summer Camp. This high-energy experience invites kids to celebrate rhythm, expression, and community through the joy of dance!

12:00 pm - Lunch Bites and Story Snippets With Indie Authors 

Support new and emerging authors and stock up on the latest in Black literature for children.

12:30 pm - Young Writers Workshop: Honoring Nikki Giovanni

Celebrate the legacy of poet Nikki Giovanni in this highly interactive creative writing, drawing, and collage workshop led by Patrick Oliver and Zell Miller III. A powerful space for young voices to express beauty, purpose, and their vision for the future.

12:30 pm - Storytime with Littles

Gather ‘round as Alice Faye Duncan brings to life “Opal Lee: What It Means to Be Free,” a story of courage, freedom, and one woman’s fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

1:30 pm – Draw and Create With Don Tate

Join award-winning illustrator Don Tate to draw, dream, and bring your own story to life through art.

2:30pm – Free Kona Ice While Supplies Last

Join us outside for a free cup of your favorite Kona ice treat!