20th Austin African American Book Festival
SATURDAY
JUNE 27, 2026
George Washington Carver Library and Museum
10am - 4pm
The Austin African American Book Festival celebrates its 20th year with two events in June. On June 6, Public Enemy frontman, author and activist Chuck D discusses his latest book, “In the Hour of Chaos: Art and Activism.” This presentation will be held at the KMFA Studios, 41 Navasota Street, and begins with a reception at 5:15. Tickets are limited and may be purchased through Eventbrite. Tickets will be released Monday, May 11 at 10 AM CT via Eventbrite.
The Book Festival itself returns, June 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p. m. with Pulitzer Prize-winner Nikole Hannah Jones, CEO of project hope John Hope Bryant, Austin’s Poet Laureate Zell Miller III, and award-winning novelist ReShonda Tate. This full-day literary celebration takes place at the Carver Museum and Library, 1165 Angelina Street, and remains free and open to the public.
As she did with“The 1619 Project,” Nikole Hannah Jones examines how many of the circumstances we face today can be better understood by tracing the through-line of our history.
John Hope Bryant, discuses how financial knowledge, capital, and opportunity shapes individual outcomes and community stability.
Zell Miller III, a performer and educator with a multitude of artistic credits, recently released his first collection of poems “Austin’s Indigenous Off-spring.”
Journalist and best-selling author ReShonda Tate’s mission of “challenging erasure and reclaiming narratives” is evident in her latest work of historical fiction ”With Love From Harlem.” Tate will discuss the role of sisterhood in shaping civic and cultural life.
The Festival includes a Kids Zone, featuring award-winning authors and creatives including Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Brentom Jackson, and SaulPaul, who provide interactive programming designed to inspire the next generation of readers and storytellers.
AAABF is a cornerstone cultural event — championing Black voices, fostering dialogue, and building community through the power of books. The 20th anniversary reflects its enduring legacy and continued vision for the future.