About the Festival

Dr. Roz Oliphant-Jones, a longtime educator, bookseller, and literacy advocate in Austin, Texas, envisioned a space where Black literature could be celebrated, shared, and uplifted in her community. Inspired by the Harlem Book Fair in New York, she reached out to writer Evelyn Martin Anderson in 2006, and together they founded the Austin African American Book Festival. The inaugural festival was held in 2007.

In 2026, the Austin African American Book Festival proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary with a month-long celebration honoring two decades of literary excellence, community engagement, and cultural impact. The celebration included the City of Austin's official proclamation of Austin African American Book Festival Day, an unforgettable evening with cultural icon Chuck D, and a landmark 20th Anniversary Festival featuring nationally acclaimed authors alongside more than 30 independent authors from Central Texas and beyond.

The milestone festival welcomed a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,200 attendees to the George Washington Carver Museum and Library, making it the largest festival in the organization's history. Festivalgoers enjoyed thought-provoking author conversations, engaging children's programming, book signings, the popular Indie Author Showcase, and opportunities to connect with readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region.

As a retired educator, Dr. Roz brings her lifelong passion for literacy and learning to every aspect of the festival, with a special emphasis on inspiring young readers through dynamic children's programming. Today, the Austin African American Book Festival has become one of Central Texas' premier literary events, celebrating the richness of Black literature, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering meaningful connections across generations. Building on 20 years of excellence, the festival continues to honor its legacy while inspiring the next generation of readers, writers, and storytellers.