Nationwide — The Austin African American Ebook Competition broadcasts its nineteenth annual celebration of Black literature and tradition, themed “Our Tales, Our Voices,” that includes acclaimed creator Walter Mosley. The principle competition will happen on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Carver Museum and Carver Library (1165 Angelina Road, Austin, Texas).
New this 12 months, competition actions will kick off on Friday, June 27, with Write On!, a dynamic pre-festival writers’ workshop. On Saturday, festivalgoers can take part in interactive classes on matters equivalent to how literature shapes political consciousness, the legacy of the Civil Rights Motion, and the significance of preserving Black tales—highlighting the highly effective position of Black literature and historical past in inspiring activism and social change. The Youngsters Zone will supply hands-on storytelling and inventive actions designed to spark a love of studying in younger attendees.
Dr. Rosalind Oliphant, founding father of the Austin African American Ebook Competition, stated, “For almost 20 years, this competition has honored the ability of Black storytelling in shaping who we’re and the way we transfer by way of the world. We’re proud to proceed creating house for reflection, connection, and daring conversations that talk to our historical past, our creativity, and the continued work of justice and alter.” The 2025 competition brings collectively a dynamic lineup of authors, historians, and cultural leaders who use literature to form narratives, protect historical past, and encourage future generations.
Competition Highlights Embody:
• Walter Mosley in Dialog with Paul CoatesBest-selling creator Walter Mosley joins Paul Coates, founding father of Black Basic Press, to debate how literature shapes cultural and political consciousness.
• Peniel Joseph on Freedom SeasonAcclaimed historian Dr. Peniel E. Joseph explores the defining affect of the 12 months 1963 on America’s Civil Rights Motion in his forthcoming ebook, Freedom Season: How 1963 Remodeled America’s Civil Rights Revolution.
• Marita Golden on Capturing Black StoriesAward-winning creator and co-founder of the Hurston/Wright Basis, Marita Golden, will talk about her latest ebook, Methods to Change into a Black Author: Creating & Honoring Black Tales That Matter, in dialog with competition founder Rosalind Oliphant. Golden empowers writers to personal their voices and guarantee Black tales stay an plain pressure in literature and tradition.
• Youngsters’s Actions with Alice Faye DuncanRenowned youngsters’s creator Alice Faye Duncan engages younger readers by way of storytelling and cultural celebration impressed by her books, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, and Yellow Canine Blues.
• Writer Showcase & Vendor MarketplaceAttendees can uncover rising literary expertise throughout the Writer Showcase and discover the Vendor Market, that includes unbiased authors and Black-owned book-related companies.
Be a part of the CelebrationThe Austin African American Ebook Competition continues its mission to have a good time Black literature, amplify various voices, and construct neighborhood by way of the written phrase below the theme “Our Tales, Our Voices.” This free, family-friendly occasion is open to the general public.
Go to www.aaabookfest.org or e-mail data@aaabookfest.org for updates and workshop registration.
