Austin African American Book Festival

Now in its 18th year, Austin’s African American Book Festival has set a high standard for literary programming. Boasting some unique programming for children and families – including a dance poetry workshop led by Ballet Afrique founder and creative director China Smith, an art session with award-winning children’s author and illustrator Don Tate, and a Gwendolyn Brooks poetry reading with literary activist Patrick Oliver – and a headliner in legendary poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, this year’s festival will stick to the memory of all those who attend. The theme – “Black Feeling, Black Talk” – is fitting. This is the culmination of centuries of resilience, of diving into literature to both express and inspire the stirrings of revolution. – Cy White