Written by Liz Foreman, Marketing Manager, Downtown Main Library
CHPL’s 6th annual African American Read-In is returning to the Downtown Main Library Feb. 1!
From noon to 3 p.m., meet four Black authors, visit literary-based and Black cultural organizations, buy a book, and get an autograph. Meet this year's featured authors below:
Taylor Darks, opens a new window, author of the picture book Be, Black Girl, Be, will lead a family storytime followed by a Q&A.
Who is your favorite Black author? My favorite author/book is Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon.
Why is it important to read Black authors? Representation is key to fostering confident and creative kids! It is hard to envision yourself succeeding when you have never seen someone like you achieve the same goals. Being an author is not just about telling stories, it's about representing our communities in a positive and authentic light and mentoring the next generation of writers.
Taylor J. Bridgeforth, author of teen novels and host of the ijustreadthisbook podcast will present her debut novel and discuss why she wrote it.
Who are your favorite Black authors? Nicola Yoon and Kennedy Ryan
Why is it important to read Black authors? It is important to read African American authors to build empathy and a different perspective from what you know to broaden your mind.
Shawn Pryor, middle-grade graphic novelist, will discuss the process of making graphic novels, how the things we watch, read and play inspire us to be creative, and how we create characters for our stories.
Who are your favorite Black authors? My favorite African American authors are Walter Mosely and Jerry Craft.
Why is it important to read Black authors? Reading African American authors is vital because we provide a perspective that the general public or mainstream may not be aware of. A diverse palate of books to read enriches your mind and can help you enhance your worldview or the world outside your window.
Jeremy Clark, editor of adult anthology Sleepless In Cincinnati and sci-fi writer will speak.
Who is your favorite Black author? S.A. Cosby is my favorite black author.
Why is it important to read Black authors?I think it’s very important for readers, especially younger readers to be able to see black men and women write stories as well. To be able to offer pov’s the way we see things in this society and abroad.
CHPL’s African American Read-In is based on a national movement that encourages communities to read together, centering on Black authors and books.
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