20th Annual Austin African American Book Festival Makes a Comeback
The Austin African American Book Festival is gearing up to commemorate a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The well-loved community event is returning this weekend, bringing together a diverse crowd of authors, artists, educators, and book enthusiasts for a day dedicated to literature, culture, and community bonding.
Established in 2006, the Austin African American Book Festival was founded with a mission to shine a spotlight on works by and about African Americans while creating a nurturing environment centered on storytelling, education, and community engagement. Today, it stands as one of the longest-standing Black literary festivals in Texas, maintaining its commitment to offering a free, inclusive event that welcomes everyone.
Reflecting on the festival’s origins, founder and executive director Dr. Rosalind Oliphant revealed the inspiration behind the festival and the diverse programming it hosts across the Carver Museum and Library. Dr. Oliphant shared, “I had a bookstore in Austin from 1992 to 2000, and I was already deeply involved in literary pursuits such as programs, book clubs, and camps. When the bookstore closed, the community pondered the next steps, and the Austin African American Book Festival emerged as the answer.”
This year’s festival promises an exciting lineup of authors, speakers, and performers, as well as engaging activities designed for attendees of all ages. A key highlight of the festival is the Kids Zone, which remains a central feature of the event and provides enriching experiences for young participants. As the festival marks its 20-year journey, Dr. Oliphant emphasized the ongoing commitment necessary to sustain and elevate the event, acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and openness to learning that have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
Renowned Austin artist SaulPaul expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this year’s festivities, sharing plans for special performances and activities in the Kids Zone. He underlined the importance of representation and empowering creativity in the younger generation, emphasizing the transformative impact of seeing oneself reflected in art and nurturing dreams and talents within a supportive community.
The Austin African American Book Festival has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition within the city, offering a platform for free access to literature, storytelling, and community connections. This year’s diverse lineup features well-known authors like Nikole Hannah-Jones and John Hope Bryant, in addition to a slew of talented Texas-based writers, illustrators, and creators of children’s books.
As the festival embarks on its third decade, organizers aspire for attendees to leave inspired by the stories shared and the relationships established during the event. To learn more about this year’s Austin African American Book Festival, visit the official festival website at aaabookfest.org.