Strive Bookstore Literary Events Bring National Authors to Minneapolis
Two upcoming Strive Bookstore literary events in Minneapolis will feature author Christopher S. Dennis and historian Randal M. Jelks discussing leadership, identity, democracy and literature.
Two upcoming literary events at Strive Bookstore will bring nationally recognized authors and scholars to downtown Minneapolis for conversations about leadership, identity and the power of literature.
Both events are free and open to the public and will take place at the bookstore’s location inside the Medical Arts Building, 825 Nicollet Mall. Guests are asked to enter the building through the 9th Street entrance.
Author Christopher S. Dennis discusses Lonely Graduation
The first event takes place Friday, March 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and features author and leadership consultant Christopher S. Dennis discussing his book Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone.
The book explores the emotional and psychological experiences that can follow major accomplishments. Drawing on memoir, research and personal narratives, Dennis examines what he describes as the “lonely graduation” moment, when individuals reach significant milestones but must navigate new questions about purpose, belonging and identity.
His work focuses especially on the experiences of first-generation graduates, leaders of color and others who achieve success without traditional support networks or inherited roadmaps.
Dennis is an educator and leadership consultant whose work centers on human-centered governance and leadership transitions.
Scholar Randal M. Jelks explores Langston Hughes and democracy
A second event will take place Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring a book talk with historian and author Randal Maurice Jelks.
Jelks will discuss his book My America, which examines the political vision of Langston Hughes, one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century.
The book explores Hughes’ writings on democracy, justice and creative expression, highlighting how his work addressed issues such as class struggle, communal dignity and human suffering while maintaining a hopeful vision of democratic life.
Jelks is a professor, documentary producer and award-winning author whose work has appeared in publications including Boston Review and Los Angeles Review of Books. He also serves as co-editor of the academic journal American Studies.
The event will also include participation from Minneapolis writer Angela Ajayi, whose fiction and essays have appeared in several national publications. Ajayi’s debut novel-in-stories, Everything Is Freedom, is scheduled for release in 2027.
Celebrating literature and conversation
The events continue Strive Bookstore’s mission of creating space for literary dialogue, community learning and engagement with authors whose work explores culture, history and social change.
Community members are invited to attend the discussions, meet the authors and participate in conversations about the ideas shaping contemporary literature and scholarship.