Jason Reynolds, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, will be visiting the Twin Cities for a dynamic afternoon of conversation, storytelling, and intergenerational dialogue on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Guthrie Theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage.
Books
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to African and African Americans.
Posted inEducation
Children’s books author, publisher has found her calling
Minnesota author and entrepreneur Crystal L. Stein captivated young readers and families with a unique multisensory storytelling event featuring readings from her “Echoes of Excellence” collection, which highlights historically overlooked composers and artists of color such as Florence Price, George Bridgetower, and Winifred Atwell.
Posted inBooks
Black girls in media and Black girlhood in America
Dr. Lashon Daley, an assistant professor of English and comparative literature at San Diego State University, is exploring the evolution of Black girl representation in children’s literature, film, television and social media, highlighting the importance of looking beyond contemporary media to understand the cultural understandings of Black girlhood in America.
Posted inBooks
‘Black Media in Minnesota’ highlights the legacy and future of Black storytelling
In Black Ink and Macalester College hosted a discussion on the newly released book, Black Media in Minnesota: Tradition, Practice & Vision, which celebrates the voices of Black media and highlights the role of Black media in shaping narratives, advocating for the community, and documenting history.
Posted inBooks
Book on stroke recovery ‘a testament to the resilience of the human spirit’
In “Brainstorming: Inside the Mind of a Stroke Survivor,” Isaac Peterson shares his transformative journey from a massive stroke to recovery, offering insights into the challenges of stroke survivors and the resilience of the human spirit.
Posted inBooks
A friendship that transcended race and adversity
Christo Brand, former prison guard and friend of Nelson Mandela, has published a new book, “Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend,” which explores their relationship and the impact Mandela’s character has had on the world.
Posted inEvents
Children’s Reading Circle at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is hosting a celebration of diversity and inclusion with Timi Bliss, author and illustrator of “The Magic in Me!”, a personalized book that encourages children to embrace their unique qualities.
Posted inBooks
Nadvia Davis Weaves Life Lessons into Children’s Literature
Nadvia Davis, a children’s book author from Minneapolis, is breaking ground in children’s literature by blending essential academic skills with life lessons in her debut book, Grant Practices Math with Manners.
Posted inArts + Culture
The Black barbershop as cultural hub
Local author Keenan Jones has released his debut children’s book, “Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop”, which celebrates the importance of Black culture and the role of barbershops as community hubs.
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Nine new books for Black students in 2025Â
Nine upcoming books for Black students at every K-12 level in 2025 have been announced, featuring diverse narratives that celebrate culture, history, and personal growth, empowering students to see themselves reflected and represented in literature.
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Stay the Course and WATCH! Del Shea Perry’s Journey of Faith and Healing
Del Shea Perry’s ministry and business, Itzadel Watches, have become a powerful symbol of faith, with her watches serving as tools for witnessing and service, aimed at feeding the homeless and spreading God’s word.
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T. Mychael Rambo adds children’s book author to his resume
T. Mychael Rambo, a long-time theater professional and educator, has recently published a children’s book, “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands”, which focuses on racialized trauma and the use of music and movement for healing.
Posted inArts + Culture
Inspiring and uplifting books for Black K-12 students
During the holiday season, Black K-12 students can benefit from reading culturally relevant books that celebrate Black heritage and reinforce a positive Black identity, providing a sense of empowerment and belonging.
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Book by Minnesota Scholar Unveils the Complex History of Fast Food and Racial Inequality
Fast food restaurants have become a pervasive presence in Black urban neighborhoods due to targeted marketing and high-density placement, contributing to economic exploitation and health disparities.
Posted inBooks
New author finds joy sharing her story
Twyla Martin held a book launch for her memoir “The Power of a Transformed Woman: Turning My Trauma into Triumph” which included a panel discussion on trauma and recovery, and she credits the recovery community for her healing process.
Posted inBooks
Five must-read horror books by Black women
Black women in horror are using the genre to expose injustice and share their stories, with books by Black women in horror authors providing an opportunity to learn about overlooked histories and the experiences of others.
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Facing the lasting legacy of the transatlantic slave trade
Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown have collaborated on the groundbreaking book “The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy” to explore the brutal legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing impact on African people throughout the world.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘Red Stained’: new book explores Hilda Simms’ story of resilience and activism
Jokeda JoJo Bell has written a new book about Hilda Simms, a Black actress and Minneapolis native who rose to fame in the post-WWII era but was later blacklisted due to accusations of un-Americanism and communist sympathies.
Posted inArts + Culture
New book explores the life, music of local legend Cornbread Harris
Andrea Swensson’s new book, ‘Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs, and Salvation of Cornbread Harris,’ tells the story of 97-year-old living legend James Samuel Harris, Jr.
Posted inBooks
Summer 2024 promises diverse and captivating reads from African-American authors
This summer, readers can enjoy a variety of compelling fictional stories featuring Black ballerinas, scientists, detectives, teachers, and more.