The first National Antiracist Book Festival will be held at the American University (AU) on April 27.
It will bring together nearly 50 authors and publishing professionals to discuss factors that fuel racism in the US. Among them are leading writers such as Jason Reynolds, Imani Perry, Carole Anderson, and 2019 Pulitzer-winner David Blight. The venue is AU’s Washington School of Law campus.
Ibram Kendi, founder of the festival, previously won the 2016 National Book Award for his “Stamped From the Beginning: A Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.” He is also the director of the American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center.
“We wanted to bring together authors whose books are part of the anti-racist movement to create a more equitable America. These books are serious about creating racial justice and they express the equality of racial groups,” Kendi told the Publishers Weekly on April 25. “We’re putting people together who we feel are going to…have a great conversation on stage,” he said in addition.
This weekend at AU: Get excited for the inaugural #AntiracistBookfest, organized by @AntiracismCtr! @DCist writes: "The festival’s lineup boasts NY Times bestselling authors, National Book Award winners and nominees, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and more."https://t.co/RfWllJVEIR
— American University (@AmericanU) April 23, 2019
2,500 people expected to attend
Princeton scholar Imani Perry and Gloria Edim, the author of Well-Read Black Girl, will participate in a discussion on “Sharing and complicating the stories of black women.” Besides, Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson will be discussing “Writing to capture the hearts and minds of youth” in their panel.
Aspiring writers can also benefit from workshops with leading book editors and literary agents. The festival expects some 2,500 attendees.