Celebrate the Center for Black Literature & Culture’s 5th Anniversary on October 29

The Indianapolis Public Library is celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC). The celebration, taking place Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Library, will commemorate the CBLC’s creation and its continued dedication to the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots.

This event will include a variety of speakers, activities, and entertainment for all ages, including an appearance by Colts tight end Kylen Granson, poetry readings from CBLC Poet Laureate Januarie York and National Youth Poet Laureate Alyssa Gaines, and a keynote address by Dr. Nicole A. Cooke, Augusta Bake Endowed Chair and Associate Professor at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina. Other activities include African drumming, an Indy author showcase, DJ IN4RED & 360 Photobooth, and kids' corner activities including coloring and face painting.

“We’ve come so far since the founding of the CBLC – I love seeing how our space continues to enrich the Indianapolis community with new workshops, annual cultural celebrations such as the Juneteenth Bookfest and the Kwanzaa Celebration, and our growing collection of over 20,000 items,” said Amira Malcom, interim manager of the Center for Black Literature & Culture. “The Center for Black Literature & Culture was referred to as a “cathedral of Blackness” by Vann Newkirk, senior editor of the Atlantic earlier in the year. Sort of taking that and running with it, I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together in celebration and reflection.”

The creation of the Center for Black Literature & Culture was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

Standing on the shoulders of IndyPL`s African American History Committee and current Interim CEO Nichelle M. Hayes, the Center for Black Literature & Culture remains a place for all to learn about contributors to the African Diaspora and for those born of African roots to see themselves reflected in powerful and positive ways. The CBLC regularly hosts authors, poets, civic leaders, scholars, and artists throughout the year, alongside several annual events. Explore more online resources on the CBLC's website The Power of Black Voices.