The Center for Black Literature & Culture invites the public to the 7th annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration

The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library invites the public to the 7th annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration, taking place Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This event will celebrate the African American experience by bringing together poets, visual artists, storytellers, musicians, and local authors to emphasize cultural literacy.

This year’s author presentation will showcase African Americans & the Arts. Authors have been asked to highlight works inspired by various representations of art in the African American community. The Center for Black Literature & Culture is accepting applications from local authors until May 26. Featured authors will receive table space to network with other authors, meet the public, and promote books. Learn more and apply at indypl.org/cblc.

Attendees can enjoy performances by Poet Laureate Januarie York, a feature film screening from IU Bloomington’s Black Film Center & Archive, African drumming by Siteaw Inc., a music performance by Jamie Johnson, DJN4Red, and a free 360 photobooth.

"Juneteenth holds profound significance as it marks our journey beyond the shackles of slavery," said Alexus Hunt, manager of the Center for Black Literature & Culture. "Exploring its nuances allows us to celebrate progress. Collaborating with local artists and writers enriches our commemoration, allowing us to highlight all of the amazing things that Black authors and artists are creating."

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, has long been celebrated to commemorate the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, to take control of the state and ensure that more than 250,000 enslaved people were freed by executive decree.

The CBLC Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration is sponsored by The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library in support of The African American History Committee. The program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.