URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign Urbana Black Authors Book Fair invites the community to a vibrant celebration of Black voices, creativity, and cultural heritage. This year’s fair promises an inspiring afternoon filled with books, performances, art, and connection. The mission of the event is to uplift and empower Black authors, artists, and families.
The event will be held on Saturday, November 15 at the Independent Media Center, at 202 S. Broadway Avenue in Urbana, and run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests will enjoy free lunch, professional headshots, a poetry workshop, and a Kids Corner featuring craft, reading activities, and a face painter. The event will also feature a program of live performances, including singers, dancers, poets, and more to showcase the talent within the local creative community. Organizations offering resource connection promoting literacy and health will also be at the event.
In a special highlight, No More Bound, LLC will be honoring Tyler Marie Brackenridge with the 2nd Willow Tree Award for her outstanding commitment to healing, empowerment, and faith-based community work. The Legacy Award will be honoring Ms. Imani Bazzell and Ms. Vernessa Gipson for their commitment into ensuring the Champaign Urbana community established National African American Parent Involvement Day in 1995.
The event is aimed towards fostering a safe and nurturing environment that honors the voices and talents of Black Authors and Artists. Through the Champaign Urbana Black Authors Book Fair, organizers are striving to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing them a platform for Black creators to exhibit their work, connect with their communities, empower them to embrace their influence, and inspire others to unlock their creative potential.