Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week in Phoenix: Inaugural Events to Highlight Black Authors and Literacy
The inaugural Black Children’s Book Week will take place in Phoenix from February 23 to March 2, 2025. This inaugural weeklong celebration will shine a spotlight on local Arizona Black authors and their contributions to children’s literature, providing an opportunity to engage local students, families, and communities in the power of storytelling and literacies. This event is being held in conjunction with the “Black Children’s Book Week global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure that Black children are represented in books and other children’s media” (blackbabybooks.com/bcbw/). Events promote and celebrate Black authors, illustrators, publishers, businesspeople, community advocates, librarians, educators, and students.
The week will kick off with a special Authors Reception on Sunday, February 23, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Arizona Heritage Center (1300 North College Avenue, Tempe), offering local authors a chance to meet and network with community members, educators, and other creators passionate about diverse children’s literature.
Throughout the week, from February 24 to 28, participating Black authors will visit local schools to engage with students, share their stories, and excite and inspire the next generation of readers. These school visits provide students with exposure to positive Black role models in literature and life, fostering a deeper connection with books that reflect their experiences and communities.
The celebration will culminate on Sunday, March 2 with a family-friendly event at Grassrootz Bookstore & Juice Bar (1145 E. Washington Street, #200, Phoenix, AZ), from 12 noon to 4:00 pm. This final gathering will feature story time sessions, literacy-centered activities, and raffles, creating an exciting atmosphere for children and families to interact with authors and explore new books.
“We are thrilled to host this inaugural Black Children’s Book Week here in Phoenix,” said Erica Maxwell, event lead organizer, children’s book author, and educator. “This celebration offers an invaluable opportunity to elevate Black authors and ensure that Black children see themselves reflected in the stories they read. We hope to inspire a love of reading, foster literacy, and create lasting connections within various communities.”
In addition to the events, the week will provide a platform for local Black authors to showcase their books and engage with new readers. The event at both the Arizona Heritage Center and Grassrootz Bookstore are open to the public, and authors will have the chance to sell and sign books during the event.
Event Details:
- Kickoff Authors Reception: Sunday, February 23, 2025
- School Visits: February 24-28, 2025
- Final Celebration at Grassrootz Bookstore: Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
How to Participate:
Local Black authors interested in participating in the March 2 event or author visits to schools can register through the provided link. A $25 participation fee is required for the final event at Grassrootz Bookstore.
For more information, reach out to Planning Committee members at 4805771704 or 4803054892.
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