At a time when political forces are attempting to wipe African American history from the internet, books are more important than ever, argues Imani Bell: “It’s up to us to write our stories, write our history, and pass it down from generation to generation.”
As production manager at the nonprofit Elegba Folklore Society, which celebrates African and African American culture, Bell is one of the organizers behind the free 2025 Black Book Expo, an annual “Conscious Literary Festival” which will be held at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center on May 10-11. It’s a celebration of reading, she says.
“I’m happy that people are eager to read and to learn, especially in this age of social media when it’s so easy to scroll for hours. It’s nice to pick up a book and turn pages.”
This year’s free expo highlights Black authors, topics and titles while also offering up jazz music from vocalist Desiree Roots, a dance demonstration from the Elegba Folklore African dancers, and a reading of “Calabash” tales for kids from storyteller Kemi Abifarin. The gathering’s guest speaker on Saturday, May 10 is author Anthony Browder, who will speak on his book, “Survival Strategies for Africans in America: 13 Steps to Freedom.”
Elegba has sponsored the Black Book Expo since 2013, and it’s come a long way since its earliest days.
“In the beginning, we put out three tables with books in our cultural center [at 101 East Broad], in partnership with an independent publisher,” recalls Elegba President and Director Janine Bell. “And you know what? People showed up and they bought books. It was really energizing to see that happen, to see that we were fulfilling a need in the community.”
From those early days, the event has grown into a two-day affair that serves several purposes.
“It’s an opportunity for independent authors across genres to highlight their works,” says Imani Bell, naming new regional writers who will be in attendance, like Dominique Adé and Christopher Rashard Green. “But we also feature classic books that talk about history, culture, and spirituality, such as works by James Baldwin and Harriet Washington, ‘They Came Before Columbus’ by Ivan Van Sertima, ‘Jambalaya’ by Luisah Teish, and Nikole Hannah-Jones’ ‘The 1619 Project.'”
This is a family event, she adds. “We want everyone to come out. Since its Mother’s Day weekend, we’ll have live jazz on Sunday with Desiree Roots, singing about motherhood. You can bring mom out and browse the books.” Food and drink will be provided.
The Black Book Expo is one of two African American-focused book events happening over the coming days. An event called the African American Book Festival, also free of charge, is slated for Saturday, May 3 at Diversity Richmond. This five-hour gathering seeks to, according to a press release, “educate, entertain, and impact the Richmond community through African American literature.” The organizer for the event, Roy Wyatt of the Virginia Business Expo Corporation, did not share details or comment on specifics.
Janine Bell isn’t surprised that there are two similar black book-a-thons on the calendar.
“There’s only one way to explain it,” she says. “There’s a hunger.”
The 2025 Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival is scheduled for May 10-11 at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road from 3-7 p.m. both days. Free. Visit this website for more info.
