As part of Black History Month, I had the honor of attending as well as participating in Open Mic Night at the Strive Bookstore, located at 901 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Founded by Mary Taris, this Black-owned bookstore is a beautiful space, conducive to the creative energy of all who pass through its doors. As such, it was the ideal venue for the incredible multigenerational Spoken Word artists who shared their work.
Sponsored by the Minnesota Black Authors Expo, Open Mic Night is part of MBAE’s commitment to support Black authors/poets and promote literacy in our young people; it was indeed heartwarming to have young people in the mix that evening, and I look forward to more of these events in the future.
That being said, in conjunction with the Friends of Hennepin County Library, MBAE is hosting another community event at the Brooklyn Park Library, located at 8500 West Broadway in Brooklyn Park.
The date: Saturday, February 24
The time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The theme: Bringing Books to Life for Black History Month
The MBAE authors who are participating represent a diversity of genres, each outstanding in his/her/their own right, giving us another reason to celebrate this month. And when it comes to bringing books to life, no one can do it like the author can!
Also, I am giving everyone a reminder that the We Are Wordsmiths event/program takes place on Saturday, February 24 at St. Peter’s AME Church from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. St. Peter’s is located at 401 East 41st Street in Minneapolis. This event is sponsored by St. Peter’s AME Church.
If you are someone who’s never met an author before (or if you have), come on out, meet, greet, and support our awesome wordsmiths, and add something to your personal library. If we don’t share our stories, who will?