THE BLACK BOOK EXPO, A CONSCIOUS LITERARY FESTIVAL

Description

Elegba Folklore Society will present the 2025 Black Book Expo ⦿ A Conscious Literary Festival, May 10 - 11, 2025 at the Pine Camp Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Road in Richmond, VA 23227. From 3p - 7p on both days, the mid-Atlantic regional public is invited to browse and buy books, experience live entertainment and meet both celebrity and independent authors. While this is a free family event, donations are cheerfully accepted. The suggested amount is $10. The Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival will showcase a vast display of literature featuring topics including black history, social justice, science, health, African Diasporic culture, African spirituality, personal development, novels and children’s books. Saturday’s theme, Survival Strategies, will feature a talk and chat with Anthony T. Browder from his book, Survival Strategies for Africans in America, 13 Steps to Freedom. Mr. Browder has authored or co-authored 15 publications which are currently used in classrooms around the world. Also a publisher, cultural historian, artist and an educational consultant, he has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan and Europe, on issues related to African and African American History and Culture. Recognized by RVA Dance Awards for Best African Choreography, Elegba Folklore Society’s African dancers and drummers will also appear. According to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Elegba Folklore Society consistently brings a great level of education, professionalism, artistry, expertise and thoughtfulness into each one of their performances and presentations. Elegba Folklore Society’s performances continually promote a dedication to education, artistic expression, incredible skillset and technique, while also helping to preserve cultural and artistic traditions. On Sunday, the Black Book Expo, A Conscious Literary Festival turns to Honoring Our Mothers with a special array of books for women and musical love presented by songstress, Desirée Roots. Ms. Roots is a celebrated musical and theatre icon. With over 35 years of experience, she has showcased her triple-threat talent in the gospel, jazz and theatre regionally and internationally. Along the East Coast, Ms. Roots has performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and her own groups. As a Grammy-nominated recording artist, she has also produced shows like Ella at 100, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald's centenary. In 2014, she received the Theresa Pollak Award for Vocal Excellence. Children are invited to Kemi Abifarin’s, Calabash Experience. Through her story telling, Kemi Abifarin shares the greatness she sees in African American culture and community and uses that energy to encourage, inspire and invoke positivism on all levels. The tools she chooses are in words, stories, families and in personal medicines. Ms. Abifarin is listed on the Virginia Commission for the Arts and Greater Richmond Wolf Trap Teaching Artist Rosters. Also, an artist educator with the Richmond Performance Alliance, she was recognized as this group’s 2023 Support Artist of the Year. Independent Authors will make presentations and sign their books. Live streaming will occur from the event, as well, via the Society’s Facebook page. Books will also be available on the Society’s website.