Black Bookish Conversations
Sistah Girls, when I love a book I always look up the author, I will find social media pages and visit their website to find any content where they have spoken about the book.
It’s also the same when an issue arises within the Black literary community, I peruse the internet to try and find authors, bloggers, and content creators who are speaking on the same topics as me.
Because of this, I have compiled a listicle of bookish chats and author interviews that you should definitely watch!
James Baldwin & Nikki Giovanni- A Conversation (1971)
In 1971, novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist James Baldwin sat down and had a very thoughtful and candid conversation with poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni.
People have put up clips on the internet of this conversation but I encourage you to watch the full video.
Mother Tongue: The Philosophy of Malcolm X
During Black History Month, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosted a presentation and conversation with Anna Malaika Tubbs, author of The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, and Dr. Michael Sawyer, author of Black Minded: The Political Philosophy of Malcolm X.
The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies-Deesha Philyaw in Conversation with Tamara Winfrey-Harris
Charis Circle hosted a virtual conversation with Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. Philyaw shared how she came up with the idea for the book, discussed issues Black women face within the Black church, and did a live reading.
Baby It’s the Voice for Me!: A Black Romance Narrator Panel
Author Nicole Falls tapped some of the leading Black women in audiobook narration for a live discussion to talk about their careers and everything in between.
Yappin’ With Yanna presents Nako
Bourbon Street Bookers sat down with author Nako to discuss her books Inhale and Exhale.
Black Romance In 2021
Indie Love hosted a live discussion with Black independent romance authors and bloggers to discuss Black Romance in 2021.
SisterWriters: An Evening with Pearl Cleage and Tayari Jones
New York Times best-selling author Tayari Jones and Pearl Cleage, the nationally recognized playwright, poet, novelist, and social activist, discuss mentorship and writing during this special event, hosted by the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
Amerie x Yaa Gyasi IGLIVE chat #TranscendentKingdom
Amerie hosted a live discussion on Instagram with author Yaa Gyasi to discuss her novel, Transcendent Kingdom.
Women’s Jazz Festival: New Works of Fiction with Dawnie Walton and Nona Hendryx
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosted their annual Women’s Jazz Festival during Women’s History Month. Dawnie Walton, author of The Final Revival of Opal & Nev spoke with author and host of the podcast Black Girl Songbook, Danyel Smith. Their discussion was followed up with a special performance by Nona Hendryx.
Author Chat: Kiese Laymon (Heavy)
The Smart Brown Girl Book Club hosted a book chat with Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy: An American Memoir.
Sistah Girls, if you have chats and bookish conversations you think we should watch be sure to tag us and leave links in the comments section.