The Austin African American Book Festival is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks its 20th anniversary. The beloved community event returns this weekend, bringing together authors, artists, educators, and readers for a day centered on literature, culture, and connection.
The Austin African American Book Festival Returns for Its 20th Anniversary!
Sierra Waggoner caught up with founder and executive director Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Austin artist SaulPaul to preview what attendees can expect and reflect on the festival’s lasting impact over the past two decades.
Sierra Waggoner caught up with founder and executive director Dr. Rosalind Oliphant and Austin artist SaulPaul to preview what attendees can expect and reflect on the festival’s lasting impact over the past two decades.
Founded in 2006, the Austin African American Book Festival was created to spotlight works by and about African Americans while building a space rooted in storytelling, education, and community engagement. Today, it remains one of Texas’ longest-running Black literary festivals and continues to serve as a free, accessible event open to all.
Dr. Oliphant explained the mission behind the festival and the programming it offers across the Carver Museum and Library.
“I had a bookstore in Austin from 1992 to 2000, and I was already in that literary space doing programs, book clubs, camps,” she said. “When the store closed, there was always talk in the community about what’s next — and the Austin African American Book Festival was the answer.”
“It is a festival that features work by and about African Americans,” Oliphant said. “We have programming in the museum, and we have a kid zone in the library.”
She also reflected on how the festival began as a response to a need in the community following the closure of her bookstore.
This year’s festival will feature an extensive lineup of authors, speakers, and performers, along with family-friendly programming designed for all ages. A major highlight is the Kids Zone, which continues to be a cornerstone of the festival experience.
“I had a bookstore in Austin from 1992 to 2000, and I was already in that literary space doing programs, book clubs, camps,” she said. “When the store closed, there was always talk in the community about what’s next — and the Austin African American Book Festival was the answer.”
Looking back on the 20-year milestone, Oliphant emphasized the dedication required to sustain the event.
Looking back on the 20-year milestone, Oliphant emphasized the dedication required to sustain the event.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that with the community, with sponsorship, and with God’s grace, we’ve been able to reach this milestone,” she said. “It takes hard work, dedication, and being open to learning lessons.”
This year’s festival will feature an extensive lineup of authors, speakers, and performers, along with family-friendly programming designed for all ages.
Looking back on the 20-year milestone, Oliphant emphasized the dedication required to sustain the event.
A major highlight is the Kids Zone, which continues to be a cornerstone of the festival experience.
A major highlight is the Kids Zone, which continues to be a cornerstone of the festival experience.
SaulPaul shared his excitement about performing and contributing to this year’s celebration.
“I’ll be one of the featured performers in the Kids Zone,” he said. “It’s the 20th anniversary, so I knew I had to do something special. I’m excited to release a new song and have some special guests join me.”
He also spoke about the importance of representation and encouraging creativity in young audiences.
“Maybe a kid in the audience will see someone who looks like them and realize they can be an artist too,” he said. “We’re all born on purpose with a purpose. Work on your craft, dream big, and remember community and relationships matter.”
The Austin African American Book Festival has grown into one of the city’s most meaningful cultural traditions, offering free access to literature, storytelling, and community connection. This year’s lineup includes nationally recognized authors such as Nikole Hannah-Jones and John Hope Bryant, along with Texas writers, illustrators, and children’s book creators.
“It is a festival that features work by and about African Americans,” Oliphant said. “We have programming in the museum, and we have a kid zone in the library.”
The festival remains free to the public and continues to rely on community support, donations, and partnerships to keep programming accessible year after year.
The Austin African American Book Festival Returns for Its 20th Anniversary!
As it enters its third decade, organizers hope attendees leave inspired by the stories shared and the connections made throughout the event.
For more information about this year’s Austin African American Book Festival, visit aaabookfest.org.
For more information about this year’s Austin African American Book Festival, visit aaabookfest.org.