Second Annual BIPOC Book Fest Spotlights Diversity, Representation in Literary World at Asia Society Texas

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HOUSTON, May 19, 2023 — Asia Society Texas hosted the second annual BIPOC Book Fest for a day of unique programming, talks, and readings presented in partnership with the festival’s founders.

The annual BIPOC Book Fest is a celebration centered on underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works that feature Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other creatives of marginalized communities. This year’s festival included panels and readings with leading authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and scholars in Houston, as well as vendors and community organizations promoting literacy and books, food and book-themed cocktails, and a poetry slam.

The keynote address featured Houston poet laureate emeritus Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, who discussed her debut memoir Black Chameleon and her other works with Rozella Haydee White. Other panels featured Anita Jaisinghani, Kavachi Ukegbu, and Bao Ong in a conversation about culture and food in Houston; a consideration of BIPOC representation in fantasy and sci-fi; a reading and talk by Addie Tsai about her novel Unwieldy Creatures; a conversation on book bans; and group discussions on Latinx and Houston artists. Inprint offered a writing workshop to open the proceedings. Activities aimed at families and youths included the panel “Writing Big Topics for Young Minds,” a media literacy workshop, and a Teen Summit with Tyrone Void and Carlos Gabriel Kelly González.

The festival concluded with a rousing poetry showcase and open mic, hosted by Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean. 

Speakers

Reginald C. Adams
Sheila Ahmad
Daniel Anguilu
KB Brookins
David Carter
Tony Diaz
Laura Duclos
Sharmane Fury
Carlos Gabriel Kelly González
Phuong Ha
Alivia Hardges-Greene
Lauren Harris
Avalon Hogans
Anita Jaisinghani
Ariana Lee
Liana Lopez
Matt Manalo
Jasminne Mendez
Lupe Mendez
LaTrisha Milton
Mehnaaz Momen
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
Bao Ong
Outspoken Bean
Bryan Parras
Matthew Ramirez
Reyes Ramirez
Saborna Roychowdhury
Camilo Hannibal Smith
Liara Tamani
The Fluent One
Addie Tsai
Ikechi Ukazu
Kavachi Ukegbu
Dulcie Veluthukaran
Tyrone Void
Gemini Wahaj
Camryn Wells
Rozella Haydee White

Publishers, Partner Organizations, and Vendors

Arte Público Press
Brazos Bookstore
Books and Brown Sugar Co.
Cedric D. Fisher & Company Publishers
CLASS
Grackle & Grackle
Harris County Public Library
Houston Public Library
Inprint
Kindred Stories
Nuestra Palabra
Write About Now
Writers in the Schools (WITS)

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About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.