Third Annual BIPOC Book Fest Returns With Keynotes, Panels Centering Underrepresented Voices
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HOUSTON, July 1, 2024 — BIPOC Book Fest, presented in partnership with Inprint, returned to Asia Society Texas on May 4 for the third annual festival centering Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other creatives of marginalized communities. Building upon the success of the previous year, the 2024 festival featured its trademark blend of panels and readings with leading authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and scholars in Houston; booksellers, vendors, and community organizations promoting literacy; food; a literary-themed lounge; and a poetry slam.
Help Us Build a More Inclusive World
The three keynote talks featured Asia Society Texas fan favorite Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni; a reading with renowned Houston poet Fady Joudah, who also sat for a discussion of his work; and a conversation with beloved romance author Jasmine Guillory. Strategically scheduled before lunch, a lively discussion on food writing and Houston's food scene showcased Black, African, Indigenous, and Mexican traditions with authors and chefs Kayla Stewart, Ope Amosu, David Skinner, and Victoria Elizondo. Additional panels included a special appearance by Taiwanese author Yu Pei-Yun and graphic artist Zhou Jian-Xin, who discussed their Freeman Award-winning graphic novel The Boy From Clearwater, the creation of the work, and the history of Taiwan underlying its story. Houston's theater scene was spotlighted in a panel discussion with playwrights Tazeen Zahida, Marissa Castillo, and ShaWanna Renee Rivon, who talked about their artistic processes and efforts to expand the voices heard in Houston's performing arts venues. Deborah "D.E.E.P." Mouton returned to lead a panel with writers KB Brookins, Neesha Powell-Ingabire, Leslie Contreras Schwartz, and Elba Iris Pérez on drawing on their identities and experiences to expand the representation in the novel and memoir genres.
With an approach to programming that offers a full experience for attendees, BIPOC Book Fest also offered a writing workshop with Inprint, a financial literacy workshop with Jamaul Pride, and a teen summit workshop with Tyrone Void and Summer Xiao. The afternoon Lit Lounge provided an opportunity for festival goers to mingle over literary-themed cocktails, while the festival concluded with its traditional poetry showcase and open mic hosted by Outspoken Bean.
Speakers
Hosam Aboul-Ela | Elba Iris Pérez |
Publishers, Partner Organizations, and Vendors
Arte Público Press | Inprint |
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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.
