BlkLit Book Fest Launch: Igniting a New Era for Black-Owned Bookshops

On September 13, Sacramento’s inaugural BlkLit Book Festival spotlighted themes of love, loss, and community, bringing together authors and local residents to celebrate the enduring legacy of Black storytelling. Hosted by St. HOPE at Underground Books and The Guild Theater, the festival honored both historic and contemporary Black writers. Julian Newman, an author, emphasized the importance of storytelling as a form of resistance, linking today’s writers to literary giants like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin. Panel discussions featured diverse voices, including Sheryl Lister and Shaka Senghor, who explored the challenges and triumphs Black authors face in the literary world. They underscored the need for authentic narratives that encompass joy alongside pain. A notable initiative unveiled was the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2), aimed at fostering literacy and cultural preservation. Supported by local colleges, NAB2 seeks to create significant literary connections within the community, ensuring that stories resonate deeply with Black readers while encouraging a vibrant reading culture.