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Join us for a virtual author panel with authors Anastacia-Renee and Bonita Lee in conversation with Parable Bookstore.
Join us for our 8th annual Black Voices in the Arts program series! We will be welcoming authors Bonita Lee and Anastacia-Renee in a live virtual conversation with LaKecia Farmer of Parable Bookstore. Learn about their writing journey and enjoy readings from their work, with time for audience questions and a book raffle.
Black Voices in the Arts is hosted in recognition of the national African American Read-In initiative, started by the National Council of Teachers of English. This event series focuses on celebrating Black stories through guest artists, writers and poets, with activities and book sharing for all ages. Learn more about the African American Read In at https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/.
About the authors and host:
Anastacia-Renee is an award-winning writer, educator, interdisciplinary artist, TEDx Speaker and podcaster. She is the author of Side Notes from the Archivist (HarperCollins/Amistad), (v.) (Black Ocean), Forget It (Black Radish) and Here In The (Middle) of Nowhere forthcoming from HarperCollins/Amistad March 2024. Anastacia-Renee is a recipient of the James W. Ray Distinguished Artist Award (2018) and, she was selected by NBC News as part of the list of "Queer Artist of Color Dominate 2021's Must See LGBTQ Art Shows," for her installation “(Don’t Be Absurd) Alice in Parts” at the Frye Art Museum and the New York Public Libraries list of Best Books of 2023. Anastacia-Renee was former Seattle Civic Poet (2017-2019), Hugo House Poet-in-Residence (2015-2017) Arc Artist Fellow and Jack Straw Curator (2020). Her work has been anthologized in: The Future of Black: Afrofuturism, Black Comics and Superhero Poetry, Obsidian: Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora (Playground), Home is Where You Queer Your Heart, Furious Flower Seeding the Future of African American Poetry, Teaching Black: The Craft of Teaching on Black Life and Literature, Joy Has A Sound, Nonwhite and Woman: 131 Micro Essays on Being in the World, Spirited Stone: Lessons from Kubota’s Garden, and Seismic: Seattle City of Literature. Her poetry and fiction have appeared in Prairie Schooner, Hobart, Foglifter, Auburn Avenue, Catapult, The Fight and The Fiddle, Alta, Torch, Poetry Northwest, Cascadia Magazine, Ms. Magazine and others. Renee has received fellowships and residencies from Cave Canem, Hedgebrook, 4Culture, VONA, Ragdale, Mineral School, and The New Orleans Writers Residency.
Bonita Lee is a community connector who has worked with schools and non-profits for over twenty years, focusing on individual, student and family access through empowerment. Her background in Global Studies, focusing on marginalized groups throughout history, has fueled her passion for equity and inclusion. As a Family and Community Partnership Coordinator, Bonita works with students, community members, schools and local agencies to foster active advocacy. She helps develop and design outreach programming that engages diverse groups of individuals in community-based partnerships while bringing community members together. Be sure to check out Bonita’s first children’s book: “Go on Lil’ Sista, Go On,” a poetic anthem to Black girls, everywhere.
Parable Bookstore is a community space with a curated selection of culturally affirming products and events. Parable answers the collective desire for a place of belonging, networking, and a rich shopping experience. They offer a hand-picked selection of artisan products, books, plants, records, clothing, and hot tea. Through partnerships and collaborations, they host vibrant events. They center those who are often left out of the conversation: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Disabled and LGBTQ+ folk, and local artists and authors. In its fullest form Parable invites you to not just shop, but also hang out and stay a while. Learn more at www.parabletacoma.com
AGE GROUP: | Teens (13-18) | Seniors (55+) | Adults (18+) |
EVENT TYPE: | Stories and Voices | Author event |
