A reading of D. Watkins’ favorite book: Life Doesn’t Frighten Me: A Poetry Picture Book by Maya Angelou. RSVP at https://events.emersoncollective.com/readingisfreedom
D. Watkins is the New York Times bestselling author of The Beast Side, The Cook Up, Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised, Black Boy Smile, and other books. His book We Speak for Ourselves was Enoch Pratt Free Library’s 2020 One Book Baltimore selection.
A reading of Wanda’s favorite book: A Million Fish…More or Less by Patricia McKissack. RSVP at https://events.emersoncollective.com/readingisfreedom
A reading of Joshua’s favorite book: After The Fall by Dan Santat. RSVP at https://events.emersoncollective.com/readingisfreedom
Dr. Joshua L. Michael is Executive Director of the Sherman Family Foundation and President of the Maryland State Board of Education. At the Foundation, he advances its mission to improve outcomes for children and families in Baltimore through strategic investments and partnerships from early childhood through K–12 education. For over a decade, his work focused on improving student outcomes in Baltimore City, from the classroom as a middle school math teacher to system-level partnerships at UMBC. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from UMBC, with research focused on mathematics achievement and supporting struggling students.
Teens, grab a seat at the art table. Led by authors and artists, this hands-on zine-making workshop invites you to tap into your inner artist and explore your creativity. RSVP at https://events.emersoncollective.com/readingisfreedom
Lawrence Burney is a writer, critic, and the founder of True Laurels, an independent magazine covering Baltimore’s music and culture scene. His work has appeared in publications such as New York magazine, GQ, and Pitchfork. He has also worked at The Fader, VICE, and The Baltimore Banner. No Sense in Wishing is his first book. Follow him on Instagram and X @TrueLaurels.
Four-time Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox shares her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Laverne Cox is a powerhouse in the fight for transgender rights and representation—but her path from a struggling trans actress to a cultural movement was anything but easy.
Surviving a childhood full of trauma, dealing with depression, and working at a drag restaurant in New York City for seven years, Laverne was turning forty and felt it was time to throw in the towel when it came to being a Hollywood star—then she booked the character of Sophia Burset in Orange Is the New Black. Her world changed overnight.
She made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy, starred in a range of high-profile shows, and became the first transgender person to win a Daytime Emmy as executive producer on Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word. A red-carpet fashion icon, podcast host, and fearless advocate, she uses her stardom to champion LGBTQ+ rights, whether on Hollywood’s biggest stages, her personal channels, or at Supreme Court hearings. And she’s only getting started.
Baltimore’s very own radical street librarian, Ms. Maze, joins the Baltimore Book Festival on Saturday, September 19th, from 1PM to 4PM, outside of Charm City Cultural Cultivation (3100 Greenmount Avenue). Bring your littles through to visit the trolley, and join Ms. Maze for short storytime readings throughout the day! You won’t want to miss the magical storybook adventure!
Need a quick refresher? Stop by Wind Gate Wellness, right inside the Festival grounds on 31st St., and get a 15 minute acupuncture session of your choice for $15! Sessions offered from 9AM to 5PM on Saturday, September 19 – stop in! No appointments necessary. Wind Gate Wellness is located at 418 E 31st St. https://www.windgatewellness.com/
Visit our favorite chocolate shop right on Waverly’s Main Street, and meet DJ THE POET, a longtime street performer and poet extraordinaire who captures the magic of any moment with his on-demand typewritten poetry and prose. Part fortune-telling, part improv performance, you’ll love it! 10AM to 4PM. Jinji Chocolate is located at 3100 Greenmount Avenue, Unit B. https://www.jinjichocolate.com/ & https://wordsbydj.com/
Join Baltimore Beat editor-in-chief Sanya Kamidi and columnist Bry Reed for a conversation about Baltimore’s story – past, present, and future.
Wind down your Book Fest Saturday with our annual Book Festival After Dark Party at Peabody Heights! 8PM-10PM, free!
DJ OJI aka The Double Cutmaster is a seasoned veteran and world re-known DJ. Oji boasts over 20+years of experience and has played both nationally and internationally in England, Hong Kong, Japan and more. He is a DJ/Producer/Song writer who has remained consistent in his support for Underground dance music.
Follow DJ Oji on Social media:
Instagram @dj_oji_aka_original_man
Twitter @ojidj
Facebook www.facebook.com/djoji2
Twitch : dj_oji
www.mixcloud.com/djoji