The Minnesota Black Author’s Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on October 27, in Minneapolis. The event is hosted by authors De’Vonna Pittman and Jasmine Boudah who recognized that other expos didn't cater to black literature and felt it was very necessary to create their own space. In 2017, the duo hosted the first annual Minnesota Black Author’s Expo with an overwhelming response from authors and community.

“Jasmine Boudah approached me about the idea of hosting a Black Author's Expo in North Minneapolis,” Pittman states. “We both have a strong passion to ensure North Minneapolis residents have the same opportunities to purchase black literature and to sell it, as other communities across the state.”

The expo will give black authors an opportunity to sell their books, promote literacy, display their talents, network and meet other authors. Community members will have a chance to meet, greet, buy books and get them signed from a diverse pool of black authors. There will be a wide selection of genres to choose from, including non-fiction, self-help, urban fiction, Christian fiction, empowerment, hip-hop love stories, coming-of-age and children’s books.

In addition, the authors are hosting a boot camp for those who need help getting started. The writer’s boot camp is a 90-minute crash course for individuals who want to write a book and haven’t had the confidence or direction to do so. Attendees will hear about editing, marketing, how to write and sell a book and how to publish their work. Pittman and Boudah have recruited a team of experts to coach emerging authors to the finish line. The writer’s boot camp is scheduled to be held the morning of the expo. Space is limited. 

The expo will also feature award-winning author Roxanne Battle, saxophonist Antonio Jackson, face painting by Deidra Gross along with other activities for children, live readings and a panel discussion which takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: Free. Location: 147 Holden St. N., Minneapolis. For more information, visit MNBlackAuthorsExpo.com.