Join us for a reading of Be Gentle With Black Girls by the author Tania De'Shawn.
Following the reading will be a panelist discussion with:

• Ashley M. Jones, Alabama Poet Laureate, as moderator

• Juana Thompson, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

• Lauren Whatley, a Women's Studies professor at the University of Alabama and an expert on race, gender, and systems of oppression

• Queen daPoetess, local poetess and co-owner of Majesty Lounge

Patrons can also participate in an Oriki station (Praise Poems from a West African tradition, affirming oneself through relationships between kinship and destiny), a "black girlhood be sacred: Stories behind Our Softness and Strength" story station with the BPL Archives and Southern History Department to contribute their own stories of black girlhood, a book signing, and a raffle to win a copy of Be Gentle with Black Girls.

*Discussions may touch on matters not intended for children. Young adults and older are welcome.

Details and registration information for this free event:

What: Be Gentle With Black Girls - Author Reading and Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library Grand East Reading Room
Registration: Registration Link