Palm Springs library, Mizell Center to host second annual Black authors event
Former NFL player RK Russell and author Toni Ann Johnson will discuss their works at the free community celebration on Feb. 8.
The Palm Springs Public Library, Brothers of the Desert and Mizell Center will present the second annual “Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors” on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mizell Center.
The free community event will feature two authors in conversation during Black History Month. Former NFL player RK Russell will discuss his memoir “The Yards Between Us” with Lorenzo Taylor, followed by author Toni Ann Johnson in conversation with Marilyn F. Solomon about her upcoming book “But Where’s Home?”
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A welcome reception will run from 10 to 10:30 a.m., featuring bagels, spreads, coffee and mimosas. The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs will offer books from the featured authors for purchase throughout the event.
Russell’s discussion will begin at 10:30 a.m., focusing on his memoir that explores his journey as the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual. Russell played as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before sharing his story publicly.
Johnson’s talk will center on “But Where’s Home?”, set for release Feb. 10. The novella and linked short story collection examines racism, classism and family relationships in America. The conversation will also touch on Johnson’s career as a screenwriter, playwright and author of previous works including “Light Skin Gone to Waste,” “Homecoming” and “Remedy for a Broken Angel.”
Attendees will have opportunities to purchase books and obtain author signatures, with a final signing session at 12:45 p.m. before the event concludes at 1 p.m.
Seating is limited to 100 attendees, and registration is requested online here. Reserved seats will be released five minutes before the event starts for standby attendees.
The event is presented by the Palm Springs Public Library, Brothers of the Desert and Mizell Center, with sponsorship from Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library and the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. Community partners include The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, LGBTQ Center of the Desert and the Palm Springs Black History Committee.
Mizell Center is located at 480 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Ramon Road. Additional information is available at www.mizell.org or by calling 760-323-5689.
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