Dallas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
The Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair will take place at the African American Museum in historic Fair Park. With over 35 African American authors, the fair features readings, signings, and engaging youth workshops. This family-friendly event celebrates literature and arts while honoring notable figures in the community, including award receptions and expert panel discussions. Admission is free, and attendees can expect interactive programming designed to highlight diverse genres and inspire future generations.
Dallas
The 21st annual Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place at the African American Museum in historic Fair Park, located at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210. The fair is free and open to the public, and it is a family-friendly event.
What to expect at the fair
Over 35 African American authors will be featured, participating in readings and book signings. The schedule includes workshops, panel discussions, story times, and children’s activities throughout the day. Workshops will cover topics such as getting published, writing personal stories, and addressing voter suppression. The event showcases a variety of genres, including children’s literature, faith-based works, romance, business, leadership titles, memoirs, and historical narratives.
Special events and honors
Akwete Tyehimbe, owner and CEO of the Pan African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center in Oak Cliff, will receive the Sutton E. Griggs Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature on Friday, November 7, at a reception at the African American Museum. Tickets for the reception on November 7, at 7 p.m. cost $25 and can be purchased at aamdallas.org/events.
The fair’s program will culminate with a presentation at 2 p.m. by Dr. Linda Hall Searight, who will discuss her new book about her Grammy Award-winning choir, God’s Property.
Youth activities and new programs
New this year, the fair will kick off with a youth poetry contest and student writing workshops for over 100 local middle-school students on November 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children’s programming runs throughout the fair, including dedicated story times and hands-on activities designed to engage young readers.
Authors and participation
Participating authors include Franklin C. Edwards, Patricia Gaston, Dr. Renee Hornbuckle, Brenton Jackson, Dr. Courtney Kelley, and Julie Powell, among many others. Attendees can expect author readings, signings, and opportunities to purchase books directly from authors and small presses.
Purpose, history, and organizers
Tulisoma is a Swahili term meaning “we read,” founded in 2003 by the late Dallas City Councilmember Leo V. Chaney Jr. and Dr. Harry Robinson Jr. The event aims to promote literacy, elevate Black voices, and inspire future generations of readers, writers, and leaders. Sponsors of the Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair include Dallas College and HSV Consulting, Inc.
Museum information and access
The African American Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free self-parking available in nearby lots. Season sponsors of the African American Museum, Dallas, are Visit Dallas, City of Dallas’ Office of Arts and Culture, and Texas Commission on the Arts. For more information, visitors can check the website aamdallas.org/events or call 214-565-9026.
Logistics and attendee guidance
Admission to the fair is free. Attendees are advised to allow time for parking and entry at the museum entrance. The program schedule will include timed sessions for author readings and panels; visitors who wish to attend specific sessions should plan their day according to published start times.
FAQ
When will the fair be held?
The 21st annual Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where will the event take place?
The event takes place at the African American Museum in historic Fair Park, located at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210.
Is there an admission fee?
The fair is free and open to the public, and it is a family-friendly event.
How many authors will participate?
Over 35 African American authors will be featured, participating in readings and book signings.
Who is receiving the lifetime achievement award?
Akwete Tyehimbe, owner and CEO of the Pan African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center in Oak Cliff, will receive the Sutton E. Griggs Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature on Friday, November 7, at a reception at the African American Museum.
How much do reception tickets cost and where to buy them?
Tickets for the reception on November 7, at 7 p.m. cost $25 and can be purchased at aamdallas.org/events.
What is the final presentation of the fair?
The fair’s program will culminate with a presentation at 2 p.m. by Dr. Linda Hall Searight, who will discuss her new book about her Grammy Award-winning choir, God’s Property.
What does Tulisoma mean and who founded it?
Tulisoma is a Swahili term meaning “we read,” founded in 2003 by the late Dallas City Councilmember Leo V. Chaney Jr. and Dr. Harry Robinson Jr.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Location | African American Museum in historic Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210 |
| Admission | Free and open to the public; family-friendly |
| Authors | Over 35 African American authors — readings and book signings |
| Special reception | Sutton E. Griggs Lifetime Achievement Award reception on November 7, 7 p.m.; tickets $25 at aamdallas.org/events |
| Final presentation | 2 p.m. presentation by Dr. Linda Hall Searight about her book on God’s Property |
| Youth programming | Youth poetry contest and student workshops for over 100 local middle-school students on November 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
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