Meet YA author, Brandy Colbert, as part of the University of Arizona’s celebration of Black History Month!

Brandy Colbert is an acclaimed author of youth literature, including the award-winning Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Her other acclaimed books include Pointe, The Only Black Girls in Town, The Voting Booth, The Blackwoods and Little & Lion. Her writing has been published in the New York Times and in critically acclaimed anthologies for young people. She is on faculty at Hamline University’s MFA program in writing for children, and lives in Los Angeles.

This is the first in a day-long series of events with Brandy. The public is encouraged to attend one, two or all three events. There is no charge to attend.

2-3 p.m.: My Journey as an Author. Brandy will talk about her journey of writing young adult and middle grade books that highlight the lives of Black characters, sharing the inspirations behind her books and providing insights into her writing process and the challenges she has faced.

4-5 p.m.: Black History and the Tulsa Race Massacre: A YA Author’s Perspective. Many moments in Black American history have been sanitized or intentionally buried. Brandy will talk about why and how she came to write Black Birds in the Sky. She will also raise issues related to telling stories embedded in Black history and challenges to these books as well as answer questions.

5-5:30 p.m.: Reception with Brandy Colbert.

These events are co-sponsored by African American Student Affairs and the Worlds of Words Center.

Paid parking is available in the Second St. Garage next door to the College of Education and in metered spots on surrounding streets. The Worlds of Words Center is also located just off of the 2nd St. Modern Streetcar stop.

To request disability-related accommodations that would ensure your full participation in this event, please email wow@arizona.edu or call 520.621.9340.

Event details may change. More information to follow.