Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement

01/16/2026

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/99261-puerto-ricans-in-the-world-of-comics-pw-talks-with-the-curators-of-wepa.html?oly_enc_id=4246I7899612D3Y
SUPER Fyi!!

Shout out to my Boricuas in NYC!! Check out "Wepa!" when you get the chance! :-)

A new bilingual exhibition at the New York Public Library, cocurated by Paloma Celis Carbajal and Charles Cuykendall Carter, shines a spotlight on the manifold—and often overlooked—contributions of Puerto Rican comics creators.

01/14/2026

Mark your calendars!! :-)

01/14/2026

Vendor applications now open!!!

Vendor applications for Oak City Mini Con are OPEN!

Please use link below to apply now:

https://nccomicon.com/machform/view.php?id=59605

01/13/2026

Welcome back!!! :-)

This is what community looks like.

After closing in 2025 due to online threats, Liberation Station, North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, is officially reopening in a new space.

According to WRAL News, the bookstore reopened after a GoFundMe campaign surpassed its goal, raising more than $70,000. The fundraiser gained national attention after TikToker Jen Hamilton shared the story with her millions of followers, turning community support into action.

More than just a bookstore, Liberation Station is a space where Black children can see themselves reflected in stories, imagination, and possibility.

Let's keep the support going!

01/13/2026

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/99377-post-b-t-vendors-jostle-for-the-library-market.html?oly_enc_id=4246I7899612D3Y
People are now scrambling to fill the void left by the collapse of baker & Taylor. Who will be the one to fill those big shoes...?

The wholesaler’s departure presents a challenge, and a boost, to its former competitors.

01/09/2026

Ray Billingsley quietly changed the comics page forever.

He’s the creative mind behind the syndicated strip Curtis—one of the first major newspaper comics to put a Black family front and center every single day. Growing up in Harlem, Billingsley pulled characters and storylines straight from real people in his neighborhood, so when you read Curtis, you’re seeing his childhood, remixed.

He was hustling as a professional cartoonist at just 12 years old, pushing his way into an industry that barely had any Black representation at all. Long before “diversity” became a buzzword, he was living it on the comics page.

What makes Curtis hit so hard is the balance: one moment you’re laughing, the next you’re watching Curtis deal with his dad’s smoking, bullying at school, drugs, gentrification, even COVID‑19—heavy topics told through a kid’s eyes. And every so often, Billingsley flips the script with epic Kwanzaa arcs, drawing on African folklore and fantasy like nothing else on the funny pages.

For a lot of readers, Curtis wasn’t just a comic strip—it was the first time they saw a family like theirs living, laughing, and struggling in the newspaper every morning.

01/09/2026

SUPER FYI!!!

Philly, stand up!!! :-D

ECBACC, Inc. Brings a Host of Workshops to The Free Library of Philadelphia!

Philadelphia, PA – In its 25th year, The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC Philly), which sponsors Philadelphia’s premiere full-service comic book convention, brings the ECBACC Library Series (ELS) to The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) in 2026. Over the past 2 decades, ECBACC has kept the spotlights on an array of the best and brightest, pioneers, veterans and emerging creators, writers, illustrators, filmmakers, publishers, and visionaries in the comic book industry. The ELS, an all-ages (children / youth / young adults / adults) initiative, puts the spotlight on amateur and aspiring artists and creators at The Free Library. Workshops include: Action Toy Superhero Character Design; 3-Page Adventures; 4-Panel Storytelling, Cosplay Masquerading; Creator’s Gamble; Comic Art 101 / 201; Comic Writing 101 / 201; and more. Join us! Visit: www.ecbacc.com

01/09/2026

https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-casita-bookstores-doors-open
PLEASE help to keep Casita Bookstore open, and move to a new location!! Spread the word, and donate if you can!!

This is one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to write. Over… Antonette Franceschi-Chavez needs your support for Keep Casita Bookstore's Doors Open

01/08/2026

Fyi!!!

🎉 Happy Birthday, Zora! 🎉
Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, and global impact of Zora Neale Hurston during a special worldwide online celebration.

From wherever you are, be part of a joyful evening honoring storytelling, culture, and creativity inspired by one of America’s greatest literary voices.

📅 January 7
⏰ 7:30 PM EST
🎟️ FREE – registration required
👉 Register now and attend:
🔗 www.zorafestival.org
Let’s celebrate Zora together! 💙📚✨

01/05/2026

Spread the word!!!

✨Detroit Book City is in search of a professional caterer/vendor to sell food at our 10 annual book event in West Detroit on Sat. Feb. 21, 2026 from 12 noon - 5pm. Access to state-of-the art venue kitchen. Sell main dish food, snacks and beverages. No alcohol. Exclusive opportunity! Top earnings potential…expecting 500+ attendees. https://AAexpo2026.eventbrite.com Email inquiry with company info and food menu to: [email protected]

01/04/2026

PLEASE support Urban Reads Bookstore!!! Spread the word!!!