A tribute to Nikki Giovanni

March 19, 2025 / Bonnie Newman Davis

Virginia Festival of the Book Presents: A Tribute to Nikki Giovanni: Celebrating a Legacy through Poetry, Music, and Dance

The legendary poet Nikki Giovanni’s impact extends beyond the world of poetry. As an activist and educator, Nikki left an indelible mark on the world.

Virginia Humanities’ Virginia Center for the Book will proudly honor her legacy with an evening of dance, music, poetry, and prose—some of Nikki’s favorite things—in a special Virginia Festival of the Book event featuring authors Jericho Brown, Rita Dove, Tayari Jones, and Remica Bingham-Risher, as well as the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre and other performers, authors, and musicians, in a program under the guiding vision of Furious Flower Poetry Center founder Joanne Gabbin, and the artistic direction of local theater-maker Constance Swain.

A voice of power and grace, she ignited minds with her poetry. A champion of civil rights and Black arts, she wove words of truth, love, and resilience. Nikki Giovanni’s legacy inspires generations to embrace their voices and fight for a more just world.

This event is SOLD OUT.

Untangling the Publishing Process

Courtesy, Virginia Humanities Center for the Book

Whether you’re fascinated by bookbinding, curious about publishing, or just passionate about books, these events cover all the chapters in a book’s life. Celebrating the artistry and industry behind publishing, the 2025 Virginia Festival of the Book offers a rare opportunity to learn from experts, engage in hands-on activities, and gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and processes behind every book on your shelf. Be sure to explore these unforgettable events celebrating the art and business of books!

Navigating the publishing world can be daunting, but author Kalela Williams is here to help. In this session, the Director of the Virginia Center for the Book will break down the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering insight into working with agents, editors, and publicists. Williams, whose debut YA novel Tangleroot was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2024, will share her own experiences—the highs and lows—of getting published. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a brief query-letter writing activity, making this a practical session for those looking to break into the industry.

Join in on the untangling on March 21st at 11 a.m. in Omni Salon C.

More information:

Women’s History Month continues…

March 19, 2025March 19, 2025 / Bonnie Newman Davis

Courtesy, Getting Word: African American Oral History Project

Coralie Franklin Cook

Dates Alive: 1861-1942

Family: Hemings-Colbert

Occupation: College teacher; Public speaker; School board member

Coralie Franklin Cook, Brown Colbert’s great-granddaughter, was born in slavery and became the first descendant of a Monticello slave known to have graduated from college. She was born in Lexington, VA, to Albert and Mary Elizabeth Edmondson Franklin (1829-1917). In 1880, Coralie Franklin graduated from Storer College in Harpers Ferry, WV. From this time, she was widely noted as a powerful public speaker. She taught elocution and English at Storer and then at Howard University.

In 1898 she married George William Cook (1855-1931), a Howard University professor and trustee. Coralie Cook served for twelve years as a member of the District of Columbia Board of Education. She was a founder of the National Association of Colored Women and a committed suffragist. About 1910, the Cooks became followers of the Baha’i faith. A longtime friend and admirer of Susan B. Anthony, she eventually became disillusioned by the women’s suffrage movement, feeling it had “turned its back on the woman of color.”

Ancestry

Elizabeth Hemings1735-1807
Betty Brown1759-post 1831
Brown Colbert1785-1833
Malinda Colbert Edmondsonca. 1808-1863
Coralie Franklin Cook1861-1942

Related People

Brown Colbert – Ancestor

Coralie Franklin Cook. West Virginia University Libraries Coralie Cook with her husband, George William Cook. National Baha’i ArchivesNext

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“Truth Tellers: The Power and Presence of Black Women Journalists” Feb. 26 book discussion reaches far and wide

March 1, 2025March 19, 2025 / Bonnie Newman Davis

By Bonnie Newman Davis

“The media has been in decline for a quarter of a century now.” — Dana Milbank, MSNBC, Feb. 28, 2025

Spot on. And exactly what I stated when discussing my book two nights ago at Fairfield Library. Because my audience included some amazing scribes, storytellers, community advocates/activists, historians and world travelers, our conversation was far-reaching and wide-ranging. One audience member, hoping to pivot from her social work profession to journalism, sought advice on how to accomplish her goal. Diane Walker, a retired Richmond news anchor and investigative reporter, encouraged her to seek out reporters and others who can help her pitch, shape or sell her stories or story ideas. (Diane is one of the 24 women who is featured in my book, “Truth Tellers: The Power and Presence of Black Women Journalists Since 1960.)

I agreed with Diane, and added that in today’s media climate, the social work professional should also consider starting her own digital publication or newsletter. “Technology is on our side,” I said. I then recalled how I wanted to purchase a Richmond publication about 20 years ago. It was The Good News Herald published by the late Cleomine Lewis. The paper lived up to its name, and I was always fascinated by how Ms. Lewis single-handedly ran the paper, which was mainly available in Richmond’s Black churches. Ms. Lewis died in 2004, according to a Chiles Funeral home obituary. Back then we did not have a smidgen of the technology that we now take for granted.

Here is what one attendee shared after the book talk:

“Hey Bonnie!! I didn’t want another day to go by without sharing how extraordinary your program was on yesterday! Bonnie, the wisdom that you, Diane and others shared, transcended time and journalism! I would love to see a monthly meeting like that one! We all felt so blessed to be in the presence of greatness!!! Thank you!!!”

Next up I will discuss my book at Second Baptist Church-Idlewood for Women’s History Month. Stay tuned for the date and time. And you to my loyal tribe of “Truth Tellers” supporters!