Revive the Soulful Chicago Book Fair

Soulful Chicago Book Fairs HAVE to be the most exciting book fairs on the planet! They are celebrations of literacy and literary arts found throughout the African Diaspora, that flourish in the city of Chicago.

2025 brings us to almost a decade of Black literary programming. Since 2015, we’ve showcased over 100 Black literary events and programming in this city, and serviced close to 1000 authors worldwide. Our main event will be August 9, 2025 in the Woodlawn community, Due to the founder’s illness and the lack of funding, there was no event in 2024. But now we’re bringing the Soulful Chicago Book Fair FORWARD! The Chicago literary legacy left by authors such as Lorraine Handsbury, Richard Wright, Timuel D. Black, and Gwendolyn Brooks must continue with the work we do in the future.

It will feature genre-specific sections and approximately 100 Black authors and literary organizations that service our community. The funds we raise help enhance the event with great sound & entertainment, bathroom facilities, ample marketing, city fees and other fiscal demands. The Soulful Chicago Book Fair has pulled in nearly 4500 visitors in the past, and even introduced global authors and visitors access to our book fair in the METAVERSE!

While our events take place year-round, our summer main event brings Black literature to our south side "book desert." We enhance the literary marketplace for Black writers and give lovers of Black literature exposure to a bevy of culturally relevant, newly released titles.

Your demands and support for the past seven years have forged us forward into the prediction of a successful year to come. Your donations are massively appreciated and we thank you in advance!