Givens Black Books

In fall 2010, the Givens Foundation launched Givens Black Books, a community reading campaign with the goal of increasing access to and engagement in the literary arts in the Twin Cities’ African American community. Each year a new celebrated author and text is selected. The reading campaign features a series of public book events, panel discussions, film screenings and community gatherings across the Twin Cities; student residencies in area schools; media broadcasts and promotions; and a culminating event with the featured author in the spring. Givens Literary Artists support the creation of reading guides and curricula to enhance discussion and comprehension of the selected texts, and serve as discussion facilitators at community events.

2012 Givens Black Books Author

Walter Mosley  is one of the most versatile and prolific writers working today in any genre. He is the author of more than 35 critically acclaimed books, ranging from the crime novel to literary fiction, nonfiction, political essay, young adult and science fiction. The New York Review of Books called him “a literary master as well as a master of mystery,” and The Boston Globe hailed him as “one of the nation’s finest writers.”

In his fiction, Mosley has explored the black experience in America over the past seven decades, beginning with the migration of African Americans from the Deep South to his native Los Angeles in the post- World War II era and through post-Obama election-era New York City. In his nonfiction, Mosley has examined the ways that we can contribute to political, economic, and social progress in America.

Mosley was the first African American to serve on the board of directors of the National Book Awards. His honors include an O’Henry Award, a Grammy, The Sunance Risktaker Award, and the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award, and he twice has been awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.

Selected Works by Walter Mosley

Devil in a Blue Dress (1990)
His first novel and the first book in his acclaimed Easy Rawlins mystery series, it has also been turned into a feature film starring Denzel Washington.

RL's Dream (1995)
Recounting his memories, Soupspoon Wise, a dying blues performer, describes a brief encounter with a famous performer that still haunts him.

47 (2005)
In his first book for young adults, Mosley weaves historical and speculative fiction into a powerful narrative about the nature of freedom.

Twelve Steps Toward Political Revelation: The Potential for an American Epiphany Under the Rough Blanket of Capitalism (2011)
In his most recent political essay, Mosley outlines a guide to recovery from oppression.


Calendar of Events

Please join us for one or all of these events! They are free and open to the public. Each event features one of the selected works by Walter Mosley and is facilitated by a local scholar, storyteller or community member.

FREE copies of the selected text are available at the Givens Foundation's Lyndale Office (email Eartha Bell, Assistant Director, at eartha@givens.org to pick-up) or at each participating location while supplies last. 

January

    • Jan. 23, 6:00p. Pillsbury Oak Park Center Book Discussion
                               Book: 47
    • Jan. 25, 6:00p. Black Men Reading Book Discussion
                                Book: Devil in a Blue Dress
                               
      Location: NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center

February

    • Feb. 5, 12:30p. Unity Church Unitarian's All Congregational Book Read in celebration of Black History Month. Book discussions led by Unity's Racial Justice Ministry Team.
                              Book: Devil in a Blue Dress
    • Feb. 8, 7:10p. Unity Church Unitarian's All Congregational Book Read in celebration of Black History Month. Book discussions led by Unity's Racial Justice Ministry Team.
                             Book: Devil in a Blue Dress
    • Feb. 9, 7:00p. Rondo Library Panel Discussion
                              Panelists: Nothando Zulu, Davu Seru, Ezra Hyland, Arleta Little
    • Feb. 21*, 6:00p. Pillsbury Oak Park Center Book Discussion
                               Book: Rl’s Dream
      **
      NOTICE: This was changed from February 20th due to President's Day
    • Feb. 22, 7:00p. Highland Park Library Book Club
                               Book: Known to Evil
    • Feb. 25, 2:00p. Arlington Library Book Discussion
                               Book: Twelve Steps Toward Political Revelation

March

    • Mar. 3, 1:00p. North Regional Library Book Event
                               Book: Rl’s Dream
    • Mar. 12, 7:00p. Brookdale Library Book Event
                                 Book: Devil in a Blue Dress
    • Mar. 19, 7:00p. Brooklyn Park Library Book Event
                                 Book: 47
    • Mar. 24, 2:00p. Sumner Library Book Event
                                 Book: Twelve Steps Toward Political Revelation
    • Mar. 26, 6:00p. Pillsbury Oak Park Book Discussion
                                 Book: Devil in a Blue Dress
    • Mar. 31,11a-2p. Minneapolis Central Library Film Screening & Book Discussion
                                 Book and Film: Devil In A Blue Dress

April  

         
    • Apr. 2, 7:30p.    Magers & Quinn Book Discussion
                                 Book: Twelve Steps Toward Political Revelation
    • Apr. 12, 6:00p. Givens Foundation Book Discussion
                                 Book: RL's Dream
    • Apr. 18, 6:00p. Black Men Reading Book Discussion
                                 Book: Twelve Steps Toward Political Revelation
                                 Location: NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center
    • Apr. 21, Literary Luncheon in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority featuring Walter Mosley
                                 Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion

Locations

Click on each location for map and directions:

Arlington Hills Library North Regional Library
Brookdale Library NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center
Brooklyn Park Library Pillsbury Oak Park Center
Givens Foundation Lyndale Office at Intermedia Arts Rondo Community Outeach Library
Highland Park Library Sumner Library
Minneapolis Central Library

 

Resources

2012 Givens Black Books Brochure

NPR Interview, "Walter Mosley: A Slave's Flight to Freedom in '47'"

Clips of Interviews with Walter Mosley

2010-11 Givens Black Books J. California Cooper Curriculum Overview

2010-11 Givens Black Books: Downloadable J. California Cooper Book Discussion Materials

 

In the News

Star Tribune features Mosley Events for Black History Month

NEA Big Read Features Givens Black Books

Givens Black Books 2012 Announcement in Pioneer Press

Givens Black Books PSA on Jazz88 KBEM

Twin Cities Daily Planet features Givens Black Books

Givens Black Books featured in Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder

"Homemade Love" Review in Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder

NorthNews highlights Givens Black Books Book Club at Oak Park Center

Northeaster News article on Givens Black Books at Oak Park Center

"Family" Review in Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder

"Black Books event draws literature fans of all ages in St. Paul" TC Daily Planet Story

"LIFE IS SHORT BUT WIDE" Review in Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder

 

The Givens Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2011-12 sponsors: