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