Our Mission

Hosted in Houston — the most diverse city in the country — the BIPOC Book Fest aims to showcase books and other literary works that are representative of a mosaic of cultures – just like our city. This, we hope, will:

• ENGAGE readers of color of all ages and promote literacy

• ENABLE local readers of color to see themselves and learn about other cultures in the stories they read

• EXPOSE local readers and residents to BIPOC writers and literary works focused on people of color

• EDUCATE residents on the importance of literacy

MEET
THE TEAM

Created by BIPOC journalists and writers of color, we are a group of literary fans — just like you.

Brittany Britto Garley is an award-winning journalist and features reporter who loves digging into culture, food and community. She previously reported for the Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun, and will soon serve as the editor of Eater Houston, where she’ll write and oversee coverage of the city’s food and dining scene. She also teaches creative writing part-time to students in South Park, Houston, with nonprofit Writers in the Schools. From romance and YA to thrillers and memoirs, her taste in books varies, but she loves a read that keeps her guessing, teaches her something new, or moves her enough to laugh, gasp or cry out loud!

Jaundréa Clay is a journalist, newsletter editor, writer and self-proclaimed foodie and curious wanderer. For her, self-care is good food and a good book with a good view (or sometimes, just a quiet room with a comfy blanket). Her favorite genres are Afrofuturism, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery/noir, historical fiction and nonfiction.

Brooke Lewis is an award-winning journalist, who enjoys writing on a range of topics including race, history and culture.  At the Houston Chronicle, she wrote extensively about the discovery of the remains of 95 African Americans in Sugar Land, Texas, which received national media attention and renewed interest in the history of convict leasing. She was also a part of the Pulitzer finalist team for breaking news coverage of Hurricane Harvey. Brooke is currently working on a book that centers around faith, love and friendship and works with Writers in the Schools, where she teaches creative writing to students in the Houston Independent School District.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking at Hermann Park, finding a good brunch spot, spending time at church and having quality time with her friends and family.