KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Purchase a book, participate in read-alouds, test knowledge in Black History trivia and get rapid-fire book recommendations all in one event.
Literature as Liberation: A Black History Month Celebration will take place at The Bottom at 2340 E. Magnolia Avenue on Feb. 24 from 12 p.m. through 3 p.m. The event is a celebration of Black history and a reverence of books demonstrating the importance of literature within the Black community.
All ages will be welcome at the event, including those under the age of 13 getting in free. General admission tickets will be $15 and attendees will get a coupon of the same amount to be used within the bookstore. There will also be a keynote speaker at the end of the event as well as giveaways for those who attend.
The Bottom gained its name from the East Knoxville neighborhood that was demolished in the 1950s after its founding by sociologist, Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin. Its website states that the location started as a youth sewing and entrepreneurial program in 2019, but the space quickly grew into a hub of Black culture and togetherness. The Bottom also said that they stand as a multi-use space to foster change and provide comfort for the community.
