We're using puzzling as an excuse to be in community with you all!!!

EVENT DEETS

When: Friday, December 8 at 6PM

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

How: RSVP to reserve your spot!

ABOUT THE EVENT

Join us as we attempt to complete The Gather Together 500 Piece Puzzle from Galison. Maja Tomljanovic’s Gather Together is a joyful, Mediterranean influenced vignette of friends and family gathering together at the table. 

We'll provide the puzzles and trays. We encourage bringing your favorite snacks, beverages or anything to make you feel cozy and comfortable!

Note: This event is intended for adults!

We've teamed up with one of our favorite artist/artist-teachers to bring you this special DIY collage bookmark workshop! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Friday, November 17 at 6:30 PM 

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

How: Grab your $30 ticket now! Space is Limited. Tickets are non-refundable. 

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

We all love a good bookmark but sometimes the market just doesn't do what it's supposed to do. This is the first in a series of bookmark workshops. We'll be using collages as our medium. Get ready to do a little cut and paste between sips. All supplies necessary will be provided. If you want to bring extra magazines, feel free!

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tay Butler is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Houston, Texas. He received his BFA in Photography  and Digital Media from the University of Houston and recently completed his MFA in the University  of Arkansas’ Photography program. After retiring from the US Army and abandoning a middle-class  engineering career to search for purpose, Butler reignited a rich appreciation for Black history and a  deep obsession with the Black archive. Using past and present images to create a historically-layered  body of work, Tay reorients cultural material from the ever-growing Black experience.  

Butler works with photography, collage, video, and sound exhibitions and installations. His solo  exhibitions and installations include RE.Migrant I & II at Project Row Houses, Houston and We Are  Still Searching at the Louise J. Moran Fine Arts Courtyard, Houston. Group exhibitions of his work  have been featured at ArtPace, San Antonio, the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, and the  Texas Biennial at Fotofest. Performance exhibitions include The Triangle, for The Idea Fund and  CAMH, and Jefferson Pinder’s Fire and Movement for DiverseWorks, Houston. Butler’s awards  include the Individual Artist Fellowship from the Arkansas Arts Council, and First Prize in the 2019  Citywide African-American Artists Exhibition at Texas Southern University, Houston. He has  collaborated with the Houston Rockets, Coca-Cola, and many others. Butler currently teaches Art &  Design for San Jacinto College, Houston and has led both private and community workshops for The  Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, Virginia and Crystal Bridges Museum, Arkansas.  

Web: www.stayclosetay.com 

IG: @stayclosetay

 The Banned Wagon: A Vehicle for Change is road-tripping through the South this #BannedBooksWeek (October 1-7).

Traditionally, Autumn has been a season in which we uproot and take stock of all the work that we've put in. Come join us in paying gratitude to ourselves.

WORKSHOP DEETS

When: Saturday, September 23 at 10 AM

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden

How: Purchase tickets to guarantee your spot!

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE

Meet us in the Reading Garden at Kindred Stories for an intentional writing workshop presented by Lit & Lounge: A Writing Salon for Women and led by poet & writer Fallon Vaughn.

The writing prompts and intention setting will be inspired by the work of Science Fiction/ Afro-Futurism pioneer Octavia Butler's work and summer solstice.

There will be a sound bath curated by PilotJonees PilotJonees, and the Free Black Woman's Library HTX will also be on-sight with their collection of literature written by Black women.

Feel free to dress in your most whimsical attire for the occasion.

Grab the homies for our 1st annual Juneteenth Trivia Night! 

EVENT DEETS

When: Sunday, June 18th at 6PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

How: Purchase your ticket here TODAY! Each ticket comes with entry and one drink!

ABOUT THE TRIVIA NIGHT

We are hosting a pub style trivia night! Each person is a participant. You can bring your friends or family be apart of your team or be prepared to join a team when you get here. There will be five rounds of questions around Juneteenth, Black History, Black music & culture, prominent Black history figures etc. You and your team will work together to correctly answer as many questions as possible. Put prepared for a few twists during the night! 

This is a great alternative to observe Juneteenth! 

Join us to celebrate the release of Juneteenth with Houston based author, Van Garrett

EVENT DEETS

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023

WHERE: Kindred Stories (2304 Stuart Street, HTX, 77004)

HOW: RSVP ONLY to reserve your littles seats or RSVP WITH BOOK to support our programming and the author. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—the birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a child coming to understand their place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.

A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history!

The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Van G. Garrett is the author of Kicks, his debut picture book. An acclaimed poet, he won the Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for Scrap and the Best Book of African American Poetry from the Texas Association of Authors for 49: Wings and Prayers. He is a musician and visual artist.

EVENT DEET

When: April 8 at 2:30 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden

How: RSVP to reserve your spot for you and your littles. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The first definitive collection of Igbo legends and traditions for kids, this book explores the mythological origins of the Igbo people, the ancient Nri Kingdom, and Igbo cosmology before delving into the Alusi, or the core Igbo deities. Following this introduction to the pantheon of gods and goddesses, a collection of the most popular Igbo myths, folktales, and legends will immerse kids in exciting stories of tricksters, shapeshifters, and heroes, including:

• The Wrestler Whose Back Never Touched the Ground
• Ojiugo, the Rare Gem
• The Tortoise and the Birds, or The Origin Story of Sea Turtles
• Ngwele Aghuli, Why the Crocodile Lives Alone
• How Death Came to Be
• And more!

The perfect book for kids who are fascinated by Greek mythology or love the Rick Riordan series, Introduction to Igbo Mythology for Kids offers a fun look into the stories, history, and figures that characterize Igbo culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In Partnership with the Houston Opera

EVENT DEETS

When: Saturday, February 18 at 1 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden

How: RSVP to reserve you little's spot. Limited capacity

ABOUT EVENT

We are teaming up with the Houston Opera to bring you a special story time. This event is gear towards Pre-K through 2nd grade. 

EVENT DEETS:

When: February 4, 2023, at 6:30 PM (Door Open at 6:00 PM)

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden (2304 Stuart Street, HTX 77004)

How: Purchase your ticket TODAY! Each ticket comes with entry as well as two cocktails. THIS EVENT IS FOR ADULTS (21+) ONLY!

ABOUT THE SPELLING BEE:

Contestants will be asked to spell words that speak to the theme of Black History Month over the course of four rounds. If you misspell the word, you are out!  As the words get harder, you might be able to Phone a Friend or Battle to earn your place back into the competition. The last three contestants standing will receive a prize!

Fun and music-filled, this event is for folks looking for something BLACKITY BLACK to do on a Saturday night! 

If you have any questions please reach out to laniseharris@gmail.com or chanecka@kindredstorieshtx.com.

EVENT DEETS

When: Sunday, November 20 at 7PM 

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden 

How: Be sure to RSVP. RSVP with book to support Kindred Stories programming and staff.  

ABOUT

It's that time of the year when we are craving to be surrounded by community. We've decided to pull out our projector and fire pit to (re)watch If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). We'll have free cocktails provided by Clutch Distilling and Boo's Burgers will be doing a pop up for your food/snack needs. Be sure to get there early for the best seats!

EVENT DEETS

When: October 2 at 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories Reading Garden (Weather Permitting)

How: Purchase your ticket on Eventbrite and bring yourself! All tickets come with a copy of Wash Day Diaries.

ABOUT THE EVENT

We were absolutely floored when we seen the panels of Wash Day Diaries. The semi monochromatic but vivid images were...inspiring.

So, here we are spending a Sunday morning reading Wash Day Diaries, putting narrative to our wash day feelings, thoughts and experiences with Brittny Ray, our writing instructor and taking photos in front of our special Wash Day Diaries backdrop.

We are encouraging you all to come as you are! We want to see your natural hair in all its phases. Whether you'll be in the process of wash day during the event or you are in desperate need of your wash day routine, you are welcome to come be photographed and have a bellini or mimosa on us!

Join us for a special night for educators!  Come build community alongside teachers, librarians, and school leaders while stocking your classroom and school libraries using a special 15% discount.  We'll also be giving away free Advanced Reader Copies of recently published books!

Light bites and cocktails will be provided by our friends at ChòpnBlọk.  

The Black Man Project in partnership with Kindred Stories invites you to move toward wholeness and healing. 

EVENT DEETS: 

WHEN: May 29, 2022 @ 9 AM

WHERE: Kindred Stories Reading Garden (2304 Stuart Street, HTX 77004)

HOW: Limited spaces are available. Be sure to reserve you spot today!

ABOUT THE EVENT

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, we invite you to slow down and tap into yourselves. While we strongly believe in seeking outside help in order to step into your wholeness, we are also advocates of self-care. We have invited Black wellness practitioners to come and share their healing practices with us. Our hope is that you find something to add to your wellness routine. 

Tentative Schedule 

ABOUT THE BLACK MAN PROJECT

The Black Man Project explores the origins of how misconceptions such as one dimensional expression and emotional inaccessibility have come to be. We specifically explore the complexity of African American masculinity for young boys and simultaneously create safe spaces for black young men to engage in dialogue that grants space that nurtures healing, wholeness, leadership, accountability, and brotherhood. 

To learn more visit: www.theblackmanproject.com 

It's May Masturbation Month!  So join Kindred Stories for another D.A.T.E. Night with Normal Anomaly as we discuss safer sex options when it comes to consent, communication, and pleasure. This is a safer space that will be facilitated by Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri & Jordan Edwards. Feel free to bring questions, comments, boos, and/or concerns. Kindred Stories staff member, Kadie,  will be in attendance offering titles that support the conversation! There will be complimentary cocktails and non-alcohol beverages and MUCH to discuss!

Email kadie@kindredstorieshtx.com if you have any questions.

About the facilitators:

Jordan J Edwards is a Program Director at the BQPlus center of Libertarian at the Normal Anomaly Initiative. Jordan serves the black queer plus community by increasing opportunities for sustainable employment, linkage to care services for those living with HIV and those interested in PrEP. His first experience with HIV was when he watched a family member pass away of AIDS complications in early 2000, talked down a friend down from planning attempted suicide from receiving an HIV positive diagnosis, but the shift in his life changed once he got his HIV positive results in 2013. Jordan became a Heavy Hitter Pride ambassador in 2019, received
an Emerging Leader award from AASOTF and Impulse Group Houston 2019. In 2021 he received the Phoenix Rising award from the Mahogany Project. He can be found in the Advocate, VoyageHouston, and Outsmart. Jordan spends most of his time being creative, gaming, in an animal shelter, and spending time with family and friends.

Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut (she/her/hers), Director of Programming, oversees the ancillary programs of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, including P.O.W.R. (Positives Organizing Wellness and Resilience), T.A.C. (Transgender Ally Collective), and Project Liberate.  Joelle’s social advocacy experience includes assisting with program planning and implementation as well as serving as Communications Manager for The Mahogany Project, Inc. since 2018.  Aside from her work with the Mahogany Project, Joelle has worked with AIDS United, GLAAD, Gilead/Compass Initiative, and Emory University.  She has also been awarded the Rising Star Phoenix Award in 2020. 

 When Joelle is not fighting for liberation and social justice, you can catch her thrift shopping, blogging/writing, or being a plant mom. 

 **Registration fee is per family and includes one copy of Cocoa Girl Awesome Hair by Selina Boyd **

Join Kindred Stories for our first-ever Hair Party! Black caregivers doing a child's hair before the start of a new week is a cornerstone in so many Black homes.  At this event, we'll celebrate this ritual and Black Hair in all its forms. Come celebrate and build community with us! 

Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their little ones to play and style their hair for the new week in the Reading Garden at Kindred Stories.

Everyone is invited to bring products for the Product Swap.  There will also be product samples from Uncle Funky's Daughter, our sponsor.

Additional Information: 

You are more than welcome to bring your hair supplies to the store and style your little one's hair in our Reading Garden.  Rubber bands, barrettes, and other accessories will be available but please bring your own combs, brushes, and clips.

Please bring a picnic blanket for your crew.  There will also be book, games, and other activities to keep your little ones busy during the event.

Please reach out to info@kindrestorieshtx.com for any additional questions. 

Limited Space Available

In celebration of The Obama Portraits Tour exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts,  Houston, this spring, the Living Witness Workshop for Senior Citizens seeks to highlight our own living icons in the Third Ward community. Over the course of three gatherings, participants will engage in reflective creative writing exercises focused on preserving personal narratives and memories of the people, places, and events that have developed this rich and historical Houston neighborhood over time. Anyone who considers themselves a senior citizen is invited to take part in this free workshop. No prior creative writing experience is necessary, just a passion to share and help preserve great stories.

This workshop series is sponsored by Kindred Stories, Museum of Fine Arts, Emancipation Park Conservancy, and Inprint.

Class Dates and Times:  

Session 1: April 26, 5:30 - 7:00 Pm at Emancipation Park

Session 2: May 3, 5:30 - 7:00 PM at Emancipation Park

Rehearsal: May 10, 5:30-7:00 PM at Project Row Houses

Visit and Present: May 14, 10:00 AM at The Museum of Fine Arts

What’s February without a little sex?  Well, we can at least talk bout it!

Join Kindred Stories’ first D.A.T.E Night in partnership with Normal Anomaly as we discuss safer sex options when it comes to consent, communication, and pleasure. This is a safer space that will be facilitated by Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri & Jordan Edwards. Feel free to bring questions, comments, boos, and/or concerns. Kindred Stories staff member, Kadie,  will be in attendance offering titles that support the conversation! There will be complimentary cocktails and non-alcohol beverages and MUCH to discuss!

Email kadie@kindredstorieshtx.com if you have any questions.

About the facilitators:

Jordan J Edwards is a Program Director at the BQPlus center of Libertarian at the Normal Anomaly Initiative. Jordan serves the black queer plus community by increasing opportunities for sustainable employment, linkage to care services for those living with HIV and those interested in PrEP. His first experience with HIV was when he watched a family member pass away of AIDS complications in early 2000, talked down a friend down from planning attempted suicide from receiving an HIV positive diagnosis, but the shift in his life changed once he got his HIV positive results in 2013. Jordan became a Heavy Hitter Pride ambassador in 2019, received
an Emerging Leader award from AASOTF and Impulse Group Houston 2019. In 2021 he received the Phoenix Rising award from the Mahogany Project. He can be found in the Advocate, VoyageHouston, and Outsmart. Jordan spends most of his time being creative, gaming, in an animal shelter, and spending time with family and friends.

Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut (she/her/hers), Director of Programming, oversees the ancillary programs of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, including P.O.W.R. (Positives Organizing Wellness and Resilience), T.A.C. (Transgender Ally Collective), and Project Liberate.  Joelle’s social advocacy experience includes assisting with program planning and implementation as well as serving as Communications Manager for The Mahogany Project, Inc. since 2018.  Aside from her work with the Mahogany Project, Joelle has worked with AIDS United, GLAAD, Gilead/Compass Initiative, and Emory University.  She has also been awarded the Rising Star Phoenix Award in 2020. 

 When Joelle is not fighting for liberation and social justice, you can catch her thrift shopping, blogging/writing, or being a plant mom. 

Join Kindred Stories as we launch our At Home Lit Workshop in partnership with Lit-Life!  During the workshop parents will learn highly engaging strategies to use with their children to support reading out loud, comprehension, and more!  

In this workshop, Natasha, a former preschool teacher, will provide one-on-one literacy coaching and take-home reading resources. Natasha will be working from Another by Christian Robinson.

A Little About Natasha: 

Natasha McDaniel is a passionate educator from Houston, TX. Her 11 years in education include roles as classroom teacher, district literacy specialist, and classroom management coach. While serving in schools, Natasha’s greatest joy became nurturing children into resourceful learners and independent thinkers. 

Natasha launched Lit for Life fueled with the mission of empowering families and children through literacy and learning. Her vision is to take the frustration out of at home literacy learning to build skilled, engaged learners and confident, equipped families. Natasha offers relevant, engaging, and effective family literacy coaching and hands-on learning materials to improve children’s reading, writing, and phonics growth and engagement.

If you got an invite to this gathering, know that you are truly apart of our community. 

EVENT DEETS

When: Please refer to invitation.

Where: Kindred Stories' Reading Garden

How: RSVP with the password to the notes to secure your spot and we'll see you there! 

ABOUT THE GATHERING

There is nothing formal about this gathering! There will be food, drinks and a bomb playlist. Come hang out with the Kindred Stories Staff, some of our favorite local authors and fellow readers/book lovers. 

We're celebrating the anniversary of We Are Owed. with Ariana Brown!

EVENT DEETS

When: July 29, 2023

Where: Project Row House Community Gallery 

How: RSVP for a free ticket or support the our programming and the author by RSVP WITH BOOK to grab a copy of We Are Owed.