Black El Paso Voice

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2026 Black Book Expo and Author Fair

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Celebrating Resilience and Creativity: El Paso’s Black Voices Event

Click to purchase to attend.

Click to become a vendor.

El Paso is gearing up for a powerful Black History Month celebration that honors the written word, the spoken story, and the vibrant pulse of local artistry. Black Voices is more than just a book fair; it is a cultural showcase designed to amplify the narratives that shape our community.

Featured Authors: The Voices of Our Community

This year, we are proud to host an incredible lineup of local authors, ranging from New York Times bestsellers to inspirational guides and children’s creators.

  • Ron Stallworth: The legendary author of BlacKkKlansman returns with his newest work, The Gangs of Zion: A Black Cop’s Crusade in Mormon Country.
  • Angie Michelle Barraza: Bringing joy and representation to young readers with I Love Us: A Coloring Book, I Am Here, and I Love Us So Much.
  • Charles W. Smith, Jr.: Offering tools for mental and spiritual growth in Hello It’s Me Again: It’s Time to Win Within and the Obscurity Has A Face Student Manual.
  • Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard: Sharing a profound story of resilience in Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power.
  • Nicole Haymon: Guiding readers toward their potential with Imperfectly Purposed: A Guided Journey on Your Path to Becoming Purpose-Full.

Kickstarting Black Children’s Book Week

In conjunction with the national initiative at Black Baby Books, we are celebrating the importance of representation in early literacy.

To support the mission of getting diverse stories into the hands of our youth, we will be hosting Children’s Book Giveaways. While this is not a fundraiser, we welcome donations at the door to help keep these initiatives thriving.

Three Featured Experiences

Attendees can immerse themselves in three distinct pillars of Black culture:

  1. Black History: The Art | The Music Experience history through live creative expression. We are currently issuing a Call for Artists: If you are an instrumentalist, singer, or poet, we want you on our stage!
  2. Black Book Mini-Expo | Fair This is your chance to “Meet the Author.” Browse the tables, discover your next favorite read, and get your copies signed on-site.
  3. Black History: The Stories A multi-generational storytelling showcase featuring monologues and spoken word from teens, young adults, and elders. Call for Talent: We are seeking actors and narrators to help bring these stories to life.

Join Us as a Vendor

Are you a local creator, author, or business owner? We invite you to be a part of this celebration.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A BOOTH. 

Stay Connected

Help us build community and support Black excellence in El Paso. This event also serves as a precursor to the Juneteenth El Paso Celebration on June 13, 2026.

Follow for updates: 📱 @blackelpasovoice 📱 @amplifyelpaso

Support Black Authors. Support Black Artists. Build Community.

A Story of Triumph: Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard’s Unbroken Offers Hope to Domestic Violence Survivors

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 In her deeply moving and insightful new book, Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power, Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard tackles the complex subject of domestic violence with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength. Her own journey as a survivor inspires the book, told through the fictional lens of Martina, an Afro-Latina woman grappling with the profound challenges and consequences of an abusive relationship.

On the surface, she appears to have it all—success, education, and a stable life—but beneath that façade lies a story of trauma and survival. Through Martina’s struggles and eventual transformation, Dr. Biddle Richard offers readers a window into the hidden realities of domestic violence while also challenging misconceptions that abuse only happens to certain types of people.

“Domestic violence doesn’t care about how much money you make or how many degrees you have,” Dr. Biddle Richard says. “It’s a problem that cuts across all demographics, and we need to stop pretending it’s someone else’s issue. It can happen to anyone, anywhere.”
Confronting Stereotypes and Sparking Conversation
Unbroken’s ability to confront common stereotypes about domestic violence is evident. The story’s focus on an accomplished, educated woman challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of who can experience abuse. It also highlights the critical role that community support, education, and access to resources play in helping to break the cycle of violence.

Dr. Biddle Richard, who is also a mental health nurse and educator, has long been an advocate for domestic violence survivors, particularly in Black and Latinx communities. Her expertise and personal experiences make her uniquely equipped to approach the subject with sensitivity and authority.

Meet the Author | Book Release
To celebrate the release of Unbroken, Dr. Biddle Richard is hosting a book signing and meet-and-greet event at Barnes & Noble at The Fountains at Farah in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet the author, discuss the book, and learn about her advocacy work.
This event is a celebration of her book and an opportunity for the community to engage in conversations about domestic violence and how to support survivors better. Dr. Biddle Richard also plans virtual book readings and Q&A sessions to ensure these discussions are accessible to a broader audience.

A Personal Reflection
I know Dr. Richard personally, and I can say without hesitation that her courage to share her story meaningfully is a testament to her resilience and commitment to helping others. I hope everyone who can will attend her book signing to hear her speak and connect with the message of Unbroken.

How to Get the Book
Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power is now available on Amazon and through the author’s website. For more information about Dr. Biddle Richard’s advocacy work and upcoming events, visit soymaravillosa.org.
This book is not just a story but a call to action and a resource for healing. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand and help, Unbroken offers a powerful reminder that even the deepest wounds can heal, and no one is truly alone.

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Angie Michelle Barraza | Art4Life

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Angie-Michelle Barraza (she/her), a local artist from El Paso, Texas, has cultivated a remarkable artistic journey spanning over two decades. With a Bachelor’s degree in studio art painting and a Minor in metals from the University of Texas at El Paso, she has established herself as a dynamic force in the creative landscape. As a former El Paso Art Association board member in 2021, Angie-Michelle showcased her commitment to the local art community. Her artistic exploration has birthed two compelling coloring books: “I Love Us” and “I Love Us So Much!” released in 2021 and 2023, demonstrating her ability to merge storytelling with interactive art. Angie-Michelle’s work portrays her experience as a Black/Afro-Latina woman in America. It extends to commissioned paintings enriching the city’s spaces and sharing her expertise through painting instruction at public events.

linktr.ee/angie_michelle

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“I deserve to take up space.”