We're meeting to discuss Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, July 21 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Horror Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT BLOOD SLAVES

For readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, this ingenious reimagining of the vampire origin story set during the early days of American slavery blends alternate history with supernatural horror, as the last surviving member of an ancient African vampire tribe meets a slave desperate for freedom, and together, they lead an army of enslaved people in a cinematically blood-soaked battle for freedom and revenge.

What if nobody ever freed the slaves…because they freed themselves – 150 years before the Civil War?

In the Province of Carolina, 1710, freedom seems unattainable for Willie, for his beloved Gertie, and for their unborn child. They live, suffer, and toil under their brutal master, James “Big Jim” Barrow, whose grand plantation was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the enslaved. To flee this hell on earth is be hunted and killed. Until one strange night Willie is offered a dark hope by Rafazi, an enigmatic slave with an irresistible and blood-chilling path to liberation.

Hailing from the Kingdom of Ghana, Rafazi is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an African vampire tribe rendered nearly extinct by plague. Rafazi has roamed the world for centuries with an undying desire to replenish the power that once defined his heritage. In Willie, Rafazi has found his first biddable subject to be turned and to help in a hungry revolt. And Willie desires nothing more than to free his people from malicious bondage. Whatever it takes.

One by one, as an army of blood slaves thirsting for revenge is gathered, the headstrong Gertie fears that no good can come from the vampiric legacy that courses through Rafazi’s veins. Willie knows that only evil can fight evil. And when the woman he loves stands between the reemergence of the Ramanga and the justified slaughter of the oppressors, Willie must make an irreversible decision. Only one thing is certain: on the Barrow plantation, and beyond, blood will spill.

Part historical drama, part supernatural horror, and part alternate history, Blood Slaves is an ingenuous and defiant new creation myth of the vampire, one rooted in both justice and the sometimes-violent means necessary to achieve it.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/july-2026-fiction-book-club-july-7pm

Celebrate the release of Never Tell A Black Girl How To Black Girl with Amena Brown!

EVENT DEETS

When: Thursday, July 23 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to support the author and our store programming. 

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A delightfully funny essay collection about growing up in the south, the pitfalls of date night, the things you wish you could say to your therapist, and why no one should ever tell a Black girl how to Black Girl.

Black women always find a place to meet: in the natural hair aisle, at Beyoncé concerts, even online in memes and catchphrases. This book is one of those places: a living room where readers can contemplate how a well-picked afro can defy the laws of physics and why boob sweat has to exist in the first place. Here, Black Girl is a verb. Here, Black women can Black Girl in every way we want to.

Brown’s book Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl blends storytelling, humor, and pop culture commentary to traverse the magic and wisdom she's gleaned from being raised by Southern Black women, and by being supported by the community of Black women who hold her down today. After graduating from International Black Girl Headquarters (the renowned HBCU Spelman College), Amena had built a career sharing stories and celebrating Black womanhood. In her book, she shares stories of dancing in Janelle Monae's Tightrope music video and partnering with Tracee Ellis Ross to compose odes to natural hair. She imparts essential life lessons from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and from her grandmother before her upcoming swirl marriage (“Don’t kiss white boys too hard, because they bruise easily”). She also tells hair tales, sharing the collected wisdom from her committee of friends when it came to the ideal style for her first speaking gig at Essence Fest (box braids, 100%).

In the end, Brown shares that Black women are a whole world. A galaxy of customs, language, code, and unspoken understandings, all explored with humor and heart in this unforgettable book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amena Brown is a spoken-word poet and performing artist whose work interweaves keep-it-real storytelling with humor. She is the author of How to Fix a Broken Record and Breaking Old Rhythms. Her poetry was featured in the New York Times bestselling book Rhythm of Prayer. Brown was featured in Olay’s Face Anything campaign alongside Jennifer Hudson. She was also the poetic partner for PATTERN Beauty, Tracee Ellis Ross’s natural hair care and beauty brand. She lives in Atlanta.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

ReShonda Tate is the national bestselling author of more than 50 books.
Her novel, Let the Church Say Amen, was made into a film directed by actress
Regina King, and produced by TD Jakes and Queen Latifah. Her book, The Secret
She Kept, was also made into a TV One movie starring Kyla Pratt. ReShonda made
appearances in both movies. She wrote a movie, Christmas with my Ex, which will
run on TV One this winter.

A well-respected journalist and former TV News Anchor, ReShonda is
currently Managing Editor for the Defender Newspaper and also works as a
professional editor, ghostwriter, and literary consultant.

A highly sought-after motivational speaker and award-winning poet,
ReShonda is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature.
ReShonda is also the co-founder of the boutique publishing company,
Brown Girls Books, and the production company, Brown Girls Entertainment. She
has currently partnered with actress Victoria Rowell to produce two movies.
The University of Texas at Austin graduate is an active member of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Missouri City – Sugar Land Chapter of Jack & Jill
of America. She is married to Jeffrey Caradine. Together, they have five children,
Mya, Jordun, Jabari, Morgan and Myles. Visit her at www.ReShondaTate.com

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/author-talk-never-tell-a-black-girl-how-to-black-girl-with-amena-brown-june-18-7pm

Join us for a discussion with author and Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets! Mychal will be discussing his debut picture book I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy followed by a book signing.

This event is part of our Summer Reading Program. In-person registration is currently full for this program. 

This event will be livestreamed on HPL's Facebook page. Online registration is open. 

About the author

Mychal Threets is a librarian, literary ambassador, and the library’s number one fan (according to himself, admittedly). He grew up in Fairfield, CA, right between Sacramento and San Francisco. He was raised in his local library as a home-school kid.

He got his first library card at the age of five and was hooked on libraries from there. He got his first library job as a library shelved at the library he grew up in and worked his way up to become Supervising Librarian of that very same library.

He is very open about his mental health. He talks about it in hopes that it’ll help others in their mental health journey. He is adamant about encouraging people to believe him when he says he’s happy, they are here.

He considers it an honor to the library people who raised him that he is a recipient of the 2023 “I Love My Librarian” award from the American Library Association, one of School Library Journal’s 2024 Movers and Shakers, and one of TIME Magazine’s 2024 Next Generation Leaders.

 
https://calendar.houstonlibrary.org/event/16604320

The Blossom Market at POST Houston Shop local, make memories, and enjoy free custom totes, friendship bracelets, and face painting!!

The Blossom Market at POST Houston 🌸

Join us at POST Houston for The Blossom Market — a fun, free, indoor shopping experience featuring local vendors, small businesses, and cute activities for the community.

Spend the day shopping local, making memories, and enjoying free activities including custom tote bags, friendship bracelets, and face painting. This market is perfect for friends, families, and anyone looking for a cute summer day out in Houston.

📍 POST Houston
401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
🎟️ Free Entry

Come shop, create, and spend the day with us at The Blossom Market!

More info here

Families are invited to join a teaching artist for an afternoon in the galleries and the studio. Explore and learn about a work of art, and then create your own masterpiece. Using high-quality materials and tools provides the opportunity to better understand artists’ techniques. Recommended for families with children ages 5 to 12.

Tickets & More Info Here

Tickets

• $10 per person* | Capacity is limited.
  *Museum admission is required in addition to the Family Art-Making Studio ticket. Admission is free for MFAH members and ages 12 & younger. 

Plan Your Visit

• This event starts in the classroom on the lower level of the Law Building.
• Parking Information | Museum Hours | MFAH Campus Map

No Name is a Black-owned worker cooperative connecting community members both inside and outside carceral facilities with radical books. Each month, No Name uplifts two books written by Black, indigenous, and other people of color. No Name believes building community through political education is crucial for our liberation and should be accessible to everyone—which is why all programming is free. 

MEETING DEETS
When: Sunday, July 26 @ 3 PM
Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)
How: RSVP to let us know you're coming! Support No Name Bookclub by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT RAZORBLADE TEARS

A black father and a white father join forces on a crusade for revenge against the people who murdered their gay sons, by the award-winning author of Blacktop Wasteland.

Ike Randolph has been out of jail for fifteen years, with not so much as a speeding ticket in all that time. But a Black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid.

The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah’s white husband Derek. Isiah was a gay black man in the American South; Ike couldn’t bring himself to attend his son’s wedding. Isiah was a man Ike never understood. A boy he was never there for the way he should have been.

Derek’s father Buddy Lee is also suffering. He’d barely spoken to his son in five years; he was as ashamed of Derek for being gay as Derek was ashamed his father was a criminal. Buddy Lee still has contacts in the underworld, though, and he wants to know who killed his boy.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/july-2026-no-name-book-club-july-26-3-pm-cst

We're meeting to discuss Judge Stone by Viola Davis!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, July 28 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Mystery/Thriller Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT JUDGE STONE

The most respected citizen in Union Springs, Alabama (population 3,314), is Judge Mary Stone. She holds two responsibilities sacred: running her family farm and presiding over her courtroom. It's there she draws the most controversial case in the history of the South.

Criminally, it’s open-and-shut.

Ethically, there is no middle ground. Essentially, it’s a choice between life and death.
 
No judge can satisfy everyone. It would be dangerous to try. But Judge Stone is willing to fight to bring justice to the people and place she loves.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/july-2026-mystery-thriller-book-club-july-28-7pm

EVENT MISSION:

The mission of this workshop is to unite people from all facets of Black culture. This will not be just another networking opportunity; rather, it aims to foster connections with Black immigrants involved in movement-building spaces and with Black Americans living in proximity to social injustice. 

Finding a path forward by discussing ways we can collaborate, build, and organize together. Learning and hearing from directly impacted Black immigrants and Black folx who sit at many intersections, and mobilizing to dismantle and create new systems of life and structure. 

Coming face-to-face with harmful systems and policy changes in the region. We will share tools and resources so attendees can not only participate in the discussion but also find tangible ways to turn these conversations into action that challenges and transforms harmful systems.

EVENT DETAILS

Dates:

• July 29
• August 15

Time:
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location:
Kindred Stories
2310 Elgin Street, Suite #2
Houston, TX 77004

Each event will feature a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.

A curated book list will accompany each event, with all featured titles available for purchase at Kindred Stories.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/community-programming/products/liberation-summer-discussion-series-with-the-texas-black-migrant-ecosystem-multiple-dates-6-pm

The Tempest- Houston Shakespeare Festival
Organized by UH School of Theatre and Dance
July 30, August 1, 3, 5, & 7, 2026

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Sharon Ott, HSF Executive Director
Sponsored by the Keating Family Foundation

“O brave new world, That has such people in it!”

8:15 PM | Performance

7:45 PM | Bard Talk

Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera—the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress—conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor and wonder, Shakespeare's final play brings audiences to a "brave new world " where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed.

Nationally acclaimed director and Executive Director of HSF joins HSF Veteran actors Laura Frye (Prospera), and Wesley Whitson (Ariel) to bring THE TEMPEST to HSF and the Miller Outdoor Theatre after a 20-year absence.

Audio Description Performance: August 5th

Captioned Performance: August 1st

Live-Stream Performance:  August 7th

THE TEMPEST: Streams on 8/8 @ 8:15 PM CST— available for 48 hours after the performance.
YouTube Channel: @milleroutdoor 
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Overview

Join us to celebrate H.M. Wolfe's latest release Daggermouth!

Presented by Kindred Stories - a Black-owned, women-owned bookstore in Third Ward, Houston, TX.

Doors open at 5:00 PM CST. Each paid ticket includes one signed copy of H.M. Wolfe's latest release, Daggermouth. The book will be available for pickup at the event.

Set in a corrupt surveillance state ruled by the masked elite, this true enemies-to-lovers dystopian romance that’s Conform meets V for Vendetta follows a mercenary who botches the assassination of the president’s son and ends up forced to marry him.

The first thing you’ll learn in New Found Haven is that mercy doesn’t exist. The second thing is that, from the highest glass atrium in the Heart to the windowless slums of the Boundary, the Veyra are always watching.

The last lesson is the hardest, but you must remember it: Love outside of your ring is a death sentence.

The city is carved into rings of privilege and poverty, ruled by the masked elite who will do whatever it takes to hold onto power. Obedience is demanded. Rebellion is crushed.

Greyson Serel has spent his life caught between two worlds. Publicly, he’s the flawless heir to the presidency. Privately, he’s entangled in secrets that could topple the regime. But when he’s forced into a political marriage meant to bind him tighter to the government’s brutal laws, he finds himself shackled to a bride as lethal as she is unwilling.

Shadera Kael is a mercenary raised to kill, not to wed. Yet when her bullet misses its mark, survival leaves her tied to the very man she was sent to eliminate. Trapped inside the corrupt heart of the city, she becomes both prisoner and wife, her every step watched, her every move tested.

Their union is no love story—it’s a battlefield. As secrets come to light and betrayals fester within the walls of power, Greyson and Shadera must decide between annihilating each other or burning the city to the ground together.

In a world where passion has consequences and loyalty is paid for in blood, their forced bond may be the spark that ignites a revolution. Or the fire that consumes them both.

All sales are final; refunds and transfers are not permitted. If you are unable to attend the event, you will have two (2) weeks to retrieve your book. Please refer to your email for forthcoming instructions on how to claim your book. Failure to retrieve your book within this two-week period will result in forfeiture of your copy.

NO REFUNDS and NO TRANSFERS

About the Author

H. M. Wolfe writes with her heart wide open, chasing the thrill of chaos and the sting of heartbreak on every page. Based in central Florida, she shares her days with her husband and three loyal dogs—her writing partners and adventure crew through every twist of her literary journey. Wolfe crafts stories where romance tangles with fantasy and unforgettable characters drive the action, inviting readers to disappear into worlds brimming with magic and meaning. She’s fiercely passionate about mental health advocacy and the messy, powerful work of self-discovery, believing deeply that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they love.

About Kindred Stories:

Kindred Stories is here to give kids and adults alike a space to explore the wide-open world of literary content and creative works fashioned by Black and brown hands. We are a bookstore committed to amplifying Black voices and bringing diverse stories from throughout the African diaspora to our local community in Houston, TX. We are currently located at 2310 Elgin Street, Houston, TX, 77004 in the Third Ward neighborhood. We provide a well curated selection of books and artisan wares to edify the swelling appetites for authentic stories as told by those who have lived them. Learn more about Kindred Stories and shop our online book collection at www.kindredstorieshtx.com.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daggermouth-with-hm-wolfe-tickets-1989122128833

July 31, August 4, 6, & 8, 2026

Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare  

Directed by Jack Young, HSF Artistic Director
Sponsored by The Honorable Beth Madison

“Let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.”

8:15 PM Performance

7:45 PM Bard Talk

Mistaken identities run wild when two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly collide in the same seaside town. Slapstick chaos, misunderstandings, and heartwarming reunions follow.
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Tickets & More Info Here

A Journey Through Modern Neo-Soul

Join us at The Collective for an intimate evening with the "Soulbird" herself, Goapele. Known for her ethereal vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Goapele brings a sophisticated blend of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz to the stage for a premier live music experience in Houston.

The Performers

• Goapele: A mainstay in the neo-soul movement, Goapele is celebrated for her classic hit "Closer" and her ability to weave together soulful melodies with profound storytelling. Her performance promises a captivating atmosphere, highlighting her status as one of the genre's most respected vocalists.
• Featured Artists: The evening will also showcase a curated selection of artists dedicated to the craft of soulful instrumentation and vocal excellence, ensuring a full night of high-caliber musicality.

The Show

Hosted in the sophisticated environment of The Collective, this performance prioritizes the deep connection and relaxed "vibe" central to neo-soul culture. Guests can expect a night of polished production and authentic artistry, making it the must-attend event for soul music enthusiasts.

In support of the exhibition Sky Stone Cycle by artist Erika Blumenfeld, we’ll be screening space themed movies this summer. The movie for August 1, is Solaris.

Snyopsis

Steven Soderbergh’s Solaris (2002) is a cerebral and haunting science fiction film that blends psychological mystery, romance, and metaphysical themes. Based on the 1961 novel by Stanisław Lem, the movie explores grief, memory, and the human inability to comprehend truly alien life. Far from your typical space adventure, this is a quiet, meditative experience that rewards introspection and patience.

blafferartmuseum.org/events/summer-movie-solaris-aug-1/

The Tempest- Houston Shakespeare Festival
Organized by UH School of Theatre and Dance
July 30, August 1, 3, 5, & 7, 2026

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Sharon Ott, HSF Executive Director
Sponsored by the Keating Family Foundation

“O brave new world, That has such people in it!”

8:15 PM | Performance

7:45 PM | Bard Talk

Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera—the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress—conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor and wonder, Shakespeare's final play brings audiences to a "brave new world " where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed.

Nationally acclaimed director and Executive Director of HSF joins HSF Veteran actors Laura Frye (Prospera), and Wesley Whitson (Ariel) to bring THE TEMPEST to HSF and the Miller Outdoor Theatre after a 20-year absence.

Audio Description Performance: August 5th

Captioned Performance: August 1st

Live-Stream Performance:  August 7th

THE TEMPEST: Streams on 8/8 @ 8:15 PM CST— available for 48 hours after the performance.
YouTube Channel: @milleroutdoor 
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

The Tempest- Houston Shakespeare Festival
Organized by UH School of Theatre and Dance
July 30, August 1, 3, 5, & 7, 2026

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Sharon Ott, HSF Executive Director
Sponsored by the Keating Family Foundation

“O brave new world, That has such people in it!”

8:15 PM | Performance

7:45 PM | Bard Talk

Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera—the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress—conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor and wonder, Shakespeare's final play brings audiences to a "brave new world " where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed.

Nationally acclaimed director and Executive Director of HSF joins HSF Veteran actors Laura Frye (Prospera), and Wesley Whitson (Ariel) to bring THE TEMPEST to HSF and the Miller Outdoor Theatre after a 20-year absence.

Audio Description Performance: August 5th

Captioned Performance: August 1st

Live-Stream Performance:  August 7th

THE TEMPEST: Streams on 8/8 @ 8:15 PM CST— available for 48 hours after the performance.
YouTube Channel: @milleroutdoor 
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

July 31, August 4, 6, & 8, 2026

Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare  

Directed by Jack Young, HSF Artistic Director
Sponsored by The Honorable Beth Madison

“Let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.”

8:15 PM Performance

7:45 PM Bard Talk

Mistaken identities run wild when two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly collide in the same seaside town. Slapstick chaos, misunderstandings, and heartwarming reunions follow.
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Celebrate the release of We Exist in the Whisper with Lupe Mendez!

EVENT DEETS

When: Wednesday, August 5 @ 7 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004)

How:

• RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat.
• RSVP WITH BOOK to reserve your seat and purchase a copy of the book, supporting both the author and our store programming.
• RSVP (I ALREADY HAVE THE BOOK) if you plan to bring a copy you previously purchased from another bookseller.

Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories or purchase the RSVP ( I ALREADY HAVE THE BOOK) ticket. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

"One day all these classrooms / will no longer hold any of us. / Leave no evidence we were here. / We exist in the whisper…." Lupe Mendez's innovative new collection captures a unique time in Houston, Texas, "a sliver of a moment for Mexican-American and Mexican communities in the early 1970s," that explores Houston ISD's racist plan to integrate schools by sending Mexican-American children-labeled as white-to predominantly African-American schools, thereby satisfying federal desegregation laws.

Incensed that its children would have to travel to schools that were no better than the ones they could walk to, the Chicano community resisted by instituting a walkout, or huelga, and creating its own schools in churches, homes and neighborhood centers. Weaving poetry and history, the book contains "found" poems created from newspaper articles about the strike; oral history interviews with teachers, principals and students; notes from visits the author made to the sites where classes were held more than 50 years ago; docupoems created from official Huelga School papers; and historical documents such as photographs, charts, fliers and letters.

In his illuminating notes about the book, Mendez describes the methodology for creating this collection and includes a list of best practices for the "poethnographer." His research revealed the racism that existed in this era, perpetuated by the majority white population and between brown and black populations forced to compete for every resource. Ultimately, Mendez asserts the Huelga School strike had a critical impact on Houston, both in the development of Mexican-American leaders who got their start in these "freedom schools" and the nascent collaborations between diverse communities. This creative, thought-provoking volume is a must-read for anyone interested in education, history and Mexican Americans' fight for equality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Galveston, TX, Lupe Mendez is a Writer, Editor, Educator, and Artivist…  
He is the author several books poetry and multi-genre works, including WHY I AM LIKE TEQUILA (Willow Books, 2019), winner of the 2019 John A. Robertson Award for Best First Book of Poetry, PRAYER HOLDING NIGHT: NEW & SELECTED WORKS (Texas Christian University Press, 2025) and WE EXIST IN THE WHISPER: HUELGA SCHOOL WORKS (Arte Publico Press, 2026). He is the founder of Tintero Projects which works with emerging Latinx writers and other writers of color within the Texas Gulf Coast Region, with Houston as its hub.

Lupe earned his Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Texas @ El Paso and currently serves as Poetry Editor for the Texas Observer  and Huizache: the Magazine of a New America and Associate Editor for the Acentos Review.  He has been awarded residencies and fellowships from CantoMundo, Macondo, the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures, the Poetry Foundation + Crescendo Literary Poetry Incubator, the Betsy Hotel Writer’s Room and was one of twenty-five recipients of the inaugural Houston BIPOC Arts Network Fund (now HOUSTON IN COLOR) Artist Award for 2023. . Lupe is a 20+ year veteran in education having served classrooms across K through College in public, private and charter school settings.  Mendez is Texas Poet Laureate Emeritus (Texas Poet Laureate 2022 - 2023).

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Aris Kian (she/her) is a Houston enthusiast and student of abolition. Her poems are published with Button Poetry, West Branch, Obsidian Lit, and elsewhere. As an Inprint C. Glenn Cambor Fellow, she received her MFA from the University of Houston. Her team Smoke Slam coached by Ebony Stewart ranked #1 at the 2025 Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam and #1 at the 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Slam. She previously served as the 2023-2025 Houston Poet Laureate and was chosen as a 2025 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/author-talk-we-exist-in-the-whisper-with-lupe-mendez-august-5-7-pm

The Tempest- Houston Shakespeare Festival
Organized by UH School of Theatre and Dance
July 30, August 1, 3, 5, & 7, 2026

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Sharon Ott, HSF Executive Director
Sponsored by the Keating Family Foundation

“O brave new world, That has such people in it!”

8:15 PM | Performance

7:45 PM | Bard Talk

Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera—the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress—conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor and wonder, Shakespeare's final play brings audiences to a "brave new world " where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed.

Nationally acclaimed director and Executive Director of HSF joins HSF Veteran actors Laura Frye (Prospera), and Wesley Whitson (Ariel) to bring THE TEMPEST to HSF and the Miller Outdoor Theatre after a 20-year absence.

Audio Description Performance: August 5th

Captioned Performance: August 1st

Live-Stream Performance:  August 7th

THE TEMPEST: Streams on 8/8 @ 8:15 PM CST— available for 48 hours after the performance.
YouTube Channel: @milleroutdoor 
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Celebrate the release of Madly Driven with Tiye!

EVENT DEETS

When: Thursday, August 6 @ 7 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to grab your copy of the book, support the author and our store programming.

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An addictive, enemies-to-lovers romance about fame, power, and two people fighting to stay in control, even as they fall madly, recklessly in love.

Kensie Garrett turned her worst heartbreak into a bestselling brand. As a social-media influencer and author of a hit self-help book teaching women how to find love without losing themselves, she’s built a career on staying in command. But one reckless night threatens everything she’s created when she gives in to the magnetic pull of Canaan Jackson, the infuriating race car driver she’s despised since college.

When a private video from that night leaks, Kensie’s credibility and Canaan’s shot at racing glory are suddenly on the line. To save them both, he does the unthinkable: announces their engagement during a live press conference. What begins as damage control quickly spirals into a dangerous chemistry neither can contain.

Thrown together under the scorching Miami sun in the months leading up to his first Formula One race, Kensie and Canaan must outmaneuver paparazzi, past betrayals, and a passion that refuses to stay off camera. But as lies blur into truth and old wounds resurface, Kensie has to decide whether protecting her image is worth losing her heart to the one man who may know her better than she knows herself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tiye is a USA Today Bestselling author known for her emotional and captivating novels. She has enchanted readers with stories that offer an escape into richly imagined worlds. Professionally, Tiye works in the mental health field, providing services through her private practice and teaching. A Southern girl currently residing in Houston finds inspiration from her travels and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Charity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative. 

Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion. 
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas. 

Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction. 

 
https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/author-talk-madly-driven-withtiye-august-6-7-pm

July 31, August 4, 6, & 8, 2026

Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare  

Directed by Jack Young, HSF Artistic Director
Sponsored by The Honorable Beth Madison

“Let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.”

8:15 PM Performance

7:45 PM Bard Talk

Mistaken identities run wild when two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly collide in the same seaside town. Slapstick chaos, misunderstandings, and heartwarming reunions follow.
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Within Me
Am exhibition of works by Landess Walker
Curated by Cydney Pickens
Opening Reception | Friday, August 7 at 6:30 PM
Exhibition Walkthrough | Saturday, August 22 at 1:30 PM

The Lanecia A. Rouse Gallery is delighted to announce Within Me, a solo exhibition of painting by Landess Walker, curated by Cydney Pickens.

Read more about the exhibition in the curatorial statement below:

Within Me captures the beauty, change, and spiritual exploration of womanhood that encompasses artist Landess Walker’s pregnancy with her firstborn. In her debut solo exhibition, Walker’s work manifests motherhood through expansive, colorful paintings on canvas. Each brushstroke is intentional – expressive – and representative of the many thoughts, preparations, and sentiments she experiences each day of her pregnancy. She embodies the essence of Mother Nature, whose powerful presence gives and recycles life into her inhabitants. Deep green is an important motif in this body of work, as this is a color that represents health in nature. Each leaf on a tree, or blade of grass in a field, is like the cell of a growing organism: small, plentiful, and crucial in establishing the form and function of a larger whole. Walker celebrates the little things through her work in more ways than one. The infinitesimal changes that the body experiences through pregnancy add up to shape her journey as a mother before and after the baby’s birth. In this exhibition, Walker illustrates the words of other mothers in her life who are part of the community that supports and inspires her. She celebrates the unseen and often under-appreciated experiences of women by creating large, detailed works that take up space both physically and emotionally. Within Me is not only a collection of work, but a love letter to her unborn child and the women who make life possible for those around them.

— Cydney Pickens, Curator
 
About the artist
Originally from a small town in West Texas, Landess Walker moved to Houston in search of artistic inspiration. In her hometown, there were not many black artists to provide community or representation. All of this changed when she arrived at the University of Houston to study fine art. During her collegiate tenure, she began to express herself in ways she never thought possible. Bright colors and bold patterns quickly became her way to express her culture and explore her life’s meaning. By prioritizing the natural skin tones of African American people and detailing their unique facial characteristics, she was able to elevate shared African American experiences through her work. Her practice centers the beauty and power of African American culture that she sees reflected in her own life, hoping to connect with audiences that can recognize and appreciate the world as she sees it.

About the curator

Cydney Pickens is a curator, art appraiser, and avid supporter of the arts currently based in Houston, Texas. While attending the University of Houston, she successfully completed a dissertation investigating the relationship between traditional and modern performance art in Africa and Europe as vehicles for metaphysical understanding. This research continues to inform her craft-centered and community-engaged curatorial practice celebrating the interconnectivity of society through creative expression in raw and synthetic materials such as wood, glass, fiber, and metal. Through her personal art collection, relationships with artists, collectors, and institutions, she displays her devotion to sharing the influence of heritage and cultural identity on contemporary art.

The Tempest- Houston Shakespeare Festival
Organized by UH School of Theatre and Dance
July 30, August 1, 3, 5, & 7, 2026

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Sharon Ott, HSF Executive Director
Sponsored by the Keating Family Foundation

“O brave new world, That has such people in it!”

8:15 PM | Performance

7:45 PM | Bard Talk

Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera—the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress—conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor and wonder, Shakespeare's final play brings audiences to a "brave new world " where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed.

Nationally acclaimed director and Executive Director of HSF joins HSF Veteran actors Laura Frye (Prospera), and Wesley Whitson (Ariel) to bring THE TEMPEST to HSF and the Miller Outdoor Theatre after a 20-year absence.

Audio Description Performance: August 5th

Captioned Performance: August 1st

Live-Stream Performance:  August 7th

THE TEMPEST: Streams on 8/8 @ 8:15 PM CST— available for 48 hours after the performance.
YouTube Channel: @milleroutdoor 
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

July 31, August 4, 6, & 8, 2026

Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare  

Directed by Jack Young, HSF Artistic Director
Sponsored by The Honorable Beth Madison

“Let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.”

8:15 PM Performance

7:45 PM Bard Talk

Mistaken identities run wild when two sets of long-lost twins unknowingly collide in the same seaside town. Slapstick chaos, misunderstandings, and heartwarming reunions follow.
 
https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare/

Death Cafe informed by Black and Brown experience. Open to all.

This monthly Death Cafe centers Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in conversation about death, dying, and grief.

Experiences of loss are shaped by culture, history, land, and systems. This gathering intentionally makes space for those realities and the nuances that are not always acknowledged in mixed settings.

All are welcome. We ask that participants who do not identify as BIPOC attend with a commitment to listen, reflect, and honor the focus of the space.

This event follows the global Death Cafe model: Deathcafe.com

• No agenda and no presentation

• No intention of leading participants to a conclusion or course of action

• Not therapy, grief counseling, research, or community consultation

• Participant-led discussion only

Death Cafe is for people who feel able to engage in open conversation about death. If you are seeking grief counseling or bereavement support, there are other spaces better suited for that care, and we can provide you with those community resources.

These gatherings are supported by the Death Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to community conversations about death.

TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

Celebrate the release of Coloring with Coco: Passport to Paradise with Andrea Ballo!

EVENT DEETS

When: Thursday, August 13 @ 7 PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (231o Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How:

• RSVP WITH BOOK to reserve your seat and purchase a copy of the book, supporting both the author and our store programming. The book will be available for pickup at the event.

Please Note: Books purchased from other retailers are not permitted in the bookstore and are not eligible for the signing or photo line. To participate in the signing and photo opportunity, you must either purchase a copy from Kindred Stories or select the RSVP: I Already Have the Book ticket option, which allows you to bring a copy purchased elsewhere. If you already purchased your book from Kindred Stories, you may select the RSVP Only ticket option and bring your Kindred Stories copy to the event.

If you purchase a ticket and are unable to attend the event, your ticket is non-refundable. If your ticket includes a book, an email will be sent to all attendees before and after the event with instructions on how to receive your copy. Books must be claimed within 14 days following the event.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An elevated coloring book featuring 36 elegant images that highlight the glamour and lifestyle of Black women globetrotters.

Find joy and adventure with an elevated adult coloring book that's all about Black women and their love for travel! Each illustration was created by Andrea Ballo, the artist and influencer behind the popular TikTok account Coloring with Coco. On every page, you’ll find spectacular images to color that encourage your love for travel and new experiences!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANDREA BALLO is a NY based illustrator and the founder of Coco Michele Illustrations. After nearly a decade in the retail buying industry, Andrea left her corporate job to pursue her passion for the arts. Andrea founded Coco Michele in 2018 with the mission to make the black woman the protagonist of her work—celebrating their beauty, values, and accomplishments. Since founding, Andrea has built an audience of over 1M engaged members across her social platforms and her content brings in well over 1M monthly impressions.

Event Tickets are Non-Refundable.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/author-talk-passport-to-paradise-with-andrea-ballo-august-13-7pm 

In support of the exhibition Sky Stone Cycle by artist Erika Blumenfeld, we’ll be screening space themed movies this summer. The movie for August 14, is Project Hail Mary.

Snyopsis

In the near future, astronaut Ryland Grace wakes from a coma afflicted with amnesia. He gradually remembers that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to find a means of reversing a solar dimming event that could cause the extinction of humanity.

Date:

Friday, August 14, 2026 | 6pm-8pm

Location:

Dudley Recital Hall.

 https://blafferartmuseum.org/events/summer-movie-series-project-hail-mary-aug-14/

This event is 21+ | TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

Houston, we hear you, and we are bringing back your favorite!

Latin Night is back and hotter than ever! Move to the rhythm of the Houston Quimbara Band, letting live Latin beats take over your body, and keep the dance floor sizzling with DJ SkaDean and DJ Q spinning tracks that will make your hips do all the talking.

Need to rest those feet? Take a break in style. Watch Selena (1997) in the Giant Screen Theatre, or let loose and belt your heart out in the Planetarium karaoke lounge. No judgment, just applause and Latin vibes everywhere you turn.

Sip cocktails as you explore the museum with cashless bars scattered throughout the exhibits, and snack in style from our food vendors on the Sundial. Between dancing, singing, and moving through the museum, you’ll feel the ultimate Latin energy all night long.

EVENT MISSION:

The mission of this workshop is to unite people from all facets of Black culture. This will not be just another networking opportunity; rather, it aims to foster connections with Black immigrants involved in movement-building spaces and with Black Americans living in proximity to social injustice. 

Finding a path forward by discussing ways we can collaborate, build, and organize together. Learning and hearing from directly impacted Black immigrants and Black folx who sit at many intersections, and mobilizing to dismantle and create new systems of life and structure. 

Coming face-to-face with harmful systems and policy changes in the region. We will share tools and resources so attendees can not only participate in the discussion but also find tangible ways to turn these conversations into action that challenges and transforms harmful systems.

EVENT DETAILS

Dates:

• July 29
• August 15

Time:
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location:
Kindred Stories
2310 Elgin Street, Suite #2
Houston, TX 77004

Each event will feature a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.

A curated book list will accompany each event, with all featured titles available for purchase at Kindred Stories.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/community-programming/products/liberation-summer-discussion-series-with-the-texas-black-migrant-ecosystem-multiple-dates-6-pm

Tickets Here

We're meeting to discuss Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler!

BOOK CLUB MEETING DEETS

When: Tuesday, August 18 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to let us know you plan to attend! Support the Kindred's Pick Book Club by purchasing a copy of the book from Kindred Stories here!

ABOUT WILD SEED

Doro knows no higher authority than himself. An ancient spirit with boundless powers, he possesses humans, killing without remorse as he jumps from body to body to sustain his own life. With a lonely eternity ahead of him, Doro breeds supernaturally gifted humans into empires that obey his every desire. He fears no one—until he meets Anyanwu. 

Anyanwu is an entity like Doro and yet different. She can heal with a bite and transform her own body, mending injuries and reversing aging. She uses her powers to cure her neighbors and birth entire tribes, surrounding herself with kindred who both fear and respect her. No one poses a true threat to Anyanwu—until she meets Doro. 

The moment Doro meets Anyanwu, he covets her; and from the villages of 17th-century Nigeria to 19th-century United States, their courtship becomes a power struggle that echoes through generations, irrevocably changing what it means to be human.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/collections/book-clubs/products/august-2026-kindreds-pick-book-club-august-18-7pm

Celebrate the release of Root Therapy with Felicia Leatherwood!

EVENT DEETS

When: Wednesday, August 19 @ 7PM CST

Where: Kindred Stories (2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004)

How: RSVP ONLY to reserve your seat or RSVP WITH BOOK to grab your copy of the book, support the author and our store programming

*Please note outside copies of the book will not be allowed in the bookstore and you will not be eligible for the signing/photo line. You must buy a book from Kindred Stories.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Embrace and learn to love your natural hair with this eye-opening guide from “hair whisperer” to the stars, Felicia Leatherwood.

As a child there was nothing Felicia Leatherwood wanted more than long, flowy hair. But Felicia’s short afro grew up and out, not down. Her father who styled Felicia’s hair in her mother’s place, often didn’t know his own strength, and would rip Felicia’s delicate strands as he combed through her hair. At a young age, Felicia internalizes her hair as something to be managed, tamed, instead of a source of pride.

As hair trends come and go, Felicia’s beloved Jherri curl is replaced by every braided style in the book. She even tries her hand at weaves and relaxers. Felicia finds she loves doing hair so much she leaves her high-paying corporate job to enroll in beauty school and lands a hot new job at a salon where celebrities breeze through to freshen up their look. It isn’t long until Felicia is styling her first celebrity client. Felicia’s love of hair takes her around the world, to movie sets and several red carpets.

In Root Therapy, Felicia shares her journey of hair positivity, which opens the door to a beautiful spiritual journey of self-love. As a celebrity stylist and natural hair educator, Felicia has made it her life’s mission to share the message of hair acceptance. Complete with exercises that show you the merits of owning one’s complete self, Felicia encourages you to embrace your natural hair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felicia Leatherwood is the world’s leading celebrity stylist and inspirational beauty speaker regarding natural hair with over twenty-six years of experience. She conducts hair care workshops for audiences around the globe under the brand and slogan “Loving Your Hair with Natural Care.” Leatherwood’s styles have been featured on such high-profile acts as Oscar Award nominee Ava Duvernay (Selma director), Issa Rae of HBO’s Insecure, megastar Will Smith, Grammy winner/R&B superstar Jill Scott, Iron Man/Empire star Terrence Howard, Mad Men star Teyonah Parris, Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, and countless others. Leatherwood’s message is rooted in the idea of holistic health and fundamentally loving yourself—a true inside out approach to hair care.

https://kindredstorieshtx.com/products/author-talk-root-therapy-with-felicia-leatherwood-august-19-7-pm-cst