Open Reading Circle: African American Literature

The reading circle explores a broad range of African American literature: classic works by Toni Morrison and Audre Lorde, fantasy fiction by N. K. Jemisin, and works by Colson Whitehead, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. The programme also features Akwaeke Emezi, who examines Africanness in America from her own perspective, and Bryan Washington from the younger generation, whose works also reflect the experiences of LGBTQ+ minorities.

The reading circle is led by Aracelis Correa and Téri Zambrano from the POC Reading Circle (People of Colour), editor-writer Esa Mäkijärvi, and FM Katri Sola.

Schedule and works:

Tue 8.9.: Colson Whitehead - The Underground Railroad. Leader: Esa Mäkijärvi
Tue 22.9.: Audre Lorde - Sister Outsider, essays and speeches. Leader: Aracelis Correa
Tue 6.10.: Toni Morrison - Beloved. Leader: Katri Sola
27.10.: Bryan Washington - What Becomes of Us. Leader: Téri Zambrano
10.11.: N. K. Jemisin - The City We Became. Leader: Aracelis Correa
24.11.: Akwaeke Emezi - Freshwater. Leader: Téri Zambrano

Entry is free. You can also participate as a listener or discussion participant even if the book is unread or only partially read. Books can be reserved from the Helsinki City Library - any edition works. If there are many reservations at Helmet libraries, try other libraries, such as the Finna.fi database. Some of the works are also available in the workers' institute library.

The reading circle continues in spring 2026 with a circle focused on African fiction.