Visiting Authors & Poets

L.J. George Debute

The Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center proudly hosted an inspiring book signing and author conversation celebrating the debut novel of first-time Black author L.J. George. Guests explored Latia's journey to becoming a published writer, the inspiration behind The Judging Water, and the novel's powerful themes of spirituality, trauma, healing, community, and unity. Through meaningful dialogue, fellowship, and celebration, the event honored the transformative power of storytelling and uplifted a new literary voice within our community.

The Albany community thanks L.J. George for allowing us to share this special moment. We are excited for her next novel!

Literacy in Action

Contact Amina at aminagueye@cflj.org

Dear Poets, Creatives and Artists,

AMBACC is excited to share two opportunities designed to support your creative practice, build community, and amplify your work.

1. Write With AMBACC — Weekly Writing Space (Starting April 27)
Looking for a consistent, welcoming space to write and connect? Join us every Monday from 4:00–6:00 PM at the Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center. This is a relaxed, community-centered writer’s room where you can focus on your projects, meet other local writers, and take part in optional prompts, generative workshops, and collaborative sessions. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Walk-ins welcome!

Dates: April 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 8, 15, 22, 29
(No session on Memorial Day)

Whether you’re drafting, revising, or just trying to get unstuck, this space is here for you.

2. Call for Submissions — Alice Green Poetry Anthology

(Deadline: July 31, 2026)
In partnership with the Alice Green Institute and the Center for Law and Justice, we’re proud to introduce the Alice Green Poetry Anthology—a multidisciplinary collection featuring poetry, visual art, and photography.

We are seeking powerful, original work, especially from members of the AMBACC community, those whose work is emotionally evocative and relates to racial/social justice. This anthology aims to uplift upcoming and established black poets and offer a platform for artists engaging with themes of justice, identity, and liberation.

Submission Details:

Submit up to 5 samples of your work in poetry, visual art (paintings, drawings, digital art and more), and photography
Open to poets, visual artists, and photographers
Deadline: July 31, 2026
Apply here: https://forms.gle/aPrLQXiBAGh727sR9

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to @AminaGueye@CFLJ.ORG

We hope to write alongside you on Mondays and to read your work in this anthology.

John Johnson Book Release!

We were ecstatic to be able to host Brooklyn native John Johnson to the Alice Moore Center for one of his first sit-down book signings. We had a range of people come to learn about Johns first published book and share some insights on how this book can help so many young men and women as they navigate those teenage years and life. If you missed the book signing you can obtain a copy of his book.

Purchase The 7 A's directly from John Johnson website to get a special bundle that can only be purchased from his website.

Author & Poet: Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne is an author, poet, and professor at the illustrious Princeton University. Mahogany was accompanied by members of the UAlbany Writers Institute to visit Albany Leadership Academy and KIPP High Charter School. Mahogany blessed AMBACC and community members with a reading of an excerpt from her book "A Bird In The Air Means We Can Still Breathe". She answered many questions about her work and her writing process. We learned that she has an anthology coming out and AMBACC will be hosting/sponsoring an anthology of their own. Stay tuned for more information.

Children's Author: Tami Charles

In collaboration with the University at Albany's New York State Writers Institute, children in the City of Albany were able to meet this wonderful author. Ms. Charles visited a few of our schools to read her book and sign a few.

In the evening, the Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center hosted Ms. Charles. The community learned Ms. Charles' story from her start as a singer to her transformation into a children's author. Ms. Charles shared with the audience that she has a teenage son, whom she wrote these books for. All members of the audience were able to receive a signed copy of her newest book, Muted. See images from the event.