The Palm Springs Public Library, Brothers of the Desert, and the Mizell Center are joining forces once again to present the second annual Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors, a free community gathering honoring Black History Month. The event takes place Sunday, February 8 from 10 am–1 pm and invites readers, learners, and neighbors to engage with acclaimed Black authors whose work explores identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
The morning begins with a welcome reception from 10–10:30 am featuring bagels, spreads, coffee, and mimosas. Guests will also have the opportunity to browse select titles curated by The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, with featured authors’ books available for purchase throughout the event.
At 10:30 am, the program opens with former NFL player and author RK Russell, appearing in conversation with Lorenzo Taylor. Russell will discuss his memoir The Yards Between Us, a deeply personal account of his journey as the first active NFL player to publicly identify as bisexual. His story unfolds against the backdrop of a career spent facing down some of football’s fiercest competitors as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the rising popularity of the HBOMax series Heated Rivalry, which has broadened conversations about LGBTQ representation in sports, Russell’s appearance offers a timely and compelling look at identity, courage, and the narratives that shape public perception. Attendees will hear firsthand how he navigated the pressures of professional athletics while breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Following Russell’s session, author Toni Ann Johnson will take the stage in conversation with Marilyn F. Solomon. Johnson will preview her forthcoming book But Where’s Home?, releasing February 10, 2026. The novella and linked short story collection examines the complexities of Black life in America, confronting themes of racism, classism, colonized thinking, narcissism, abuse, and parent‑child relationships.
Johnson’s work is known for its emotional depth and incisive storytelling, and her new collection continues her exploration of identity and belonging. The discussion will also highlight her career as a screenwriter, playwright, and author of Light Skin Gone to Waste, Homecoming, and Remedy for a Broken Angel.
At 12:45 pm, attendees will have a final opportunity to purchase books and have them signed by the featured authors. The event concludes at 1 pm.
Although the program is free, advance registration is required as seating is limited to 100 attendees. Reserved seats will be released five minutes before the event begins to accommodate standby guests. Registration is available at: http://bit.ly/4sDg3Ft