Josiah GolsonThe Association for Visual Arts will host the book launch of "The Souls of Free Folk" along with a reading by the author on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at AVA, 30 Frazier Ave., to kick of Black History Month.
"The Souls of Free Folk" is a book of art and poetry by local artist Josiah Golson. The illustrated poem celebrates the black experience through the trials and triumphs of an artist's coming-of-age story.
Golson says the book's title and themes are, in part, inspired by "The Souls of Free Folk," a 1903 series of essays by sociologist and scholar W.E.B. DuBois. Golson's book, comprised of more than 100 original drawings, is a moving tribute to the power of culture and family in the struggle for personal growth.
Golson is an artist, lawyer, writer and founder of the 800 Collective, a diverse group of artists who use art as a means of civic engagement and public discourse. Golson has led art projects and programs with Jazzanooga, Glass House Collective and Causeway.
Support for the book launch comes from a grant from the Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement.
"The Souls of Free Folk" can be purchased online at Josiahgolson.com and copies will be available for purchase at Friday's event.
For more information: 423-265-4282.