About us
Creating a space to celebrate diverse voices and use books for empowerment and change.
The Petersburg Book Fest traces its roots back to the inspiring launch of Resist Booksellers, an independent Black-owned bookstore that opened its doors in the heart of Petersburg, Virginia in 2022. Founded by a family of passionate bibliophiles and community advocates, Resist Booksellers sought to create a space where diverse voices could be celebrated and where books could serve as a tool for empowerment and social change. The bookstore quickly became a cultural hub, drawing in readers, writers, and dreamers from all walks of life.
In its early days, Resist Booksellers hosted intimate readings, book clubs, and open mic nights that highlighted local talent and amplified stories often overlooked in mainstream publishing. The enthusiasm and sense of connection these events generated sparked an idea: what if Petersburg had an annual event that could bring together authors, readers, and creators on a larger scale? This idea became the seed for the Petersburg Book Fest.
The inaugural book fest will be held in the fall, a time chosen to ensure that all can participate including students at Virginia State University and students of the Petersburg school system. Resist Booksellers spearheaded the planning, rallying local businesses, community leaders, and artists to collaborate. The hope is with collective community effort, the first Petersburg Book Fest will emerge as a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
The impact of the Petersburg Book Fest on the community, when executed, will be profound. As a city rich in history but often overshadowed in modern cultural conversations, Petersburg will find itself redefined as a literary destination. The festival will not only highlight the city’s unique charm but also foster economic growth by attracting visitors from across the region and coast. Local businesses will benefit from the increased foot traffic, and the festival will create opportunities for residents to engage with the arts in meaningful ways.
Perhaps most importantly, the Petersburg Book Fest will strengthen community ties. It will provide a platform for young people to discover the power of storytelling and for marginalized voices to be heard. By celebrating diverse perspectives, the festival will reinforce the idea that Petersburg is a place where everyone’s story matters.
Meet Our Planning Committee
Alexis Morris
Alexis Morris is a local Archeologist whose penchant for the past is evident in her love for accurate storytelling in historical fictions. As a proud alumna of the distinguished Howard University, she can't help but get inspired by books from social theorists like bell hooks. Her favorite author's writing meets at the intersection of her interests and can write both, like James Baldwin. " If Beale Street Could Talk" and "The Fire Next Time"are two of her most beloved books that exemplify her tastes. She is happy to serve as a member of the bookfest's planning commission and help bring the city a special literary experience.
Demetrius Frazier
Demetrius is an active entrepreneur as he owns an independent bookstore located in the historically important city of Petersburg, Virginia. This endeavor was sparked because of his desire to improve access to diverse literature as part of his work with Black Men Read, the national book club and nonprofit he founded in 2019. Demetrius is married to the former Celena Smith of Richmond, Virginia, and has four amazing children. His recreational interests are running, reading, podcasting, and travel.
Faith Simms
Faith Simms is a native of Petersburg, VA. She graduated from the illustrious Virginia State University in May of 2023. Faith is the store manager and events coordinator at Resist Booksellers, as well as a member of the planning committee for the Petersburg Book Fest. Faith Simms is a poet and aspiring novelist, creating under the name Faith Nyre.
Yvette Appleby
Yvette Appleby is a dedicated member of the Petersburg Book Fest Planning Committee, Digital Health Program Manager, avid reader and language enthusiast with a deep appreciation for Caribbean authors. With her heritage rooted in the USVI, she is committed to amplifying the voices of Caribbean writers. An alumnus of Petersburg High School who spent many days in the library, she actively supports Resist Booksellers among other independent black-owned and women-owned bookstores, recognizing their cultural importance and the diverse literary contributions they bring to Petersburg and many other cities. Yvette will be looking forward to connecting with other readers, authors, and celebrating amazing literary work in Petersburg.
Expanding Stories, Inspiring Change.
As Resist Booksellers continues to grow, so too does the vision for the Petersburg Book Fest. Each year, the festival will expand its programming, offering new ways to inspire and connect. With every page turned and every story shared, the festival will reinforce its mission: to celebrate the transformative power of books and to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Petersburg and beyond.