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
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.
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.
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.
Destiny Simms
Destiny Simms is a Petersburg native with a passion for education. A two-time graduate of Virginia State University, she strives to impact her community anyway she can. Destiny is the Academic Coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Virginia State University, where she and her coworkers assist low-income, first generation high school students with their journey to post-secondary education. Destiny volunteered with the Petersburg Bookfest in 2025 and is ecstatic to be a part of the Planning Committee this year. Growing up with a love for literacy has shaped Destiny’s passion and she is committed to providing her community with the opportunity to explore the world of literature.
Tangee Augustin
Tangee Augustin is the founder and host of Melanin & Manuscripts Book Club, a Richmond, Virginia–based literary community she launched in 2018 to celebrate literature, connection, and the joy of reading together. What began as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant book club centered on uplifting diverse voices and creating intentional, experience-driven spaces for readers. Tangee volunteered with the Petersburg Book Fest in 2025 and is honored to serve on the 2026 planning committee alongside Resist Booksellers. She is passionate about fostering inclusive literary spaces and supporting events that bring authors, readers, and communities together through the power of storytelling.
Vivian Shields
Vivian L. Shields is a seasoned financial leader with over three decades of experience, currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Commonwealth Savers. In this capacity, she oversees the Finance Division, leading customer service and financial operations teams, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and program operations. Ms. Shields joined Commonwealth Savers in 2000 and prior to her current role, she spent 11 years as Controller and many years as a deputy finance director leading accounting, financial reporting, and investment operations teams.
Sera Wright
Sera Wright is a Bookish/Lifestyle Content Creator, Founder/CEO of Readin’ Magazine, and Resist Bookseller’s Social Media Manager. Sera is loyal to a good book, a good Asian drama and a good chai latte. She enjoys building community and helping bring creative ideas to light through content creation.
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.