The James Baldwin Book Club with Inua Ellams, Mendez, JJ Bola, and Richie Brave

The literary giant James Baldwin was born a century ago this year, on 2 August 1924. To mark his enduring legacy, this year's highly anticipated men's event brings together authors Inua Ellams, Mendez, JJ Bola and presenter and broadcaster Richie Brave to discuss Baldwin's life and work – and his profound impact on their work. Our Men's event has been a talking point every year and we are sure this year will be no exception. Join us for an unforgettable evening.

Saturday 22 June | 5.30-7.30pm
Brighton University City Campus, 58-67 Grand Parade, BN2 0JY
*Entry to this event is HALF PRICE with a ticket to Inua Ellams' late night one-man show Search Party*

Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, screenwriter, performer, graphic artist and designer. Born in Nigeria, his published books of poetry include Candy Coated Unicorns and Converse All Stars, Thirteen Fairy Negro Tales, The Wire-Headed Heathen, #Afterhours, and The Actual. His first play, The 14th Tale, was awarded a Fringe First at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival and his other plays include Barber Shop Chronicles, Three Sisters and The Half-God of Rainfall.

Mendez is a London-based Jamaican-British writer. They were born in 1982 in the Black Country, a historically industrial region in the English West Midlands. Raised as a Jehovah's Witness, Mendez left the faith while still a teenager.​ Upon receiving Mendez's manuscript of autobiographical fragments, Dialogue Books publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove challenged them to find the fiction in their story, and the resulting novel, Rainbow Milk, was published to rave reviews during the 2020 lockdown. Rainbow Milk was named one of the Observer's Top Ten Best Debuts for 2020. Mendez is currently adapting the novel for a TV series.

JJ Bola is a writer, poet, and educator, born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in London. His debut novel, No Place to Call Home, was published in 2017. His second, The Selfless Act of Breathing (2021), has been translated into Brazilian-Portuguese and German and acquired for film adaption. Bola has an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck University. He is an ambassador for the United Nations High Council for Refugees and works as a mental health social worker in a community mental health team.

Richie Brave is a dynamic presenter and broadcaster, known for his insightful commentary on a wide range of social and cultural issues. As the host of BBC 1Xtra Talks, he brings a fresh perspective to the airwaves, fostering meaningful conversations that resonate with diverse audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying marginalised voices, Richie tackles topics ranging from politics and identity to mental health and music. His ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, combined with his sharp wit and authenticity, has made him a trusted voice in broadcasting.