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Throughout June at EVPL
Discover the heroism, culture, history, art, and more that live within BIPOC comic books.
All ages can explore the past in a creative and challenging way through the lens of comic books and graphic novels. Stories told by BIPOC authors and illustrators may offer new perspectives on otherwise familiar narratives from history and mythology.
JUMP TO: BIPOC Comic Celebration Essay Contest
Spider-Verse Double Feature | Thursday, Jun. 4 | 1:00 – 4:30 pm | EVPL Central
Swing over to the library and join fellow Spider-fans for a back-to-back showing of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018, PG) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023, PG). Will include light refreshments.
Show Them Who We Are | Saturday, Jun. 6 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Greater St. James Community Recreation & Education Center (CREC)
A presentation by Aretha Graves, President of the Soul Writers Guild, exploring the magnificence of Ethnic cultures and how the possibilities of modern superheroes become real.
Color Like a Comic! | Wednesday, Jun. 10 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm | EVPL North Park
Learn how to make your art look like an old-time comic using only four colors and dots!
Show Them Who We Are Discussion | Saturday, Jun. 13 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Greater St. James Community Recreation & Education Center (CREC)
A discussion of Show Them Who Are presentation by Aretha Graves. Panelists will explore the magnificence of Ethnic cultures & how the possibilities of modern superheroes becomes real.
Superhero Storytelling* | Wednesday, Jun. 17 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm | EVPL Oaklyn | For ages 13-17
Write your own superhero comic! *Registration required.
Superhero Collectible Swap | Thursday, Jun. 18 | 5:00 – 6:00 pm | EVPL North Park
Are you passionate about superheroes? Join us for an hour to share your passion with others. Trade trading cards, swap action figures, compare cool finds, or browse what others bring.
Black Superhero Showcase | Saturday, Jun. 20 | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | EVPL McCollough
Watch episodes of Static Shock and have fun with our themed activities highlighting legendary Black superheroes.
Graphic Truths* | Wednesday, Jun. 24 | 4:00 – 5:30 pm | EVPL East
Sample nonfiction graphic novels by BIPOC creators and explore real stories told through art, history, and lived experience. *Registration required.
Superhero Saturday | Saturday, Jun. 27 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | EVPL Central
Celebrate BIPOC comics, characters, and creators at this event featuring author Milton J. Davis, a Q&A with Milton J. Davis and Ted Haycraft, refreshments, crafts, work by local artists, and more!
Events and Activities:
10:00 – 11:30 am: Presentation by author Milton J. Davis – Rotunda Room • Second Floor
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Q&A with author Milton J. Davis and Channel 14 film critic Ted Haycraft – Rotunda Room • Second Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Button Making – Teen Area • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Photo Booth – Teen Area • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Refreshments – Cafe • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Local Artists Akpan Akpan and Dave Branstetter – Lobby • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Sketch Artist Michael Kasinger – Lobby • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: ComicQuest – Lobby • First Floor
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Your Brother’s Bookstore – Lobby • First Floor
This celebration is a collaboration between the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library and the Soul Writers’ Guild at the Evansville African American Museum. A special thank you to ComicQuest for their contributions to the project.
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BIPOC Comic Celebration Essay Contest
PURPOSE OF THE CONTEST
The purpose of this essay contest is to help students gain knowledge about other cultures, including their own, and to deepen their respect and appreciation of an often unexplored history. The student’s ability to deliver their essay will demonstrate creativity, artful skill, and a mastery of vocabulary.
Another purpose of the BIPOC Comic Celebration contest is for students to explore the rich heritages and the many astronomical, educational, engineering, mathematical, medical, navigational, and scientific advances prior to European introduction.
DETAILS OF THE CONTEST
Winners will be recognized at Superhero Saturday on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
COMPETITION RULES
There will be two groups of contestants:
- Ages 8 – 12
- Ages 13 – 18
Youth may be students of EVSC, or surrounding school systems, or home-schooled.
ORGANIZATION OF ESSAY
- The essay must be original, both prepared and written by the contestant.
- The essay must be typewritten, saved, and submitted in a Word document or PDF format in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced.
- The essay must progress logically, be correct in form and content, as well as address the established theme.
- No typographical or grammatical errors.
- The essay must clearly document all references or copyrighted material. Cited supporting documents must be neatly printed and accurate.
DEADLINE
Submissions will be accepted from May 8 to June 20, 2026, by 4:00 pm CST and sent to the Evansville African American Museum or via email at director@evvaam.org. Winners will be notified by June 24, 2026.
FOLLOWING THE ESSAY CONTEST
The winners will be recognized during Superhero Saturday on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The top three winners in each category will also be notified by email, as well as letters sent to their physical addresses. The winners will also have the opportunity, if they wish, to present their essays at a table during the Comic Celebration.
The first place winners in both categories will receive $75 in local book store gift certificates, plus an array of comic material and other prizes, the second place winners in both categories will win $50 in local bookstore gift certificates, plus an array of comic materials and other prizes, and the third place winners in both categories will win $25 in local bookstore gift certificates, plus an array of comic materials as well as other prizes. All participants will receive a prize for participation.
THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL
The judges will use the following criteria to rank each essay: composition, subject matter, content, originality, and mastery of material.
The judges will also give each contestant an intangible score (used to describe things recognizable but not easily measured) & in the event of a tie, the contestant with the highest intangible score will be the winner.
