Booksmith is thrilled to host the Bay Area launch for George McCalman and his gorgeous debut, Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and Unseen. "Not since Toni Morrison’s The Black Book has Black history been so vibrantly or imaginatively catalogued", says Queen Sugar and We Are Each Other's Harvest author Natalie Baszile. More information to be announced shortly, but please save the date and join us for this joyous occasion!

PLEASE NOTE: Advance sales for this event have ended, but we will have seats available at the door.

Please note:

• Safety: ID and proof of full vaccination, including booster, will be required at the door. Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event, capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing, and we'll have extra ventilation in place. 
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order the Book + Seat ticket through this link; you can also RSVP for a free seat right here while supplies last.
• We are happy to offer *signed copies* of Illustrated Black History: order a Book + Seat ticket bundle if you'd like to pick up a signed copy at the event, or order here if you just want a signed copy.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Accessibility is important to us. If you have any special requests, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our absolute best to accommodate you.
• Questions? Write [email protected].

About the book

In a first of its kind achievement, artist, author, and graphic designer George McCalman has created a book that reimagines our idea of Black history and brings to the fore a vivid array of pioneers. From determining the subjects, to the design of the pages, to illustrating the portraits and images throughout, he has created a book reflective of his subjects who paved the way when no road existed.

McCalman first began crafting the portraits of Black pioneers in honor of Black History Month more than six years ago, an obsessive artistic endeavor that would evolve into a carefully curated collection of soulful portraits celebrating Black icons throughout America’s 400-year-old history. Creating equal space to celebrate legends and discover Black heroes who have gone unseen, McCalman’s comprehensive work features trailblazers we recognize and those we should know. This is American history.

Illustrated Black History is a beautifully illustrated keepsake collection. Each of the 145 Black heroes celebrated in this book is revealed by a dazzling painting or drawing and an insightful short biography of the remarkable pioneer’s contribution to activism, science, politics, business, medicine, technology, food, entertainment, or the arts. The book also features essays by Emil Wilbekin (Editor in Chief, Vibe), Bryant Terry (Author, Black Food), Patrice Peck, (Editor, Cosmopolitan magazine) Oriana Koren (Editor, For the Birds Trapped in Airports) Marvin K White (Poet, Glide Memorial). Among the remarkable individuals illustrated and profiled are:  

• Madeline Anderson, documentarian and producer of “I Am Somebody” about the 1969 strike of women hospital workers
• Guion S. Bluford, military pilot and the first black person to travel into space
• James Baldwin, literary luminary and activist
• Abby Fisher, culinary guru
• Vivien Thomas, medical pioneer and surgeon
• Aretha Franklin, singer songwriter extraordinaire

Illustrated Black History  is a one-of-a-kind project about unique subjects by a triple-threat artist, author and designer that pays homage to Black Americans and their historical achievements and recognizes the breadth and abundance of Black excellence. 

About the author

George McCalman is an artist, graphic designer, and creative director. His studio, McCalman.co, creates long-lasting brands for clients across arts, lifestyle, food, and mobile media. He is a senior lecturer in graphic design at California College of Art and is the author and illustrator for the San Francisco Chronicle’s monthly “Observed” column. He lives in San Francisco. More at https://www.mccalman.co/

Please note:

• Safety: ID and proof of full vaccination, including booster, will be required at the door. Masks will be required throughout the duration of the event, capacity will be limited to allow indoor distancing, and we'll have extra ventilation in place. 
• Because we’re limiting capacity, we can't guarantee we'll have space for walk-ins. The best way to ensure you’ll get a seat is to order the Book + Seat ticket through this link; you can also RSVP for a free seat right here while supplies last.
• We are happy to offer *signed copies* of Illustrated Black History: order a Book + Seat ticket bundle if you'd like to pick up a signed copy at the event, or order here if you just want a signed copy.
• If we feel it is not safe to gather, as the event gets closer, we will pivot to a virtual event and your registration will remain valid.
• Accessibility is important to us. If you have any special requests, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our absolute best to accommodate you.
• Questions? Write [email protected].