Albert Phillips w/ Alanah Nichole Davis: Where You From? Tales of Sandtown

Albert Phillips Jr. is a Baltimore-based writer and educator whose work thoughtfully explores the rich alchemy of Black life, both past and present. The Ivy first learned about his work through the CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth summer internship program where he offered his experience and mentorship around teen employment-- the subject of his first book, Y’all Hiring? The Black Teen’s Guide to Navigating Employment. In this new second book, Where You From? Tales of Sandtown, Phillips turns his focus to his own growing-up years in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood.

We are so excited to have fellow writer and Baltimore local Alanah Nichole Davis join Phillips in conversation for this event. We hope you'll join us to celebrate this Baltimore story from a talented and accomplished writer.

Books will be available for sale at the event.

Albert Phillips Jr. is a Baltimore-based writer and educator whose work thoughtfully explores the rich alchemy of Black life, both past and present. A graduate of Morgan State University with a B.S. in Print Journalism and an M.Ed. from Johns Hopkins University, Albert is currently an MFA candidate at the University of Baltimore. In 2020, he published his acclaimed debut book, Y’all Hiring? The Black Teen’s Guide to Navigating Employment, which has been used by thousands of young people across the United States. His second book, Where You From? Tales of Sandtown, is a personal collection of essays that reflects on identity, place, and growing up as a Black boy in one of Baltimore’s most storied neighborhoods and was released in October 2025. Albert’s writing has been featured in Black Enterprise, The Afro, Baltimore Fishbowl, and various other online and print publications.

Alanah Nichole Davis is a Bronx-born, Baltimore-raised writer, cultural strategist, and social designer whose work bridges storytelling, civic imagination, and community care. Known affectionately as “Baltimore’s Godmother,” she’s built a legacy of using creativity and empathy to connect people, nurture ideas, and reimagine what’s possible for her city. Her essays, talks, and public projects often explore the intersections of race, womanhood, technology, and belonging — inviting audiences to see Baltimore not just as a place, but as a living story. Beyond her role in city government, Alanah’s influence extends through arts, journalism, and local advocacy, where she’s helped amplify voices and shape spaces that honor authenticity and joy. A proud graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art’s Master of Social Design program, she continues to mentor emerging changemakers and collaborate with artists, institutions, and neighborhoods invested in Baltimore’s collective future.

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