Freedom & Pride: Stories of Black Voices and Queer Identity w/ Kareem Simpson

Schedule

Fri Jun 19 2026 at 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011 | Covington, KY

Advertisement
Join us for a powerful Juneteenth and Pride celebration that uplifts Black voices, queer identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.
This special event features a reading by local Black queer author Kareem Simpson from his debut collection, Chronicles of a Boy Misunderstood. Through a series of deeply human and introspective novellas, Simpson explores the lives of quiet, complex Black protagonists navigating identity, struggle, and resilience.
The opening story, set in pre-Civil War Covington, draws haunting connections to the real-life story of Margaret Garner—one of the most powerful and tragic acts of resistance in American history. In addition to readings, Simpson will reflect on the historical truth behind Garner’s story and speak on his experiences as a Black queer writer.
Held on Juneteenth, this event honors the legacy of emancipation while celebrating Pride—creating space to recognize the intersections of Black and LGBTQ+ identity, history, and expression.
Come for the stories. Stay for the history, the reflection, and the voices that refuse to be forgotten.
Registration Required. Kentonlibrary.org/events
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Kenton Library Archives

Host or Publisher Kenton Library Archives

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Covington

DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Fri, 19 Jun at 07:30 pm DEAR EVAN HANSEN

1028 Scott St, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

LIVE-MUSIC ART
Cin-City Nights(Presented by @Illosophical)
Fri, 19 Jun at 07:30 pm Cin-City Nights(Presented by @Illosophical)

Hortons Barber Shop

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
4th Annual Putts for PAWS
Sat, 20 Jun at 08:00 am 4th Annual Putts for PAWS

Devou Park Golf Course

SPORTS WORKSHOPS
Jamgrass Duo at the Wunderbar
Sat, 20 Jun at 07:00 pm Jamgrass Duo at the Wunderbar

Wunderbar Covington

FOOD-DRINKS
Small Business Resource Fair - Northern Kentucky
Mon, 22 Jun at 09:00 am Small Business Resource Fair - Northern Kentucky

Kenton County Public Library - Covington Branch

WORKSHOPS ART
Book Signing and Author Talk: Cincinnati Before Stonewall
Thu, 21 May at 06:00 pm Book Signing and Author Talk: Cincinnati Before Stonewall

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

ART LITERARY-ART
NKY Pride Festival & Parade
Sun, 07 Jun at 12:00 pm NKY Pride Festival & Parade

Goebel Park

FESTIVALS PARADES
From the Archive: An LGBTQ+ History of Kentucky
Thu, 11 Jun at 03:00 pm From the Archive: An LGBTQ+ History of Kentucky

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

KENTUCKY-DERBY LGBT-PRIDE
Freedom & Pride: Stories of Black Voices and Queer Identity w\/ Kareem Simpson
Fri, 19 Jun at 03:00 pm Freedom & Pride: Stories of Black Voices and Queer Identity w/ Kareem Simpson

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

ART LITERARY-ART
Voices of Queer Kentucky: An Afternoon with Missy Spears
Thu, 25 Jun at 03:00 pm Voices of Queer Kentucky: An Afternoon with Missy Spears

502 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY, United States, Kentucky 41011

KENTUCKY-DERBY LGBT-PRIDE

What's Happening Next in Covington?

Discover Covington Events