BRADENTON, FLA (February 24, 2026)—A’Lelia Bundles, author and award-winning former journalist, will speak about her latest biography, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance,” from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 2, at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, in the Library and Learning Center, Building 3. Admission is free.

In the book, Bundles tells the story of her great-grandmother, A’Lelia Walker, an heiress and socialite whose hair salons and social gatherings helped shape the Harlem Renaissance culture. Her discussion will explore Walker’s influence and legacy, women’s history, entrepreneurship, art and the power of storytelling.

The first 50 students who attend and show a valid student ID card will receive a free copy of the book. A light breakfast will be served.

The event is presented by the Family Heritage House Museum at SCF, The Links Bradenton/Sarasota Chapter, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History Manasota Branch.

Bundles serves on national nonprofit boards, works with cultural institutions, and speaks at libraries, colleges and other venues. She formerly worked as a producer and an executive with ABC News and NBC News. Her biography about her great-great-grandmother, “On Her Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker,” was named on The New York Times bestseller list in 2001 and adapted into the “Self Made” Netflix limited series, starring Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer. 

For more information, contact Jada Wright-Greene at 941-400-8454 or executivedirector@asalh–manasotafl.org.