SLCL’s Black History Celebration Presents WNBA Stars A’ja Wilson and Sylvia Fowles

St. Louis County Library’s Black History Celebration is pleased to host a special event with WNBA star and Olympic Gold Medalist A’ja Wilson. Wilson will discuss her book “Dear Black Girls: How to be True to You.” A’ja Wilson will be in conversation with retired WNBA star Sylvia Fowles.

The event will take place on Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd, St. Louis MO 63117. Books will be available for purchase and signing from The Novel Neighbor.

“Through honest stories and inspiring lessons from her life, A’ja Wilson reminds us to never doubt who we are or apologize for being true to ourselves. Dear Black Girls is a must-read for every Black girl out there.” ―Gabrielle Union, actor and New York Times bestselling author

Despite gold medals, WNBA championships, and a list of accolades, A’ja Wilson knows how it feels to be swept under the rug—to not be heard, to not feel seen, to not be taken seriously. As a fourth grader going to a primarily white school in South Carolina, A’ja was told she’d have to stay outside for a classmate’s birthday party. “Huh?” she asked. Because the birthday girl’s father didn’t like Black people.

Wilson shares how even when life tried to hold her down, it didn’t stop her. She shares her contribution to “The Talk,” and how to keep fighting, all while igniting strength, passion, and joy. “Dear Black Girls” is a necessary and meaningful exploration of what it means to be a Black woman in America today—and a rallying cry to lift up women and girls everywhere.

A’JA WILSON is a professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces. The two-time MVP is the face of the WNBA and Las Vegas Aces, one of the industry’s hottest franchises. She and the USA Women’s National Team won gold at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, Tokyo Olympics, and 2018 FIBA World Cup. Off the court, A’ja has built the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which serves as a resource for children who struggle with dyslexia.

Moderator SYLVIA FOWLES played for the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx during her WNBA career. She won the WNBA MVP Award in 2017 and the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times. She led the Lynx to win the WNBA Championship in 2015 and 2017.

Sponsored by Ameren and the St. Louis County Library Foundation, the theme for the library’s 2024 Black History Celebration is “African American Arts: Inspiring, Impacting and Influencing Every Generation.” A complete list of Black History events is available at www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration. 

Program sites are accessible. With at least two weeks' notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Call 314-994-3300 or contact us.