Homecoming of a Trailblazer: Barbara Brandon-Croft’s Book Celebration in Detroit

Legendary cartoonist Barbara Brandon-Croft is coming to Detroit! On April 27th, she will be in conversation with Danielle Eliska at Source Booksellers for a book launch event. The book in question is Where I’m Coming From, a career retrospective that features Brandon-Croft’s groundbreaking comic strip, the first by a Black woman to be published by a major newspaper syndicate.

Originally published in the Detroit Free Press before being picked up nationally, Barbara Brandon-Croft’s comic strip showcases the Black women’s perspective with humor, honesty, and joy. The book captures the essence of her trailblazing work with a collection of strips that Tayari Jones describes as “ahead of its time, and right on time.” Jones, the author of An American Marriage, also notes that Where I’m Coming From” knows where we’ve been and where we’re heading. And on top of that, it’s shaking-my-head funny!”

To celebrate the book’s release, Brandon-Croft and Danielle Eliska will kick off the event with a conversation. Eliska is a multifaceted artist and educator from Detroit whose work spans writing, film, photography, and entrepreneurship. The event will conclude with a Q&A session and book signing. It’s an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in Black women’s history, art, or comic artistry.

Free tickets are available for the event, with the option to use a book purchase online as a ticket. However, tickets are limited, so don’t hesitate to secure your spot as soon as possible. Barbara Brandon-Croft’s pioneering work has earned her a permanent place in the comics canon, inspiring new readers at a time when representation matters most. Her comics are even in the Library of Congress’s permanent collection.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate Brandon-Croft’s legacy and groundbreaking work.