Renowned poet and professor Nikky Finney has spent her career illuminating the Southern cultural and political heritage of Black people in ways that resonate throughout the country and world. Her ongoing legacy of poignant expression, indomitable truth, and devotion to social justice has enriched the country and world. Join us for this rare opportunity as part of the 250 LEX events to hear about her journey as a writer and becoming an award winning literary icon.

This is episode is a recording of the live event on April 9, 2025. It is presented in its entirety with only minor edits for audio quality. Some parts of the question and answer portion are quiet, but we’ve made every effort to make them louder without sacrificing audio quality.

Mariam sits down with Mariama J. Lockington, local Stonewall Honor and Schneider Family Book Award winning middle-grade and YA poet and novelist. They discuss Mariama’s experiences as a transracial adoptee, and how her lived experiences influenced her debut novel For Black Girls like Me. Mariama gives us a sneak peak of her highly anticipated fourth novel, out in October 2025, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, a cozy YA love story between two girls who strike a fake dating deal, until real sparks begin to fly between them. Mariama’s books are available for checkout from the library, and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about two new releases Mariam enjoyed in March. They also talk about the library’s upcoming Community Read for the month of May, Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. Happiness Falls and its book kits are available for checkout now. Finally, Erin tells us about upcoming April programs at the library, including our book clubs and their book picks.

Mariam has a chat with Beth Pride, local author of the nationally celebrated Common Wealth of Kentucky project, about her newly released debut novel, Back to Blue Holly. They talk about Beth’s inspirations for the setting and the community in Blue Holly, a fictional small town in Kentucky, and the warmth of the Kentucky writing community. Back to Blue Holly is available for checkout from the library and for purchase at bethpride.com

After the interview, Erin and Mariam talk about the two upcoming March releases Mariam is most excited for, and a selection of programs at the end of March as part of Lexington’s 250Lex celebration.