Meet Mike Brown

AUTHOR • SPEAKER 

Mike Brown is a speaker, author, and founder of Soulstir, a mission-driven publishing and social impact company. He has written several children’s books, including Little Netta’s Gift, The Leprechaun’s Game Day at Notre Dame, and So Lucky to Have You. Originally from Milwaukee, Mike graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he made history as the first Black student to serve as the iconic Leprechaun mascot. Today, he shares uplifting stories and leadership messages with schools, organizations, and communities across the country.

We are honored to welcome elder Katie Sample to Strive for a special book talk and community conversation for her book, “All Things Work Together for Good.”

Elder Katie Bio:

Katie L. Sample was born August 3rd, 1933. She is the youngest daughter of six girls born to Isaac and Eva Williamson in Rockford, Illinois. Katie has been an educator, social worker, and child advocate. She worked as a school social worker in the Minneapolis Public Schools for 25 years, retiring in 1993. Katie founded the African American Academy for Accelerated Learning (AAAL), an educational enrichment program which fostered an appreciation of African history, culture, and values. After 21 years, Katie retired from AAAL in 2009. AAAL continues to offer summer and Saturday enrichment programs under the leadership of the board of directors and program coordinator. Katie continues to serve and support her community.

Join us and @BlackGarnetBooks in the ✨ The Midwest Black Book Fair ✨

All communities are welcomed to join us to honor stories of the resistance and uplift intersectional narratives of Blackness, Black history, and Black futurity. The fair will be held on 📆Saturday, August 22 during Black August—a month-long commemoration dedicated to honoring Black abolitionists, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. We are the stewards of these stories.

The Midwest Black Book Fair includes: Black authors, workshops, book retailers, and lit orgs; Black food trucks and vendors; free tickets, raffles, and swag bag.

Black-owned/led literary partners include: @strivepub / @strive_bookstore, @babycakesbooks, @mninblackink, @griotartsmn, @givenscollection, @morethan1singlestory, @saintpaulalmanac, @plantingpeoplegrowingjustice, @mindseyecomicsmn, @wise_ink, @hellopicturebookparade, and @uhurubooks.

Strive Bookstore is heading out to Downtown Wednesdays on Nicollet Mall on August 19, and we’re bringing some extra fun with us! Stop by our vendor table to browse books, say hello, and take advantage of special deals and giveaways just for the day. Whether you’re working downtown, visiting for the afternoon, or simply looking for an excuse to spend some time on Nicollet Mall, come find us and show some love to your local independent bookstore. We’d love to see you! 📚🎉

This event will take place outside on Nicollet Mall Between S 9th & 10th Street

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We welcome this Do-It-Herself Talk by Panda’s Punchlist

Join us for an empowering chat all about DIY projects, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, these talks are your chance to get inspired, learn cool tips, and connect with a fab community who loves making things happen.

Don't miss out on the fun—grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and dive into the world of Do-It-HERself events!

NOTE: Enter the Medical Arts Building through the 9th Street Door (74 S. 9th Street)

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

About the Book

Beyond Fear and Suspicion: The New Americans in Little Ethiopia chronicles the connections and tensions between “others” struggling to find their way in, illuminates the often-shifting ground of who and what is an American in the 21st century, and reveals the emotional truths behind their courage, redemption, persistence, and hope.

Returning to her DC area home after living in Sydney, Vicky Pinpin-Feinstein found that many Etheopians had moved to the suburb of Silver Spring. In this enriching story of a Filipino American’s curious desire to know the people living and working in what was once an iconic American hometown, fear and suspicion greeted her at every turn. But Vicky was determined. Traveling to Ethiopia, she discovered a fresh perspective on identity, belonging, and the labyrinthine workings of a people divided by ethnicity, politics, and trauma.

About Barbara “Babs” Larson and her work

For over sixty years, Larson has lived with epilepsy-unseen, misunderstood, and often silenced. In this powerful collection of poetry, she breaks that silence. With grace, grit, and unflinching honesty, Howling To Be Heard chronicles a life shaped by seizures, stigma, and the search for understanding.

A practicing epileptic for over half a century, I speak with the voice of experience. It has encouraged me to share my journey and unveil the emotional, socia, and often traumatic lives of those who suffer the effects.

Step inside the journey. Hear the howl. Witness the Strength.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

Come by to connect and receive a journal at no cost to you.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

Join us in celebrating and connecting across cultures through the joy of this wonderful new children’s picture book by local author and illustrator, Ngân Huýnh

"My book, When We’re Under the Same Roof, is a heartfelt story about childhood, memory, and what it means to find your way back to the places—and people—that shaped you. This project came to life through the local community’s belief that more immigrant children in this country deserve to see their stories represented in books like this.” - Ngân Huýnh

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

Bring your 2026 Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport to get stamped or just come in to enjoy the vibe and shop.

Join us for bookstore fun!

• Meet our new children’s book author, Derek Francis and have him sign your copy of “Our First Bus Ride”

• Enjoy the ChuckChunk Ice Cream pop-up

• Search for the Libro Golden Ticket for a chance to win a year’s supply of audiobooks from Libro.fm!

• Enter a raffle for a free tote

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.

We’re inviting you to join us for something simple, intentional, and needed—Thursday evenings at Strive. Each week, we’re opening our doors for a quiet, welcoming space to read, write, reflect, and gently connect with others. No agenda, no pressure—just time to immerse yourself in books and creativity. Bring a book, a journal, or just yourself. Whether you come to sit in stillness, spark a conversation, or reconnect with your love of reading and writing, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make Thursdays a new tradition—a steady space for community, creativity, and care.