[Ocoee, FL] – The recent Blasian Book Fair proved to be a remarkable success, bringing together over 220 attendees and distributing more than 300 books to local Floridians. Hosted by Make Us Visible Florida (MUVFL) and Blasian March, in partnership with Kizzy’s Books & More, FusionFest, and A Perfect Union Art Gallery in the West Oaks Mall, the event celebrated the richness of stories, cultures, and perspectives of Black, Asian, and Blasian voices, creating a meaningful experience for all who attended.
Held at A Perfect Union Art Gallery, the Blasian Book Fair offered a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to explore a variety of books, ranging from children’s literature to adult fiction and non-fiction, with a special focus on Black, Asian, and Blasian narratives. The day was made even more memorable by a series of live performances, including a vibrant Chinese lion dance by the Wah Lum Temple, a powerful Native American performance in acknowledgment of the land’s original stewards, and an uplifting opening song by local artist Toni Barnes.
“We’re thrilled by the incredible turnout and the enthusiasm of the community,” said Mimi Chan, organizer of the event. “MUV FL collaborated with Blasian March to bring the Blasian Book Fair to Orlando with the goal of making books accessible to everyone and promoting diverse stories. Seeing people from all walks of life come together to embrace this mission was incredibly inspiring.
Beyond distributing books, the event fostered a space for conversation and connection, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in literature. Thought provoking panel discussions highlighted the significance of books, storytelling and building empathy across different cultures. Guest speakers included acclaimed rapper and activist Jason Chu and 15 year-old author Sumer Strawbree.
This Blasian Book Fair was the first of its kind in Florida, a state where books and educational content are often challenged. The event was met with great excitement by attendees, who were eager to explore the diverse stories and perspectives offered.
Quote from attendee: “I like this book so much. I ordered the next four in the series. I’m happy I went to the Blasian book fair.” – Isaac, 4th grader
The success of the Blasian Book Fair was amplified by the support and presence of key organizations dedicated to empowering and informing our community. Act Florida, Central Florida Writers and Publishers Guild, NAAPAWF, FL AAPP, APIA Vote, The League of Women Voters, and Orange County Library all brought their resources and passion to the event, reinforcing the importance of unity, education, and advocacy in strengthening our collective voice. Their attendance demonstrated the power of community partnerships in making impactful change.
**About the Blasian Book Fair**
The Blasian Book Fair is a community-driven event aimed at promoting literacy, diversity, and inclusion through the power of storytelling. With a special emphasis on Black, Asian narratives, the fair seeks to inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds by making books more accessible and celebrating the voices that too often go unheard.
 and Blasian March, in partnership with Kizzy’s Books & More, FusionFest, and A Perfect Union Art Gallery in the West Oaks Mall, the event celebrated the richness of stories, cultures, and perspectives of Black, Asian, and Blasian voices, creating a meaningful experience for all who attended.){kind=link}