Author Talk with Victoria Christopher Murray "Harlem Rhapsody"

As part of The Henry Ford's annual recognition and celebration of Women's History Month, join us for an inspiring conversation and Q&A with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Victoria Christopher Murray.

Victoria will discuss her newest work of historical fiction, Harlem Rhapsody (2025), a powerful novel that brings to life the people, ideas and cultural momentum that shaped one of the most influential movements in American history — the Harlem Renaissance.

A master of blending rigorous research with compelling narrative, Victoria will share insights into how she approaches historical fiction, honoring real lives and archival details while crafting stories that resonate emotionally with present-day audiences. As one of the country's top African American contemporary authors, Victoria has been widely praised for illuminating overlooked moments in American history, offering readers a deeper understanding of the past.

Moderating the talk, Dr. Valerie Efua Prince will also share her perspective based on over 20 years of personal and professional work speaking to interdisciplinary forms of history, poetry, drama and performance in transforming the history of black women into political art.

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, this conversation also invites reflection on the lasting impact of Black female voices, stories and cultural leadership in shaping the American experience.

The program will be followed by a brief audience Q&A and book signing, with the opportunity to purchase a copy of Harlem Rhapsody.

Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the New York Times Instant Best Sellers, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies. Both novels, Victoria co-wrote with Marie Benedict.

Victoria originally self-published her first novel, Temptation, and in 2000, Time Warner published that novel. Temptation remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Victoria received her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Literature with Temptation.

Over her career, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award, the Delta Sigma Theta Osceola Award for Excellence in the Arts, Go On Girl! Book Club Author of the Year, 11 African American Literary Awards and five NAACP Image Award nominations. In 2016, she won the Image Award for Outstanding Literature for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

With almost three million books in print, Victoria is one of the country's top African American contemporary authors.

Dr. Valerie Efua Prince's work often takes an interdisciplinary form as history, poetry, drama and performance, in order to transform the history of black women into political art.

Prince is a professor of African American studies. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in English Language and Literature and has served as a director of black studies at Allegheny College, the Avalon Professor of Humanities at Hampton University, a visiting scholar at the University of Virginia's Carter G. Woodson Institute and a fellow at Harvard University's W. E. B. Du Bois Center.

Her current work represents a refinement of themes she has been considering for more than 20 years, evident in Burnin' Down the House: Home in African American Literature (2005) and Daughter's Exchange (2018) and Kin: Practically True Stories (2024). She co-authored with Hoke S. Glover III Crazy As Hell: The Best Little Guide to Black History (2024).

The event is free to the public, but registration is required. Seats are limited.

There is a maximum of six registrants per entry. Registrants will receive confirmation and event reminders via email. Please show these confirmations upon entry to the event.

Registration will close if capacity is reached.

Doors will open to Anderson Theater at 12:30 p.m. The program will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be followed by a brief Q&A and book signing.

This is a free public event; museum admission is not required.

Free parking is available in the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation lot off Oakwood Boulevard near the museum Welcome Center. The Clocktower entrance on the brick circle drive may be used for pickup/drop-off for guests who need special assistance.

Please note that parts of Oakwood Boulevard may be impacted by construction. Be prepared for traffic delays or detours. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Henry Ford is committed to making our events accessible to everyone.

• Anderson Theater's main floor is fully accessible. The second floor balcony is accessible via stairs only.
• This event will be ASL interpreted.

If you require an additional accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact our accessibility team via email at accessibility@thehenryford.org.

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