On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Kansas City Public Library(Central Branch) hosted author A’Lelia Bundles in a discussion of her newest book, “Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance”. This event was cosponsored by the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group (ASALH), the Greater Kansas City Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sority, Inc., and E’La Mars Cosmetology & Barber College.
Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance is a nonfiction biography by A’Lelia Bundles about her great-grandmother, A’Lelia Walker, one of the most influential social and cultural figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
A’Lelia Perry Bundles is an American journalist, author, and biographer best known for chronicling the lives of her great-great-grandmother, Madam C.J. Walker, and her great-grandmother A’Lelia Walker. She is a former NBC and ABC News executive and Emmy-winning producer, who wrote the bestseller On Her Own Ground, the basis for Netflix’s TV movie, “Self Made”.
Bundles’ discussion of her book explored how A’Lelia Walker, daughter of Madam C. J. Walker, became a major patron of Black artists, writers, and musicians during the 1920s. Poet Langston Hughes famously called her the “joy goddess of Harlem,” which inspired the book’s title. Bundles combined extensive archival research, letters, and family records with gripping storytelling that enthralled those present to hear her presentation.
Ms. Bundles was then interviewed by KMBC TV News Anchor Brya Berry, followed by questions from an enthusiastic audience. The evening ended with a raffle that provided books to lucky ticket holders and a book signing by Ms. Bundles.
1st photo: Author, Ms. A’Lelia Bundles; 2nd photo: Ms. Bundles and KMBC TV Anchor, Ms. Brya Berry
