Actress Lynn Whitfield and award winning journalist Bob Ray Sanders will join authors, poets and artists at the Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair and Arts Festival in Fair Park. The free festival promotes literacy and highlights businesses and arts in south Dallas.

The festival kicks off on Friday, August 30 with the Heart and Soul Tour of South Dallas historical sites and landmarks. On Saturday Aug. 31, book readings, storytelling, writing workshops, children’s programs, spoken word poetry, panel discussions and performances will be held at the African-American Museum in Fair Park.

Cornerstone Baptist Church will host A Taste of Gospel, showcasing some of South Dallas’ finest gospel music voices, including the South Dallas Concert Choir, Seasoned Saints Community Choir of Dallas, Cornerstone Baptist Church Combined Choir, Tabernacle Choir of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. and the M. L. King Jr. Branch Library’s Voices from the Soul. Words of inspiration will be delivered by Reverend Dr. Michael W. Waters of Joy Tabernacle.

The South Dallas Cultural Center will also host programs and workshops for teens and young adults. More than 30 local and regional authors will be participating, and books and merchandise will also be for sale. This year’s Tulisoma participants include Whitfield, Sanders, former Dallas City Councilmember Diane Ragsdale, Judge Cheryl Williams, comedian Darryl Littleton, pastor Wanda Bolton-Davis and artist Vicki Meek.