In recognition of Pride Month, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ LGBTQ+ Institute is partnering with Doug Jones, author of the novel “The Fantasies of Future Things,” for an engaging conversation on the intersections of race, sexuality, and housing inequality. Reminiscent of Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, Jones’ book is set in 1996 and follows two men in Atlanta who must reconcile their human dignity to their professional ambitions.
This Cup of Truth will feature an interview with the author, a discussion on gentrification and housing discrimination, and a Q&A session open to the audience. Coffee and other beverages will be provided on-site by BE Cafe. This program, made possible by the LGBTQ+ Institute’s Bayard Rustin Society, is free and open to the public.
Buy the book: The Fantasies of Future Things
About ArtsXchange
ArtsXchange creates, produces, presents, and provides arts and cultural services for the public. Their mission is to nourish the creativity and careers of Black artists; expose the community to multiple cultural traditions; and provide resources to inspire new generations of patrons, artists, and other creatives. ArtsXchange promotes and expands accessibility for those who have not traditionally had access to the arts and partners with arts organizations, organizers, and collectives of artists to respond to the needs of our community.
About 44th & 3rd Booksellers
44th & 3rd Bookseller is a family-owned, multicultural book and culture brand headquartered in the heart of Atlanta, GA.
Its founders, Warren, Cheryl, and Allyce Lee, established the brand in 2017. This concept for bookselling was born out of a master’s thesis by Cheryl Lee on the plight of independent bookstores and a strategy for success. The mission is to continue to be a source of unbiased literature that is true to the rich culture of excellence experienced and expressed in the Black community worldwide.
The store first opened in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta, and the Lees learned many lessons to grow their business and better serve. The current location was designed and built using their blueprint to create a sanctuary of great Black literature, history, and culture. Working in their store has inspired them to continue to bring well=curated books, conversation with writers via book signings, and community engagement with poetry nights, book club events, and lectures on subjects of importance to the community.
44th and 3rd Bookseller: https://44thand3rdbookseller.com/
Doug Jones bio
Doug Jones (he/him) was born in Brooklyn, NY. An alumnus of Morehouse College, he received his MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. His work has been included in the anthologies Black Love Letters (Zando Projects / Get Lifted Books), Role Call: A Generational Anthology of Social and Political Black Literature & Art (Third World Press) and Sojourner: Black Gay Voices in the Age of AIDS (Other Countries Press). He has also written for Black Issues Book Review and Venus Magazine. An inaugural fellow of the Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, the Hurston/Wright Foundation recognized Doug’s early work. An avid art collector who enjoys swimming and traveling, Doug is a proud pet dad to a lovable mixed breed German Shepherd, Baldwin. Doug lives in Atlanta, GA. The Fantasies of Future Things is his debut novel.
Shean Atkins bio
Shean L. Atkins is the principal consultant at the S.L. Atkins Group, where he advises public and private sector clients on strategy, external relations, and program development. He leads the firm’s work on mixed-income and attainable housing, creating inclusive, amenity-rich communities. Previously, he served as Vice President of External & Governmental Affairs at Atlanta Housing, where he led strategic initiatives to strengthen partnerships and support resident self-sufficiency. Mr. Atkins also spent a decade as chief of staff and senior legislative advisor to a longtime Atlanta City Council member. His early career includes experience in architecture and business development. Deeply committed to civic engagement, he has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the Atlanta Sister Cities Commission, East Point Planning and Zoning Commission, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Atkins holds a professional degree in Architecture from Howard University and enjoys politics, history, travel, and the arts.
Hannibal Hendrix, Jr. bio
Hannibal Hendrix Jr., an Atlanta native and a rising junior political science major on the pre-law track, aspires to become a civil rights lawyer and U.S. ambassador. He enjoys discovering and engaging with vibrant communities and has a passion for gaming, running, roller coasters, concerts, design, and cooking. Hannibal aims to continue his queer political work as Morehouse Adodi Co-President by transforming it into a social platform where injustices against both queer and non-queer communities can be challenged and addressed. He plans to use growing political skills to advocate against heteronormative attacks on the queer community. Ultimately, Hannibal envisions the work for Adodi and the broader Atlanta community as a symbol of peace, fostering safe spaces where the queer and heterosexual communities can coexist in harmony. This Fall, Hannibal will be joining the 2025 – 2026 cohort of the Georgia Youth Advocacy Fellowship, which mobilizes young people in and from Georgia to fight for LGBTQ+ equality and civil and human rights in the state.
Program: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
6:30 – 6:50 – Arrival, Register, Meet and Greet, Pick up Book
6:50 – 6:55 – Welcome and introduction of Shean Atkins by Kama Pierce
6:55 – 7:05 – Shean Atkins speaks
7:05 – 7:15 – Doug Jones reads 10-minute excerpt(s) from book
7:15 – 7:45 – Interview with Doug Jones about “The Fantasies of Future Things”
7:45 – 8:00 – Audience Q&A
8:00 – 8:30 – Departure and Book Signing
