State Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, formally announced Thursday morning that she is entering the race for U.S. Senate. The announcement puts the Florida House District 13 Democrat in an uphill battle against the existing Republican senator, Ashley Moody, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis handpicked for the job after Marco Rubio left to join the Trump administration. Moody is the only significant GOP contender for the seat. Before facing Moody, Nixon must first square off in an August primary against other Democratic candidates, including former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins. We spoke to Nixon from her office in Tallahassee to find out why she’s in.

Guest: State Rep. Angie Nixon

Seven degrees of separation

Though it’s her eighth published book, Jacksonville author, podcaster and journalist Nikesha Williams’ The Seven Daughters of Dupree is her first with a “Big 5” publishing house (in this case, Simon & Schuster). We talk to her about the power of self-publishing, the rigors of writing, the quest for work-life balance and what it means to make it to the majors. We also discuss the book’s multigenerational exploration of trauma, systemic racism and the eternal pull of family.

Guest: Nikesha Elise Williams, host of the Black & Published podcast, author of The Seven Daughters of Dupree

3rd annual JAX Urban Book Fest

And, a local event honors the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for authors and book enthusiasts alike. The JAX Urban Book Festival launched with the intention of promoting community engagement through literature and social progress. Inspired by King’s work, the event is part of the MLK “week of service” observances. Now in its third year, the festival at James Weldon Johnson Park focuses on Black stories and authors and includes master classes for aspiring writers and appearances by authors from Jacksonville and across the county. The event is free, but registration is required and volunteers are still needed.

Guests:

• Natasha Slaughter, festival chair, JAX Urban Book Festival
• Valecia Brooks Dunbar, author and founder of DREAMWEEK INC.