Upcoming JCO Events
The Vacation Braids Tour!
This summer Jaylene is going on tour!
For many Black girls, summer time means getting "vacation braids!" This protective style can be worn in the pool, at the beach, and is a great way to look cute while not having to worry about styling your hair on vacation! That's why this summer tour for "A Black Girl and Her Braids" is called the Vacation Braids Tour!
See below for information on the upcoming events!
7/11/26 - Nefer Bookcafe (Bronx, NY)
A FREE All-Day Celebration of Black hair through books, arts, and style!
Join Nefer Bookcafe for The Crown Affair: A Black Girl and Her Braids — a joyful author talk, reading, and community celebration featuring Penguin Random House author Jaylene Clark Owens, on Saturday, July 11!
Beloved for her exuberant spirit and affirming storytelling, Jaylene Clark Owens brings her celebrated children’s book A Black Girl and Her Braids to the Bronx for a vibrant, intergenerational experience honoring the beauty, brilliance, and cultural legacy of Black hair. Through a live read-aloud, signing, and conversation with Becoming the CEO and Braiding Camp Founder Sabriena Campbell, Jaylene invites children and families into a world where braids become symbols of creativity, confidence, care, and connection.
Guests may register for one of two reading groups: Group One from 10:30AM–12PM or Group Two from 12PM–1PM. Both sessions include an interview and conversation with Jaylene Clark Owens, a live reading of A Black Girl and Her Braids, and a book signing experience moderated by Sabriena Campbell. The first 5 registrants will receive a free braid style (clean hair only and winners will be notified before the event).
Then join Becoming the CEO’s Braiding Camp, a fun, beginner-friendly interactive workshop where participants will learn the basics of hair braiding in a creative and supportive environment. From clean parts to simple braid techniques, Braiding Camp is designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and celebrate the artistry and tradition woven into Black hair culture. Space is limited to 10 participants. Braiding Camp begins at 2:00p.
Please note: Each ticket includes admission for one child and one adult.
Free admission • RSVP required.
FREE RSVP HERE!
Location: Nefer Bookcafe, 694 E 241st St, Bronx, NY 10470
7/18/26 - Barnes & Noble (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Jaylene will be at the Barnes & Noble in Cherry Hill, NJ for a FREE Storytime and Signing! Bring the kiddies, bring the family, bring yourself! The Storytime will take place Saturday, July 18, at 11AM. Learn more info here!
Location: Barnes & Noble, Towne Place at Garden State Park, 911 Haddonfield Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002
7/25/26 - CURLFEST (Randalls Island, NY)
In a country where laws still have to be passed to protect women of color from discrimination based on their hair, the need to affirm our beauty is more important than ever. CURLFEST® is an empowering and uniquely magical experience where women and girls of every shade, shape and size can come and be celebrated for who they are, unconditionally.
Jaylene will be a vendor at CURLFEST on Saturday, July 25th! The event runs from 12PM - 7PM. She will be there with her JCO Merch (t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and more) and she will also have her books (A Black Girl and Her Braids & AfroPoetic) available for sale and signing!
Purchase tickets to CURLFEST here!
Location: Randalls Island, NY
8/15/26 - Martha's Vineyard Black Book Festival (Oak Bluffs, MA)
"A Black Girl and Her Braids" is going to The Vineyard! Jaylene is a featured author in the Martha's Vineyard Black Book Festival taking place Saturday, August 15, 12PM - 6PM! The MVBBF is located on the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Island where Black families historically vacation each summer. This is a unique opportunity for both aspiring and well-established Black authors in fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and children to support, share, and celebrate Black literary excellence. There will be panel discussions, fireside chats, and appetizers. Don't miss out on this exciting event celebrating Black voices in literature!
Location: Island Inn Conference Center, 31 Island Inn Rd, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Click here to purchase tickets! Few tickets left!
8/29/26 - Harlem Book Fair (New York, NY)
Jaylene returns to her hometown of Harlem, New York, for the annual Harlem Book Fair! The fair will take place on Saturday, August 29, from 10AM to 6PM, in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. This event is FREE! Stay tuned to find out if Jaylene will also be performing her poetry or doing a read aloud!
Location: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street, Harlem, NY
9/27/26 - Children's Museum of Manhattan
Join the Children's Museum of Manhattan for a special afternoon with author and performer, Jaylene Clark Owens on Sunday, September 27, at 2PM and 3PM! Based on Jaylene’s viral poem of the same name, “A Black Girl and Her Braids” champions braids of all lengths, looks, parts, and styles, in a vibrant picture book celebrating the versatility of Black hair. Join for a read aloud and spoken word poetry performance from Jaylene!
This event was originally scheduled for February of this year, but was postponed due to the snow.
Location: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
Stay tuned for ticket information!