During Black History Month, Chicago-Born Author Chris J. Parker Releases Debut Memoir Building Bridges at Lange’s

Join Chicago-born author Chris J. Parker for the release of his debut memoir “Building Bridges” with a special reading and musical performance on February 22, 2026, at Lange’s on the Southport Corridor. Don’t miss this inspiring event!

A Chicago-rooted memoir about identity, resilience, and crossing invisible boundaries—from the South Side to corporate boardrooms.

Chicago-born Author Chris J. Parker Celebrates Book Release of Building Bridges at Lange’s

The event takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Lange’s, 3500 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, with no cover charge.

Chicago-born author Chris J. Parker will celebrate the release of his debut memoir, Building Bridges with a special reading and musical performance on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Lange’s on the Southport Corridor.

The event will feature Parker reading excerpts from the book, alongside live music by his brother, pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow, and acclaimed Chicago vocalist Joanie Pallatto.

Officially released on February 20, 2026, during Black History Month, Building Bridges is a deeply personal, Chicago-rooted memoir about identity, resilience, and learning how to move between worlds. Raised on the South Side by a Black father and a white mother navigating mental illness, Parker reflects on community, belonging, and the quiet skills learned early in life to survive and move forward.

Those early lessons carried him from childhood uncertainty into careers spanning startups and global technology companies—while continually returning him to questions of family, place, legacy, and self-acceptance. At once intimate and expansive, Building Bridges is a story about Chicago, movement, and becoming whole—without leaving where you come from behind.

The event is free and open to the public.

Book Information
Building Bridges – A Memoir
By Chris J. Parker
Available February 20, 2026
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBaby

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