CNN commentator and author Alencia Johnson to headline Fireside Chat and Book Signing in Columbia on March 13
March 10, 2026
Community leaders, changemakers, and book lovers are invited to an inspiring evening of conversation and connection as CNN Commentator, political strategist, and author Alencia Johnson visits Columbia for a Fireside Chat and Book Signing centered around her new book, Flip the Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change.
The event will be hosted by Senator Tameika Isaac Devine and Former Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Friday, March 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mansion on Blanding, 1329 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
The evening will feature an engaging fireside conversation with Johnson discussing leadership, courage, civic engagement, and the strategies everyday people can use to challenge systems and create meaningful change in their communities. Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Johnson and participate in a book signing.
Johnson, a native of Virginia, is a nationally recognized voice in politics, advocacy, and communications. She is a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, NewsOne, and BET, and has been featured in outlets including NPR, The Washington Post, ESSENCE, Glamour, and Huffington Post Live. Her leadership and influence have earned her recognition on EBONY Magazine’s “Power 100,” PRWeek’s “40 Under 40,” The Root 100 list of influential Black leaders, and she has been honored as a “Champion in PR” by PRWeek and named Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum.
Her debut book, Flip the Tables, offers a bold call to action to people who want to challenge the status quo and create positive change in their workplaces, communities, and public life.
“This will be a powerful evening of conversation about courage, leadership, and the responsibility we all share to help shape the future of our community,” said Senator Tameika Isaac Devine. “Alencia Johnson has spent her career empowering people to speak truth, challenge barriers, and lead with purpose. We are excited to welcome her to Columbia for a conversation that will inspire people to step boldly into their own leadership.”
The Fireside Chat & Book Signing will bring together community leaders, students, professionals, and residents for an evening focused on civic engagement, leadership, and the power of everyday disruptors to move society forward. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase copies of the book and participate in a signing following the fireside conversation.
This event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. For more information, please call 803.922.5310.
