Meet Avery Cunningham
Gifted storyteller and (originally from Jackson, TN) now proud Memphian, Avery Cunningham, continues to inspire a nation with her debut novel, The Mayor on Maxwell Street. Her love of history and bold spirit shine through her and are embedded in the heart of her writing. With each page, Cunningham reclaims forgotten narratives and invites readers to witness the complexities of identity, power, and self-discovery.
"I've always been a part of memphis!"
more than a story…a stand!
The Mayor on Maxwell Street is a beautiful story about a young woman navigating life, love, and a longing for freedom at the height of the 1920s. Set against the backdrop of the Black elite, the novel intricately explores the hierarchy within the community—highlighting both the privilege and pressure that come with proximity to power. Cunningham shares that “the sensation of being at once within and without” is something she has grappled with since childhood—a feeling she weaves masterfully into the emotional tapestry of her characters. At the center of it all is a protagonist willing to challenge the status quo and fight for what she believes in, even when she’s standing alone. Through this lens, the story becomes not only a historical mystery but also a powerful reflection on self-definition, resistance, and courage.
The courage to share your voice
Avery Cunningham encourages Memphians—and creatives everywhere—to lean into the forms of self-expression that resonate most with them. “If you have a voice that you want to share with others, no matter how you express that voice, that makes you a writer. That makes you a storyteller. That makes you a creator.” Her journey is a reminder that storytelling doesn’t require permission—it simply requires courage, and the willingness to begin.
where to support
+ The Mayor on Maxwell Street is available now online and in stores!
+ Head to Avery’s website to read more and signs up for her newsletter!
+ Follow Avery Cunningham on Instagram to keep up with her latest adventures!
