A 7-foot, 2-inch basketball star, the creator of The Simpsons, and the best-known American writer for women’s equality are among the high-powered lineup scheduled to speak at Authors! Authors! in Toledo between September and May.

The popular series is cosponsored by The Blade and the Toledo-Lucas Public Library.

Kicking off the lineup for the 21st season will be Bryan Stevenson on Sept. 29. He penned Just Mercy, the story of a young lawyer fighting against extreme punishments and careless justice. Oct. 22 will bring Kwame Alexander, author of The Crossover, an award-winning novel for the middle grades about family and brotherhood. Gloria Steinem, Toledo-born writer and activist, will make her first appearance at the Authors! series on Nov. 18. Her soon-to-be-published memoir is My Life on the Road.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, will speak March 2. He has written many books for adults and children. Luis Rodriguez takes the podium April 14. He’s a poet, novelist, kids/ writer, and community activist.

And making a rare appearance on May 20 will be Matt Groening, creator and executive producer of The Simpsons, the longest-running scripted show in television history. He’ll appear with his good friend, Lynda Barry, creator of the comic strip Ernie Pook’s Comeek and several novels and graphic novels.

Details on ticket sales, including an online-purchase option, will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Tickets, $10 for adults, $8 for students.

First Published July 16, 2015, 2:17 p.m.