There’s a Black Writers Weekend?

As a Black Female Writer, one of the most important things to me is COMMUNITY. Growing up, none of my favorite books were written by Black Authors. In fact, the majority of books required by my schools were written by white authors. It wasn’t until college that I started actively reading books written by Black people. Those were usually non-fiction, and all required for class, but I enjoyed reading about the various Black experiences and yearned for more pieces of literature written by people who looked like me AND whose writing styles were so different than what I was used to. After graduating, and having a little more time to engage in selfish reading, I discovered authors like Zora Neale Hurston, Terry McMillan, and Bell Hooks. I love reading the OG’s work, but I wanted to be just as caught up on recent project by Black Authors as I am from other’s. Sadly, my bookshelf did not reflect that, so I decided to get active in the Black Book Lovers’ Community (Yeah, I just made that a thing).

I started following Black Authors on instagram, and researched Black Bookstores. I did google searches for “Upcoming Books Written By Black People” and created my lists on Goodreads. And soon after Black Lit Posts became a normal thing for me to see everyday, I came across Black Female Author and CEO Tamika Newhouse. At the time I was working on publishing my first short story and had read up on ALL of her accomplishments. To date, she’s written 16 novels, has been on many Best Sellers’ lists, and has won 8 African American Literacy Awards. Newhouse is the CEO of Delphine Publications where she publishes 100s of titles written by People of Color. Tamika also produced an entertainment award show for writers, the AAMBC Awards.

Newhouse, alongside LaQ’uita Adams, are the masterminds behind Black Writers Weekend. Black Writers Weekend is the experience that Black Lit Lovers (Also, now a thing) dream about. My favorite Black authors doing live interviews and readings at an affordable rate?! Sign me up! And get this, it’s not just literary professionals, Black Writers Weekend showcases screenwriters, film stars, AND television stars! AND you have the opportunity to get feedback on YOUR OWN WORK!

The events usually take place in Atlanta, Ga, but this year (due to COVID-19) all events will be virtual. This gives EVERYONE a chance to take part in the festivities. There will be Literary Panels, Pitch Info Sessions, Film Screenings, and even Yoga Sessions.

I know what you’re thinking “Ok T.C., this sounds Dope, but I know it must cost crazy mula?” Actually, it doesn’t. Most of the events for Black Writers Weekend are FREE this year, and those that DO cost are decently priced AND you’re given some cool perks.

If you haven’t already checked out their website, you can do so HERE. The weekend runs from Thursday, August 27th-Saturday August 29th and you can view the daily schedule HERE. Next to each event title, you are told what pass is needed (if any) to participate. So grab yourself a PASS for Black Writers Weekend and let your friends know you’ll be busy (Invite Them Too!). I’m so excited to see the content they have ready for us this year and to widen my community of Black Writers! Let me know what you’re most excited for during Black Writers Weekend in the comments section below.

Peace&&Blessings Yall

T.C. Taylor