11:00 AM–12:30 PM

Roundtable: Reflections on the Life and Work of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams
The speakers on this panel will offer personal perspectives and reflections on Marshall and Williams, who were major contributors to the canons of African American and Caribbean literature.

Speakers are Edwidge Danticat, Evan Marshall, Ishmael Reed, Keith Gilyard and Linda Villarosa.

The discussion will be moderated by Jamia Wilson.

1:00 PM–2:00 PM

Scholarship on the Works of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams
This panel of academics and writers will place the works of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams in a scholarly context. Speakers are Carol Boyce-Davies and Maryemma Graham.

2:30 PM–3:15 PM

Dramatic Presentations
Writers and performers Liza Jessie Peterson and Michael Anthony Green will present dramatic readings from selected works of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams.

3:45 PM–5:15 pm

Keynote Address: “‘We Cried I Am’: Paule Marshall and John A. Williams:
Why the Works of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams Matter”
The discussion between literary writers and scholars will focus on how the themes in the works of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams relate to today’s social and political environment.

Speakers are Lawrence P. Jackson and Mary Helen Washington.

The discussion will be moderated by Keith Gilyard.

5:30 PM–6:00 PM

Presentation of Awards for Paule Marshall and John A Williams
Remarks by Family Members of Paule Marshall and John A. Williams

6:15 PM

Musical Tribute by Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch