The National Black Writers Conference (NBWC) is one of the major programs of the Center for Black Literature. It was founded by John Oliver Killens in 1986 at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. It is held during the last weekend of March each year.

As a national conference, this public gathering is dedicated to the exploration of "emerging themes, trends and issues in Black American literature," African diasporic literature, and African literature. Over the decades, it has attracted thousands of writers, readers, scholars, editors, agents, faculty, students, literary activists, and all lovers of Black literature.

NBWC seeks to address themes and stereotypes in Black literature, the legacy and forward direction of Black literature, as well as the renaissance in Black literature, Black thought, and Black life. The Conference also seeks to expand conversations on race, identity, history, and genre.

Each Conference has built upon the previous one and proudly celebrates outstanding Black writers throughout the world with a variety of free and ticketed events for people of all ages.