About This Year's Theme, All That We Carry: This year's theme is inspired by Tiya Miles’ National Book Award-winning work, All That She Carried, The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, A Black Family Keepsake. Her work illustrates the value of tradition and history and portrays how we move forward when all around us is in disarray. At CBL, we know that our writers and scholars have always caused us to uncover hidden truths and to critically assess and interrogate the books and information that we are exposed to, whether that be on the internet, in the media, at public forums, or in classrooms.

At NBWC2024, we will continue to interrogate! As a gathering of writers, scholars, literary professionals, and literary activists, we will raise questions. We’ll focus on the literature produced by Black writers throughout the African diaspora, explore the value of history and legacy in literature, examine the impact of environmental and systemic racism, assess the impact of social media and the internet, investigate the world of publishing, reflect on the need for peace and emotional healing, and host readings and talkshops.

NOTE: Most of the NBWC2024 events will be in person. Only one event is virtual. Also, an American Sign Language Interpreter will be onsite March 20 (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm); March 21 (6:30 pm to 8:00 pm), and March 22 (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm).