Program for the National Black Writers Biennial Symposium 2025

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This Symposium, a culturally enriched literary gathering of writers, educators, literary professionals and the general public, specifically targets Young Adult (YA) and Middle Grade (MG) Literature by Black authors, a genre that has expanded over the last two decades. This genre serves as an energizing force for cultivating and nurturing the critical reading and writing habits of a cross-generation of readers and writers, helps to affirm students’ self-esteem, literacy, identity, and awareness of the contributions of literature by Black writers.

The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY (CBL), presents the National Black Writers Biennial Symposium, “Honoring Black Middle Grade and Young Adult Storytelling.” This Symposium is a culturally enriched literary gathering of writers, educators, literary professionals, and the general public.

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Thursday, March 27, 2025

Youth Day: Writing Workshops and Readings of MG and YA Authors
(program subject to change)

Creative Writing Workshops for Students Involved in CBL's
ROLL (Re-envisioning Our Lives Through Literature)

Middle School, High School, and Primary School Students

3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Dr. Edith Rock Elders | Writers Workshop Reading

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Poetry Readings by MG, YA, College & Youth Poets
Presented in collaboration with the Central Brooklyn Public Library

The ROLL events are targeted to participating NYC schools in the ROLL program.
For more information, please email Mara Prater, ROLL Program Director, at info@centerforblackliterature.org.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Scholarly Panels and Writing, Publishing,
and Professional Development Workshops and Virtual Presentations
(program subject to change)

10:00 am to 11:30 am
Panel One: Scholarship on themes in MG and YA literature

11:45 am to 1:15 pm
Panel Two: Scholarship on themes in MG and YA literature

1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Panel Three: Scholarship on themes in MG and YA literature

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Writing, Publishing, and Professional Development Workshops on Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature

Writing for Middle Grade and Young Adults

Publishing for Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature
Author: Jenn Baker

Publishing for Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature
Sponsored by Patrick Oliver, Say It Loud! Readers and Writers, LLC, and
Dr. Tiffeni Fontno, Director of the Peabody Library at Vanderbilt University

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
NBWC2025 Biennial Symposium Welcome Reception

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Roundtable Discussions
(program subject to change)

10:00 am to 11:30 am
Expanding Voices in MG and YA Speculative Fiction
Authors: Tomi Adeyemi*, Tracey Baptiste, Derrick Barnes, and Lamar Giles
Moderator & Partner: Patrick Oliver, Say It Loud! Readers and Writers, LLC

12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Explorations of Gender & Identity in MG and YA Literature
Authors: Jay Coles*, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Dr. Nezera Wright
Moderator & Partner: Asari Beale, Teachers & Writers Collaborative*

2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
The Matter of Black Lives in MG and YA Literature
Authors: Alicia Williams, Ibi Zoboi, and Tiffany Jackson
Moderator & Partner: Wade Hudson, Just Us Books

4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Pathways to Joy, Courage, and Healing in MG and YA Literature
Authors: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Liara Tamani, and Jenn Baker
Moderator & Partner: Cheryl Hudson, Just Us Books

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Keynote Conversation and Presentation of National Black Writers Award
for Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature

Honorees: Tony Medina and Rita Williams-Garcia
Moderator: Jacqueline Woodson*

Tony Medina

Tony Medina

Rita Williams-Garcia

Rita Williams-Garcia

*Note: Names with asterisks indicate that confirmation is pending.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW
Please Take Note Here

  • The NBWC2025 program schedule is subject to change.
  • After their discussion, authors will be available for book signings on site. Their books will also be available for purchase.

LOCATION ADDRESSES

* Medgar Evers College, CUNY, is located in Crown Heights, Central Brooklyn. Get directions HERE.
* The Welcome Center is at 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Get directions HERE.
* The Edison O. Jackson Auditorium and AB1 Building are located at 1638 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Get directions HERE.
* The Founders Auditorium is at 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Get directions HERE.
* The Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library) is at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY. Get directions HERE.

Contact the Center for Black Literature

GENERAL INFORMATION: info@centerforblackliterature.org
● REGISTRATION INQUIRIES: info@centerforblackliterature.org

● COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL OR SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: Charlotte Hunter at  hunter@centerforblackliterature.org

● CBL DIGITAL DIRECTORY
> Website:
www.centerforblackliterature.org

> CBL Facebook: @CenterForBlackLiterature
> NBWC Facebook: @NationalBlackWritersConference
> Twitter: @Center4BlackLit
> Instagram: @Center4BlackLit
> YouTube: @CenterForBlackLiteratureMedgarEversCollege

Contact Us

Center for Black Literature (CBL)
at Medgar Evers College, CUNY
1534 Bedford Avenue | 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11216
(Click HERE for the Postal Mailing Address)

Main Phone: (718) 804-8884
Main Office: info@centerforblackliterature.org

Donate to CBL Today!

To carry out our literary programs and special events, we depend on financial support from the public. Donations are welcome year-round. Please click HERE to donate. Thank you!

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