Program for the National Black Writers Conference 2026
Black writers have historically turned lived struggle into powerful art—illuminating truth, inspiring action, and envisioning new futures. This Conference brings together voices of the African diaspora whose words push boundaries and empower change. Their narratives offer critical insight into the struggle for civil and human rights, using literature to confront obstacles, illuminate injustice, and inspire change while sustaining and strengthening us through challenging times. This Conference will explore how writers across the African diaspora address these issues through fiction, poetry, scholarship, screenwriting, and plays.
18th National Black Writers Conference:
Expanding Conversations on Environmental Justice,
Popular Culture, Resilience, and Peace
Program Schedule
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Opening Program
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Opening Program for the 18th National Black Writers Conference: Expanding Conversations on Environmental Justice, Popular Culture, Resilience, and Peace with:
Nikole Hannah-Jones in Conversation Michael Harriott
Location: Founders Auditorium, 1650 Bedford Avenue
Thursday, March 26, 2026
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS for Students involved in CBL’s ROLL (Re-envisioning Our Lives Through Literature)
Middle School and High School Students
Elementary School Students
Note: Closed to the public. Available only for ROLL parents, teachers, TA’s, and other interested elementary, junior high and high schools
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Virtual Scholarly Presentations on Conference Theme
Via ZOOM
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
STUDENT ROUNDTABLE
How Does Popular Culture Influence Social Thought, Shape Interaction and Encourage Activism
Location: Founders Auditorium
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Dr. Edith Rock Elders Writers Workshop Reading
Note: Presenters will be in-person and via Zoom
Location: AB1 Building, 2nd Fl. Dining Hall, 1638 Bedford Avenue
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Poetry Cafe
Presented in Collaboration with the Central Brooklyn Public Library
Location: Central Public Library (10 Grand Army Plaza), Dweck Center
Friday, March 27, 2026
Roundtable Discussions
All Roundtables Discussions will be held at AB1 Dining Hall
10:00 am – 11:30 am
African Diasporic Literature: Paths Towards Resilience, and Healing
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
The Representation of Resistance in the Literature by African Diasporic Writers
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
The Influence of Media and Technology in Literature by African Diasporic Writers
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
18th National Black Writers Conference 2026 WELCOME RECEPTION
Location: AB1 Building, 2nd Fl., Dining Hall, 1638 Bedford Avenue
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Roundtable Discussions
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WILD SEEDS RETREAT ALUMNI GATHERING (not open to the public)
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Climate Change, Restoration of the Planet: Voices from African Diasporic Writers
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Beyond Banned Books and Censorship of African Diasporic Literature
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Plenary: Discussion with Honorees on Conference theme and the National Black Writers Conference Awards Ceremony
Imani Perry, Camille Dungy, Kassahun Checole, Bernardine Evaristo
Location: AB1 Building, 2nd Fl. Dining Hall, 1638 Bedford Avenue
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW
Please Take Note Here
- The NBWC 2026 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
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