In general, panelists and honorees are selected by a committee that includes writers and other qualified individuals who represent the genres and subject matter presented. All recommendations for potential panelists or presenters are reviewed by the committee for consideration.

No, not at all. The conference is a gathering of the general public, writers, scholars, teachers, students, and literary professionals. All programs of the Center for Black Literature, including the National Black Writers Conference, are open to all.

1. The four-day Conference is every even year, i.e. 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, and so on. Typically, the four-day gathering takes place during the last full weekend in March.
2. The Biennial Symposium is typically for one day only and that normally takes place on the last Saturday in March in the odd years (2019, 2021, 2023, etc.). The Biennial Symposium date(s) may be influenced by the Easter / Spring break.

Generally, one can register online for the Conferences or via postal mail.

To register via postal mail, please request a form by calling us at (718) 804-8883 or emailing us at info@centerforblackliterature.org. Though CBL staff members are working remotely, email and phone messages are checked every weekday. Please allow one to two business days for a reply.

A student can register individually or as a part of a student group. Valid ID will be required upon registration.

Medgar Evers College and other CUNY students do not have to pay to attend most Conference activities (although, a nominal fee might apply for Talkshops or fundraising events).

The Youth Day programs are generally free for tri-state area elementary, middle, and high schools students. Youth programming is generally for 3rd grade – 12th grade students.

School administrators and teachers: To find out how your class can participate in “Youth Day” activities, please contact us at (718) 804-8883. You may also send an email to info@centerforblackliterature.org.

Only during the multi-day conference can students (of high school age and older) register for these workshops. For more information, please send an email to info@centerforblackliterature.org or call the CBL main office at (718) 804-8883.

62 years of age (with a valid ID card).

For NBWC2023 (March 31 - April 1, 2023), registration information and deadlines will be posted on the Center's website and via CBL's Eventbrite account: www.centerforblackliterature.eventbrite.com.

Most of the Conference activities and the partner events are held at New York City venues that are accessible for individuals with disabilities. 

No. If you are selected to be an official vendor for the Conference, you do not have to pay a registration fee to attend the Conference. For more information, please contact Charlotte Hunter at hunter@centerforblackliterature.org.

Yes. These events are separate. Paying for the Conference does not grant one access to the VIP reception or awards programs.

Yes. “Talkshops” are ticketed events that are separate from the other Conference activities.

Volunteers who donate a minimum of two hours per day of the Conference may attend select ticketed events at no cost. For more information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Grey Jones at volunteers@centerforblackliterature.org.