Black History Month
Literary Weekend

Three days of authors, laughter, and legacy. A celebration of Black literary excellence — and the stories that bring us together.

Explore the weekend Meet the authors

Author registration is closed.

Three days. One celebration.

From the Creators Tour to the Ivory & Cream Affair, discover a different way to experience Black literature each day.

Ticket updates
Thursday
February 25, 2027

Creators Tour

Ethical AI, book promotion, and creator rights — practical sessions for working authors.

Author panels and conversations celebrating the written word.

Meet the featured authors
Friday
February 26, 2027

Community & Literacy

School visits, community connections, and a Barnes & Noble book signing with April Ryan. Then join us for the Greek Comedy Tour.

A full day of literature, followed by a night of laughter.

Meet the comedians
Saturday
February 27, 2027

Ivory & Cream Affair

Our signature Literary Jazz Brunch, hosted by Shartia "Love" Jones, with keynote speaker April Ryan, the For the Culture Book Awards, and recognition for our student essay winners.

Venue details will be announced closer to the event.

Awards and Scholarships

Celebrating Literacy AND Our History!

For eleven years, BHMLW has brought together Black authors, readers, community leaders, and culture-makers for three unforgettable days of books, music, and conversation. Founded by Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson — 25-time published author, Army Master Sergeant (Retired), and CEO of Meet the World Image Solutions — this is more than an event. It’s a movement.

Author panels, book signings, evening entertainment, and the signature Literary Jazz Brunch are anchored in a belief that literacy changes lives and Black stories deserve celebration. More than 1,000 authors have been served.

About Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson
14%Black 8th graders read at grade level¹
54%US adults read below 6th-grade level
$2.2TAnnual economic cost of low literacy

¹ Nation’s Report Card, 2024.

Meet our featured authors.

Celebrating the writers who inspire us, challenge us, and keep our stories alive.

April RyanShartia "Love" Jones

April Ryan

Special guest author · White House correspondent. Author. Trailblazer.

Veteran White House correspondent for The Contrarian, MS NOW political analyst, and acclaimed author, April Ryan brings her extraordinary career and powerful voice to BHMLW as our inaugural celebrity guest author. Meet her at Barnes & Noble on February 26 and hear her keynote at the Ivory & Cream Affair on February 27.

Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Discover April Ryan

Shartia "Love" Jones

Ivory & Cream Affair hostess

Shartia “Love” Jones is a published author, motivational speaker, professional emcee, educator, and advocate for self-love, confidence, personal growth, and authentic connection. With 26 years in education, Shartia combines her background in Corporate/Interpersonal Communication and Education with her lived experiences to inspire others to grow from the inside out.

Discover Shartia Jones
Lisa R. Frazier

Lisa R. Frazier

Children

Dr. George Walters-Sleyon

Dr. George Walters-Sleyon

Inspirational / Interdisciplinary

Visit website

Author registration for BHMLW 2027 is closed.

The Greek Comedy Tour.

A day of stories. A night of laughter. The crowd favorite returns to Black History Month Literary Weekend.

A weekend with a lasting impact.

Honoring literary excellence and investing in the next generation of storytellers.

For the Culture Book Awards

The 3rd Annual FTC Book Awards celebrate the best in Black fiction and non-fiction. This separate annual program culminates in the Ivory & Cream Affair, with prizes awarded in February 2027.

Join us at the Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch for a celebration of authors, achievement, and legacy.

Submission deadline: November 15, 2026
Explore the awards

Graduating Senior Scholarship

The $1,000 Meet the World Foundation Graduating Senior Scholarship recognizes leadership, community service, and educational potential — not grades alone.

Winners announced February 15, 2027.

Application deadline · February 1, 2027
Scholarship application

8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest

Open nationwide to students in 8th and 9th grade. Share a Black history story that deserves to be heard.

One winner in each grade receives $300 and reads their essay at the Ivory & Cream Affair on February 27.

Entry deadline · February 1, 2027
Essay contest application

Sponsorship deadline: December 15, 2026. Secure your placement to be included in event marketing materials.

Sponsorship packet Schedule a sponsor call

Frequently asked questions.

What is Black History Month Literary Weekend?

An annual three-day celebration of Black authors, literacy, and culture, founded by Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson. Now in its 11th year, it brings readers, authors, educators, and community leaders together.

When and where is BHMLW 2027?

February 25–27, 2027 in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). Venue details will be announced closer to the event.

Can I register as a featured author?

Author registration for BHMLW 2027 is closed.

What genres are represented?

Fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, poetry, children’s books, self-help, spiritual, business, and more. BHMLW celebrates both traditionally and independently published Black authors.

How does the essay contest work?

Current 8th and 9th grade students across the United States may enter. Applications and essays are due February 1, 2027. One winner per grade receives $300 and is invited to read at the February 27 jazz brunch. Download the application above for all requirements.

How can my business become a sponsor?

Choose Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($3,000), Silver ($1,500), or Community ($500). The deadline is December 15, 2026. Review the sponsorship packet or book a call with our team.

What are the For the Culture Book Awards?

A separate annual Meet the World Image Solutions program celebrating Black fiction and non-fiction. The 3rd Annual Awards culminate at the Ivory & Cream Affair with prizes awarded in February 2027.

Is the event in person or virtual?

BHMLW 2027 is planned as a hybrid event with in-person experiences in the DMV and virtual access options. More details will be shared closer to the event.

How do I contact the team?

Email info@mtwimagesolutions.com, call or text (504) 505-5894, or schedule a call at calendly.com/teammtw. We’re happy to help with attendance, sponsorship, or the essay contest.

Be part of the story.

Join us February 25–27, 2027 for the 11th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend.

Ticket updates Contact us

Author registration is closed. We look forward to welcoming our readers and guests.