BLACK WRITERS WEEKEND
Friday April 24th, 2026
Creative Culture Mixer
Newark Culture Club
563 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join fellow writers, editors, and creatives for a warm Newark welcome! Enjoy music, cocktails, and conversations as we kick off a weekend celebrating Black storytelling in all its forms.
Saturday April 25th, 2026
FULL EXPERIENCE DAY
Multiple Venues Across Downtown Newark, Harriett Tubman Square
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
CHECK-IN & VENDOR MARKETPLACE AT THE PILLARS
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Check-in and vendor marketplace
33 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
Pop-Up Signings at Black-Owned Businesses
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pop-Up Signings & Mixers at The Pillars
33 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
Featured Authors:
Malkia Walker
asia marche
Jamie Morrison
Jason Jones
Janay Harden
The Power of Sound: Audio Storytellers Panel
12:00PMRuth Ginsburg Hall Building
Moderator: Meah Denee
Panelist: Ify Ike, Kayla Clough, Ashley J. Hobbs
Dive into the world of audio narratives. Creators behind top audiobooks, podcasts, and sound-rich storytelling explore how sound expands the reach of Black stories.
Writers Circle: Voices of the Page
1:00PMRuth Ginsburg Hall Building
Moderator: Keyona of Chocolate Covered Pages
Panelist: Adrienne Joseph, Crystal S. Roman, Patrice Escoto
Every great story starts with a writer willing to tell the truth. In this lively and intimate circle, acclaimed and emerging Black authors and filmmakers come together to talk about the work — the craft behind the words, the culture that shapes the stories, and the community that keeps the pen moving. From first drafts to finished projects, panelists share the real journey of bringing Black stories to life, navigating the industry, and staying rooted in purpose along the way. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to find your voice, pull up a chair — this conversation is for you.
How to Produce Your First Audiobook Presented by Audible Presented by Audible
2:00 PMRuth Ginsburg Hall Building
Moderator: Shelbey Monae
Panelist: Nana Malone, Andi Arndt, and Winnie De Moya
The audiobook industry is booming — and Black voices are leading the charge. In this conversation presented by Audible, industry insiders pull back the curtain on the world of audio publishing and what it means for Black writers today. From navigating ACX and self-publishing your own audiobook to landing partnerships and reaching wider audiences, panelists break down the tools, opportunities, and resources available to writers ready to take their work beyond the page. Featuring perspectives from Audible and Audio in Color, this is an essential session for any writer looking to understand how audio is reshaping the publishing landscape — and how to make sure your voice is part of it.
“I Am Creative” Conversation
3:00 PMRuth Ginsburg Hall Building
Moderator: Jerrica Long
Panelist: Evita Robinson, VANESSA SMITHERS, Zolia Darton
Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum — it's built through discipline, community, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. In this featured conversation, three influential voices across books, media, and the arts gather for a candid deep dive into what it really takes to sustain a creative life. From the messy middle of the creative process to finding clarity in your purpose, the panel explores how Black creatives are not only surviving but thriving in an ever-shifting digital landscape. Whether you're a writer, artist, or storyteller still finding your footing, this conversation meets you where you are — and challenges you to keep going.
Dear Black Writers ScreeninG
3:00 PMRuth Ginsburg Hall Building
Till Death Do We Parent with Jess Hilarious
4:00 PMThe Essex Room @ Rutgers
Description: Parenting is no joke — but leave it to Jess Hilarious to make you laugh through every chaotic, beautiful, exhausting moment of it. In this candid and unapologetically real conversation, comedian, actress, and media personality Jess Hilarious opens up about the rollercoaster of modern Black parenthood — the highs, the hard days, the lessons learned, and the love that keeps it all together. From navigating public life while raising children to staying grounded in your identity as both a parent and a creative, Jess holds nothing back. This is the conversation every Black parent needed someone to have out loud — raw, hilarious, and deeply honest. Come ready to laugh, relate, and leave feeling a little less alone in the journey.
Pop-Up Signings & Mixers at Black-Owned Businesses
5:00 - 8:00 PM Closing Mixer: Stories in the City
Location: The Atelier
Walk, shop, sip, and celebrate Newark! Enjoy surprise author signings, networking, and music at local Black-owned spaces.
Vendors:
Essence Myrick, Malkia Walker, Asia Marche, Jamie Jai - Heal Hause, Jason Jones, Tye Rene
Closing Mixer: Stories in the City
5:00 - 8:00 PM Closing Mixer: Stories in the City
Location: The Atelier
One of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature, in conversation with Jordan of Completely Booked, Frederick Joseph will be signing copies of his work at Black Writers Weekend Newark. Known for his fearless, culture-shifting storytelling, Frederick brings a rare combination of heart, honesty, and urgency to everything he writes — and this is your chance to meet him face to face.
Whether you've followed his journey or you're discovering him for the first time, don't miss the opportunity to get your copy signed and share a moment with an author whose words have moved a generation.