LOCATION:
Harriet Tubman Square - Newark
NEXT EVENT:
APRIL 24- 25, 2026
THE POPUP STARTS IN
About Black Writers Weekend Popup
Black Writers Weekend Pop-Up is an intimate creative gathering designed to celebrate and connect Black storytellers across disciplines. This special event features an exclusive screening of Dear Black Writers, a dynamic artist panel with creatives from books, film, and media, and a curated creative mixer for meaningful networking. The pop-up creates space for conversation, collaboration, and community—bringing writers and creatives together to share insights, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Jess Hilarious is coming to Black Writers Weekend Newark
for an unforgettable book signing and meet & greet experience built for the fans, the readers, and everyone who has ever laughed, cried, and related to her unapologetic truth-telling.
She is bringing her brand new book —
📖 Til Death Do We Parent: Raising My Kid with His Dad
— and honey, if you know Jess, you already know this book is going to be EVERYTHING. Raw. Funny. Real. The kind of read that has you highlighting every other page because she said exactly what you were thinking but were too scared to say out loud
Join our live listening room...
Before the panels, before the stages, before the magic officially goes down — we are gathering the writers, the editors, the creatives, and the culture-makers for a Newark welcome you will not forget.
The Sound of Our Stories is the kickoff mixer for Black Writers Weekend Newark and the energy is going to be UNMATCHED. Come ready to vibe, connect, and celebrate with your people in a room that was built for exactly this moment.
Here is what you are walking into:
Live Open Mic — hear raw, real, powerful voices take the stage and set the tone for the entire weekend
Music — the soundtrack to our stories, all night long
Cocktails flowing — because every great story starts with a great drink in hand
Real conversations — the kind that turn strangers into collaborators and collaborators into community
This is not just a mixer. This is the moment Black creatives find their people. This is where the weekend begins and the connections that last a lifetime are made.
Newark, the culture is in the building. Come get your seat at the table.
Apply
Vending Opportunity
We have vending options here at Black Writers Weekend. No matter what budget you have, we can find a vending solution that will fit your situation.
APPLY TO BE A SPEAKER
Have a story to tell or expertise to share? Black Writers Weekend is calling on authors, filmmakers, podcasters, and creatives who want to inspire, educate, and add to the conversation. Whether you’re promoting a new book, film, or project—or you feel your voice can impact and influence others—apply to be a speaker at one of this year’s pop-up experiences. Submit yourself today and be part of a powerful creative community.
Volunteer with us
Our community-driven experiences built around creativity, culture, and connection. We’re looking for creators, enthusiasts, and community-minded individuals who want to contribute their skills and energy to something meaningful. Whether you’re skilled in art, media, design, coordination, storytelling, or simply love bringing people together, we invite you to apply and collaborate with our community. Come help us create, build, and celebrate together.
Book Your Hotel Stay
The Courtyard Newark Downtown places guests in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Prudential Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Municipal Court, and Newark Penn Station. It proudly serves as the host hotel for Black Writers Weekend Newark.
Workshop Instructor
Jess Hilarious
American comedian and actress
Workshop Instructor
Kayla J. Clough
Media Personality, Freelance Senior Producer / Host
Workshop Instructor
Crystal Roman
Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Movie Producer, Playwright, Director
Bre Teamer
Media Personality
Moderator
Meah Denee
Movie Producer, Media Personality, Creative Producer
SoulSisters Panelist
Evita Robinsonn
Storyteller
Sakinah Hofler
Author
Waleeah Brooks
Author, Educator
Sakinah Hofler
Author
Winnie De Moya
Content strategist and Relationship manager for creators at Audible
Workshop Instructor
Patrice Escoto
Screenwriter, Podcast, Director, Producer
Ben Robinson III
Author, Screenwriter, Podcast
Keyona Pierre
Literary influencer
Shelbey Monae
Podcast, Media Personality
Ifeoma Ike
Author, Podcast
Nana Malone
Audio in Color Co-Founder
Jordan Hernandez
Media Personality
Jerrica Long
Founder, Creator & Writer of Greenlight Yourself
Donneil D. Jackson
Author
Workshop Instructor
Vanessa Smithers
Legacy Archivist, Narrative Consultant, Writer
Filmmaker Panelist
Ashley J. Hobbs
Author, Audiobook Narrator, Podcast Producer
Zoila Darton
Producer, Storyteller, Creative Director
Moderator
Adrienne Joseph
Content creator
Frederick Joseph
New York Times Bestselling Author
Pia Wilson
Writer
Frederick Joseph
New York Times Bestselling Author
Andi Arndt
Media Personality, audiobook narrator, co-founder of Audio in Color
event schedule
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.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
EVENT VEUNE
33 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102