Tenth National Black Writers Conference NYC March 25-28th

Toni Morrison

The Tenth National Black Writers' Conference, first presented in 1986 as a result of the visionary leadership of the late John O. Killens, will be held March 25-28, 2010. Toni Morrison, will be the Honorary Chair. The theme of the National Black Writers' Conference is And Then We Heard the Thunder: Black Writers Reconstructing Memories and Lighting the Way. Through a series of panel discussions, roundtables, author readings and storytelling, the National Black Writers' Conference will use the metaphor of thunder, memory and light to examine the historical representation of the literature of Black writers and the representation of new and future directions for contemporary and emerging literary voices. With Toni Morrison as the Honorary Chair, the National Black Writers' Conference will also honor Amiri Baraka, Kamau Brathwaite and Dr. Edison O. Jackson. Black writers will come from throughout America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

The National Black Writers' Conference is a conference dedicated to the exploration of “emerging themes, trends and issues in Black American literature.” It is hosted by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar and attracts writers, scholars, editors, agents, faculty, students and the general public. The 2010 Conference will prove to be a “first” in that this premier Black writers’ event will have the distinction of celebrating its tenth anniversary while being chaired by the prize-winning renowned Black author during a time when the first Black American president is in the White House.

The National Black Writers' Conference has addressed the themes of stereotypes in Black literature, the direction of Black literature, the renaissance in Black literature, access and expanding conversations on race, identity, history and genre Each conference has built upon the previous one celebrating outstanding Black writers through the world.

Notable Off-Site Event:

Spoken Word Poetry Cafe
Staceyann Chin and Willie Perdomo, Featured Poets including Jo Nubian of the great blog Just Jo Nubian

...If you are in the city, go listen to her read and offer support.

Poetry Reading with a special appearance by Stacy Ann Chin. Please contact Joi M. Sears, Coordinator for additional information at:

theatreforthefreepeople@gmail.com

Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza
Audience: Open - ages High School age & up.
Admission: No Fee Required for viewing.

For more information & Registration
Conference Hotline: 718 270-4811

Email: Center for Black Literature:

Website: Center for Black Literature:

Online Registration Partner:African American Literature Book Club