Are you interested in being honored in the company of some of the nation's most distinguished authors, literary leaders, journalists, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural visionaries?

Are you a Black author seeking to elevate your literary work while standing alongside those who understand the transformative power of literacy within the Black community? Have your words inspired, educated, challenged, or empowered others? Are you committed to preserving authentic Black stories and ensuring that future generations have access to the richness of Black literature and culture?

Do you believe in intellectual freedom? Are you a passionate advocate in the fight against book banning and censorship? Are you a proponent of protecting the First Amendment rights of all Americans and defending the fundamental right to read, write, create, and think freely?

If this sounds like you, we invite you to consider applying for a chance to become one of our distinguished honorees of the 2027 Black Authors Festival.

The Black Authors Festival honors extraordinary Black authors, literary visionaries, educators, journalists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and cultural changemakers whose work has made a meaningful impact on literature, education, media, and society. Our honorees are individuals whose contributions have elevated the Black experience, advanced literacy, strengthened communities, and preserved the stories that define our collective history.

The Festival proudly champions The Right to Write™, a national movement dedicated to protecting intellectual freedom, opposing book bans, and ensuring that Black voices continue to be heard, celebrated, and preserved.

If you believe that your literary contributions deserve recognition and that your work reflects the richness, complexity, and authenticity of the Black experience, we would be honored to hear from you.

Please note that all applicants must be of Black descent, and the literary works submitted for consideration must authentically reflect Black stories, perspectives, history, culture, and lived experiences.

Submission of an application does not guarantee selection. Each application is carefully reviewed by the Black Authors Festival Selection Committee. Applicants selected for further consideration by the Advisory Council will be invited to participate in an interview as part of the final selection process.

Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable and are required for all submissions. Payment of the application fee does not guarantee selection, recognition, speaking opportunities, media coverage, or participation in any Festival-related activities.

The Black Authors Festival Selection Committee reserves the right to determine honoree eligibility based on literary accomplishments, professional achievements, community impact, alignment with the Festival's mission, and overall contributions to the advancement of Black literature and culture.

We thank you for your interest in the Black Authors Festival and for your commitment to preserving, elevating, and celebrating Black voices, Black stories, and the enduring power of the written word. We look forward to learning more about your work and the legacy you are creating for generations to come.