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Black Authors Festival
Black Authors Festival
PURCHASE TICKETS & SHOP
2026 HOSTESSES
BAF APPLICATIONS
SPONSORSHIP/DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
2026 SAG HARBOR HONOREES
2026 ATLANTA HONOREES
ABOUT US
BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL TEAM
FACTS & FAQs
HELPFUL INFORMATION
BOOK DARLENE
PHOTO GALLERY
BOOK PROJECTS
NATIONAL BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
CONTACT
Black Authors Festival
Black Authors Festival
PURCHASE TICKETS & SHOP
2026 HOSTESSES
BAF APPLICATIONS
SPONSORSHIP/DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
2026 SAG HARBOR HONOREES
2026 ATLANTA HONOREES
ABOUT US
BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL TEAM
FACTS & FAQs
HELPFUL INFORMATION
BOOK DARLENE
PHOTO GALLERY
BOOK PROJECTS
NATIONAL BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
CONTACT
PURCHASE TICKETS & SHOP
2026 HOSTESSES
BAF APPLICATIONS
SPONSORSHIP/DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
2026 SAG HARBOR HONOREES
2026 ATLANTA HONOREES
ABOUT US
BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL TEAM
FACTS & FAQs
HELPFUL INFORMATION
BOOK DARLENE
PHOTO GALLERY
BOOK PROJECTS
NATIONAL BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
CONTACT
Three people smiling and posing for a photo in front of a backdrop with various logos and text.
A man and woman standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing glasses, a white blazer, and a light pink shirt. The woman has curly hair and is wearing a floral dress.
Three people standing in front of a background with various logos and text. The woman in the middle is smiling, wearing a sleeveless white dress and has shoulder-length dreadlocks. The woman on the right is also smiling, wearing a sleeveless white dr
Two women standing in front of a fireplace with a ship model on the mantel, holding an award together, smiling. Behind them is a nautical-themed decor with a large ship's wheel and a pennant flag.
A smiling woman in a white dress and a man in a blue suit and sunglasses stand together at an event, with a backdrop displaying various logos and text.
Two people hugging, one wearing a white outfit with a white cap and the other in white with a dark cap and glasses, in a room decorated with nautical-themed artwork, while a woman in red checkered outfit looks on holding a microphone.
Two women standing together at an event with a backdrop covered in various logos and brand names.
A smiling woman and man dressed in white standing together on a red carpet in front of a step-and-repeat banner with various logos and event sponsors, outdoors during the daytime.
Darlene and Amaryllis
Sunny Hostin with a Guest
Darlene and Dominique
Don Lemon, Michelle Miller, Darlene Williams, and Harriette Cole
Darlene Williams and a Guest
Alton Fitzgerald White, Darlene Williams, and guests
Lamonia D. Brown
Darlene and Alton
Sunny Hostin and a guest
Darlene Williams and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key
Ralph "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels and Darlene
Darlene and a guest
Don Lemon, Darlene Williams, and Marc H. Morial
Darlene and Rochell
Don Lemon, Harriette Cole, Darlene Williams, and Alton Fitzgerald White
Mimi and Darlene - Deltas in the Harbor
Darlene and Sunny
Darlene and Don
Darlene Williams and Paloma Hostin
Don Lemon, Darlene Williams, and Maurice Williams, LMSW, MA
Darlene with a few of the honorees
Attika J. Torrence, Honoree with Darlene and Maurice Williams
Darlene and Don
Don and Harriette
Darlene with VIP Guests
Darlene Williams and Michelle Miller
Darlene Williams and Michael Aiken
Don Lemon with Guests
Darlene Williams and Cheryl Wills
Maurice and Darlene with Don and Marc
Darlene and Maurice with Alton
Darlene and Marc
Sunny and Darlene
Darlene, Ralph, and Sunny
Darlene and Malik, a sponsor
Ralph McDaniels and Marc Morial meeting for the first time in person
Paloma Hostin, Resident artist displaying her work
Darlene and Harriette, 2025 Honoree
A group of four smiling people standing together at an event with a backdrop filled with various logos and company names.
A woman in a white dress is speaking into a microphone, presenting an award or certificate to a woman in a bright pink skirt and colorful shawl, in a decorated room with nautical flags and a large ship wheel on the wall. Several people are seated and
A man holding a microphone and speaking at an indoor event, standing next to a fireplace and a table with audio equipment and stacked navy blue folders
Two women with dark hair smiling in white dresses, standing in front of a backdrop covered with various logos and text at an event.
A woman in a white dress and a man in a light-colored blazer and pink pants holding an award together, smiling, standing in front of a fireplace with nautical decor and a large ship wheel, celebrating an achievement.
Two women with long curly hair standing in front of a backdrop with various logos and text, including the words 'Black Girl Vibe,' 'Colors of the World,' and 'The African American Chamber of Commerce.' One woman is wearing a white dress and the other
A smiling man with glasses and a woman with dreadlocks outdoors with green trees in the background.
Group of people gathered at an outdoor registration booth under a blue canopy, with a coastal building and trees in the background.
Group of people gathered outdoors around a table with a laptop, talking and interacting during a sunny day.
A bright room set up for an event, with rows of white chairs facing a fireplace with a large digital screen and sound equipment, nautical flag banners, a mounted ship's wheel, and a sign for a Black Authors Festival.
A family of four standing outdoors in front of bushes, smiling at the camera. An adult man, adult woman, and two young boys.
A colorful brochure titled 'Roscoe Learns About Music Box' with an illustration of children watching a large screen displaying a cityscape with pink and purple buildings.
Three black notebooks with gold writing that says, "May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make. Thank you." They are on a wooden table next to a yellow envelope, with a black flyer above them. The flyer conta
A woman and a man standing together at an outdoor book event, holding a magazine with a woman's face on the cover. The table in front of them displays more copies of the magazine, and there is a rack with multiple copies behind them. The setting is a
A group of people lined up outside under a white canopy tent, with women signing papers at a table and others waiting in line.
A middle-aged man with short white hair looks contemplative while sitting on a wooden deck outdoors during daytime. He is wearing a cream-colored button-up shirt, and there are trees and a wooden railing in the background.
A man and woman standing behind a table at an outdoor event. The woman has glasses and a smiling expression, while the man is wearing a hat, sunglasses, and has a beard. The table is decorated with books, signs, and signs with QR codes, and is set up
A banner advertising The Higher Level Method coaching firm, featuring a woman smiling and pointing, with text about becoming a published author and benefits of the program. A man with glasses and a white and black shirt stands nearby, facing away.
A diverse group of people at an outdoor event, with some signing books on a blue table, others socializing under a canopy, and a woman in the foreground smiling and handing a gift bag.
A smiling woman and a serious young man standing side by side, both wearing matching yellow T-shirts, in front of a wooden wall.
A band performing live on a wooden deck outdoor stage with lush green trees in the background. The band consists of a female singer with a microphone, a keyboard player, a guitarist, and a drummer, all dressed in white or casual attire. The scene is
People gathered outdoors near a nautical club building, with some under a blue canopy, others standing in line or talking, and a person with a stroller, on a sunny day.
A vertical banner promoting the book 'Scooter Goes to the Zoo' by Justin J. Clark, featuring an illustration of children at the zoo, a photo of the author, and social media information, set outdoors under a canopy with trees and parked cars in the ba
Three people having a conversation outdoors under a white canopy. One man is reading a pamphlet, while the other man and woman are talking, with the woman wearing a bright pink dress. There are brochures and informational materials on a table in fron
Awards plaques in the shape of a bird, displayed on a table, with a bouquet of yellow roses nearby.
A table display at an outdoor event featuring blue books titled 'Surrendering to Soft Living,' small informational brochures, a decorative scale, a potted plant, a wooden box with small bottles, and a large poster background with a woman smiling, hol
Table displaying multiple copies of a book titled 'Full Court Emotions' by Deborn A. Carter, with a large backdrop of a basketball. The table includes flyers, brochures, and a small card list of today's readers. A yellow leaf blower is visible on the
Display of vibrant artwork featuring African women with natural hairstyles and headwraps, with words like "Faith Hope Love" and "Blessed" on some of the pieces, on a table covered with a dark blue cloth.
Display of books titled 'Setting the Atmosphere' by Dr. Deborah L. Wortham, with decorative gift bags and a table setup at an outdoor event.
A smiling woman with dreadlocks wearing a black dress and a man with a shaved head wearing a white t-shirt, standing together near a marina with boats in the background.
A woman with curly hair wearing a purple and pink dress with a pearl necklace, sitting outdoors at an event, taking a photo with her smartphone. Other people are seated nearby, some holding drinks, and event decorations are visible in the background.
Group of women sitting outdoors in white chairs watching a presentation on a screen, with some holding drinks, in a casual setting with a gravel ground and wooden structures in the background.
A person is handing a wristband to an elderly woman during an event, with a flyer, pens, and papers on a table.
A smiling woman with glasses and long dreadlocks standing on a dock by boats in a marina.
Man smiling and holding a book titled 'POSCOLE LEARNS about VIDEO MUSIC BOX' at an indoor event with a large screen displaying an award announcement in the background.
Darlene, Marcus, and Tamron autographing copies of their books for guests
Tamron Hall thanking Darlene Williams, the Founder for having her
A book titled 'Reckoning with Slavery' by Jennifer L. Morgan displayed on a table at a book signing or event, with stacks of copies behind it. A framed sign with the book's title, author, and price of $20 is also on the table.
A smiling man holding a microphone while sitting outdoors near a marina with boats in the background.
A woman with curly hair wearing a floral dress claps her hands while standing at a podium with a microphone, in a room with wooden panels and a large screen displaying her image.
Darlene with the 2024 Honorees
Book titled 'Before Busing: A History of Boston's Long Black Freedom Struggle' displayed on a table, with a white sign showing the price of $30.00 and QR codes for payment and information, at an event or book sale.
Group of women at a social gathering, some seated and some standing, in a well-lit indoor space with white walls and framed pictures. One woman wearing sunglasses and holding a hand fan is prominently visible, with others engaged in conversation.
A group of women and a man sitting at a long table outside near boats at a marina, with some women standing in front of the table. The women are engaged in signing or giving autographs, and some are holding books or merchandise.
Tamron Hall, 2024 Honoree and Darlene Williams, Founder of the Black Authors Festival
Black Author Festival Guests
Tamron Hall - acceptance speech
Two women and a man shaking hands and smiling during a social event at a marina, with boats visible in the background.
Tamron Hall sharing her story about literacy and the importance of being able to read and what reading has done for her
Darlene honoring Tamron Hall, 2024 Honoree at the Black Authors Festival
Community Leader Award
Black Author Festival @SagHarbor Guests
Black Author Festival Vendor
Never Lose Touch Live Band Member - they are awesome
Book titled 'New Black Power: A Memoir of Kevin Lavigne Antoine' displayed at an outdoor event. The cover features an image of a government building with a dome, resembling the Capitol.
A framed book cover titled 'Chasing Sisterhood' mounted on a decorative metal stand outdoors. Below the book cover, there is a sign with a heart symbol, release date of Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2026, and an email address. Red flowers with gree
People at a dock signing books and interacting with attendees during a book signing event near a marina with boats in the background.
Alissa Anderson, 2024 Black Authors Festival Hostess
Tamron Hall, 2024 Black Authors Festival Honoree
Black Authors Festival Dedicated Ambassador Assisting a Guest
2024 Honorees and Darlene, Founder - Greekdom Shout Out
Guests having their books autographed by the Honorees - 2024
Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor with Tamron Hall, Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor Honorees
Maurice L. Williams, LMSW, MA Men's Panel with Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster and Chopped Television show at the Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor
Guest enjoying themselves at the Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor 2024
Dedicated Black Authors Festival Ambassadors assisting guests
Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor with honorees and guests in the audience with Tamron Hall and Sherri Executive Director of The Church
2024 Black Authors Festival Honoree Dr. Jennifer Morgan of NYU
BAF 2024 Vendor Books
BAF 2024 Vendor Books
BAF 2024 Guests line up to have their books autographed by honorees Tamron Hall and Marcus Samuelsson
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Vendors
Black Author Festival Guest
Black Author Festival Guest holding a book that she purchased
Black Author Festival Guests
Never Lose Touch Live Band Members
Black Author Festival Ambassadors assisting guests
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests and Honorees having fun
Darlene Williams, Black Authors Festival Founder and Former Assembly Member Fred Thiele
Black Authors Festival Chaplain, Maurice L. Williams, LMSW, MA
Black Author Festival Guest
Black Author Festival Signage
Black Author Festival Vendors
Black Author Festival Vendor's Books
Black Author Festival Vendor's Books
Black Author Festival Sponsor, Christine Shanahan
Black Author Festival Vendor's Books
Black Authors Festival Founder, Darlene Williams
Black Author Festival Vendor's Books
Darlene and Maurice Williams performing at the Black Authors Festival - keep writin' dem books
Sherri from The Church at Sag Harbor, sponsor - speaking
Maurice L. Williams, Executive Director, A Father's Love Personal Development and Community Services Non profit
Black Authors Festival - Live Band Never Lose Touch
Darlene and Clive Davis
Darlene and Vy Higginson - Mama Vy of Mama I Wanna Sing
Darlene and Melba Moore
Darlene Williams and Darlene Love
Darlene and Shirleen Allicot of Eyewitness News in ABC studios NY
Darlene and Sunny Hostin in Sag Harbor
Darlene in the ABC News studio being interviewed
Darlene Williams, smiling and pointing her hand to a sign that reads 'PIX11' and 'NEW YORK'S VERY OWN'. after being interviewed
Sorors Darlene and Rev. Walrond - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Maurice and Darlene Williams standing in front of their white Rolls Royce
Darlene Williams and Malik Jackson at the Black Authors Festival @Sag Harbor
Sponsor Christine Shanahan and her family at the Black Authors Festival
Darlene Williams at the inaugural Black Authors Festival @Sag Harbor
Kacy Duke 2023 Black Authors Festival Honoree
Black Author Festival Guest and Honoree
Darlene with a fan
Black Authors Festival Honorees and Guests
Maurice and Darlene Williams at the end of another successful Black Authors Festival
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guest
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Authors Festival Fun
Black Author Festival Vendors
Black Author Festival Guest
Black Author Festival Vendors
Darlene, Marcus, and Tamron autographing books at the Black Authors Festival
Black Author Festival Guests
Dr. Jennifer Morgan, Honoree receiving an award at the Black Authors Festival
Never Lose Touch Live Band at the Black Authors Festival  playing electric guitar outdoors on a wooden deck, wearing sunglasses and a musical note-themed shirt, with green trees in the background.
Tamron Hall autographing copies of her book at the Black Authors Festival
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Authors Festival Ambassador adjusts wristband of a guest
Dr. Jennifer Morgan Honoree at the Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor
Darlene Williams hanging out with friends Don Lemon and DL Hughley
Black Author Festival Guest
Darlene and Sunny Hostin at the Black Authors Festival
Sunny Hostin reads an excerpt from one of her books at the Black Authors Festival @Sag Harbor
Darlene Maurice and an Urban League of Long Island, Inc. Board Member
Sunny Hostin BAF 2025
Sunny Hostin BAF 2025
Darlene Williams and Don Lemon
Don Lemon speaking about his latest book
Don Lemon formerly of CNN
Marc H. Morial President of the National Urban League sitting in the audience
Darlene Williams and Alton Fitzgerald White of Disney's The Lion King he played Mufasa
Mufasa from The Lion King sings during his acceptance speech
A woman is speaking into a microphone and touching a man's chest; the man is smiling and holding papers in his hand. There are people seated, one taking a photo with a smartphone. The setting is a celebration or event at a nautical-themed venue with
Darlene Williams and Cheryl Wills of spectrum NY1 News
Darlene and a vendor holding up one of his books -  titled 'Scooter Goes to the Zoo' by Justice Clark.
Cheryl Wills from NY1 Spectrum speaking
Pamela M. McBride of AARP speaking

Black Authors Festival guests
Darlene Mimi and Pamela black authors festival at sag harbor
black authors festival guests
darlene and attika j. torrence as attika accepts his award
attika j. torrence speaking at the black authors festival at sag harbor
Harriette Cole formerly of Essence Magazine with Susan L. Taylor receiving her award
shannon lanier was the co-host of the black authors festival at sag harbor 2025
shannon lanier introducing the next honoree at the black authors festival
amaryllis greene the 2025 youth honoree - acceptance speech
IMG_3156.jpg
shannon lanier, national spokesperson and social media influencer and arrianea lebeau anchor from pix 11 served as co-hosts
Black Author Festival vendor
Black Author Festival Guests
Black Author Festival Guests
elected officials - assemblywoman solages a representative from governor kathy holchul's office and assemblymember schiavone were speaking
Black Author Festival vendor
Black Author Festival vendor
Black author festival guests -steven greener, tamron hall's husband and tamron hall's co-author of her cookbook, Lish Steiling
Black Author Festival guests
Black Author Festival vendors
Black Author Festival vendors
Darlene and Past Honoree, Dr. Patricia A. Turner
black author festival honoree marcus samuelsson autographing copies of his book
black authors festival food
Black Author Festival guests
montauk point
darlene and marcus
tamron hall 2024 honoree
Black Author Festival guests
darlene bestowing honoree dr. lakeesha walrond with an honor
tamron hall talking to darlene and thanking her
pastor lakeesha thanking darlene
tamron coming up to receive her award
black authors festival red carpet moments
tamron hall sharing her story of triumph
black authors festival all white after party
maurice williams and paloma hostin
don lemon with guest
Black Author Festival red carpet interviews
Black Author Festival red carpet interviews
sunny hostin and ralph mcdaniels of video music box
black authors festival at night - night life in sag harbor
darlene maurice and urban league of long island board member
black authors festival on deck
black authors festival guest on yacht club deck
black authors festival book sales
darlene williams hanging out with dl hughley
darlene on the beach paying homage to the ancestors
black authors festival honoree alton with a guest
darlene williams with a guest
darlene and author
black authors festival honoree alton and guest
darlene with advisory council member dr. georgette grier key

Black Authors Festival All Rights Reserved A Subsidiary of Black Authors Festival, LLC 

2025-2026

Black Authors Festival is Trademarked and All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:

Pastor A.R. Bernard, Sr. - Keith Major

Pastor Jamaal Bernard, Sr. - Bob Mackey

Sunny Hostin - Jeff Lipsky

Dr. Mathew Knowles - Keer Orr / Veronica Hill for Point & Click Photography

Festival Photos: Tevin Foster, Hazy Sun Productions