ABOUT THE BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
The Black Authors Festival: A Call to Action for Literacy and Liberation
Join us for the 3rd Annual Black Authors Festival, an exciting in-person event recognized by USA Today as one of the Top Best New Festivals in the Nation! Set on the beautiful east end of Long Island, in the vibrant community of Sag Harbor, this festival brings together both aspiring and well-established Black authors to celebrate the rich literary culture of the African American community.
Sag Harbor is not only a place where Black American authors live year-round but also a beloved summer destination for families. It’s a perfect backdrop to honor the literary works of some of the world’s most renowned Black authors, while offering a platform for both seasoned writers and emerging voices.
The Black Authors Festival is more than a celebration of books, it is a national movement committed to raising awareness about the urgent need to improve literacy rates in America, particularly within the Black community.
Literacy is not just a skill; it is a pathway to liberation. It unlocks opportunity, fosters self-expression, and fuels personal empowerment. Yet, far too many Black children are systemically denied access to this fundamental right. This is no accident, it is a deliberate strategy that perpetuates poverty, fuels disenfranchisement, and increases susceptibility to incarceration.
When literacy is suppressed and books are banned, the impact extends beyond education, it becomes a direct assault on freedom. It violates our First Amendment rights and targets the very soul of the Black experience. If left unchallenged, it threatens to drag us back into the shadows of a history we must never repeat.
The Festival’s mission is clear: to ignite a national movement centered on literacy awareness, amplifying the transformative power of reading to change minds, lives, and communities. We are taking a bold stand for our children and for every voice that has been silenced for too long.
While the Black Authors Festival honors the literary works and contributions of Black authors, our audience is richly diverse. We welcome everyone who stands in solidarity with our mission, those who champion free expression, advocate for equity, and believe in the transformative power of stories.
We believe that true community begins with self-awareness and self-love. Only when individuals are secure in their identity can they engage in meaningful relationships with others. This Festival is rooted in that belief, celebrating stories that reflect who we are, where we’ve been, and what we have the power to become.
A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit A Father’s Love Personal Development and Community Services, a nonprofit organization working to establish a charter school dedicated to Black children growing up without fathers—providing them with the academic and emotional foundation to thrive.
Every child deserves a story of transformation. That is the heart of the Black Authors Festival: a space where Black excellence is honored, our stories are elevated, and literacy becomes the bridge to a more empowered future for all.
Festival Highlights:
Panel discussions
Author autographing sessions
Informational workshops
Delicious food and much more!
This event offers a dynamic opportunity to engage with the literary world and celebrate Black excellence in all its forms.
The Mission of the Black Authors Festival
The Black Authors Festival is more than an event, it’s a movement with a multi-purposed mission:
To establish a cherished literary tradition that educates, uplifts, and inspires generations to come.
To encourage Black people of all ages to embrace reading, writing, and comprehension—empowering us to tell our authentic stories, control our narratives, and leave a lasting legacy.
To stand firmly against book banning, fighting to ensure that our communities have the right to read, write, and access literature in all its forms.
To protect the First Amendment, defending the freedom of speech and ensuring that every voice, especially those historically marginalized, is heard and respected.
To honor the legacy of Sag Harbor, a historic sanctuary for Black and Native American creatives, intellectuals, and visionaries. This seaside village has welcomed cultural icons such as Langston Hughes, Lena Horne, B. Smith, and the descendants of inventor Lewis Latimer, whose influence endures today.