ABOUT 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 celebration proudly recognized by USA Today as one of the Top Best New Festivals in the Nation! Set in the heart of Sag Harbor, a historically rich and culturally vibrant community on Long Island’s East End, the Festival brings together both aspiring and established Black authors to honor the legacy and future of Black literary excellence.
Sag Harbor is more than a picturesque destination, it is a year-round haven for Black creatives and a beloved summer retreat for families. It serves as the perfect backdrop to spotlight some of the world’s most influential Black authors while amplifying the voices of emerging talent.
More Than a Festival, It’s A National Movement
The Black Authors Festival is more than a celebration of books; it is a call to action. Our mission is rooted in the belief that literacy is liberation. Reading is not simply a skill, it is a gateway to opportunity, a tool of empowerment, and a safeguard of freedom.
Far too many Black children are systematically denied access to this essential right. This is no coincidence. It is a deliberate mechanism of oppression that perpetuates poverty, disenfranchisement, and incarceration. Book banning and literacy suppression are not just educational issues, they are direct assaults on our First Amendment rights and the soul of the Black experience in America.
If we do not act, we risk losing hard-fought ground. The Black Authors Festival stands in bold defiance of these efforts, rallying communities around a shared commitment to freedom of expression, literacy equity, and intergenerational empowerment.
A Festival for All
While the Festival proudly centers Black voices, our audience is diverse and inclusive. We welcome everyone who stands in solidarity with our mission, those who believe in the transformative power of storytelling, who champion justice, and who are committed to safeguarding the voices of the historically silenced.
We believe that true community begins with self-awareness and self-love. When individuals know who they are, they can form meaningful connections with others. This Festival is rooted in that belief, uplifting stories that reflect who we are, where we’ve been, and what we have the power to become.
Giving Back
A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit A Father’s Love Personal Development and Community Services, a nonprofit working to establish a charter school dedicated to supporting Black children growing up without fathers, providing them with the academic, social, and emotional support needed 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, stories are elevated, and literacy becomes the bridge to a more empowered future.
Festival Highlights:
Dynamic panel discussions
Live Paddle Raise Fundraiser for A Father’s Love
Author autographing sessions
Honoring Ceremony
Engaging workshops and forums
Film screenings, cultural acknowledgments, and much more
Delicious food and opportunities for community connection
This event is a powerful opportunity to celebrate Black literature, legacy, and liberation in all its forms.
Our Mission
The Black Authors Festival is more than an event, it is a national literary movement with a multi-purposed mission:
To establish a cherished literary tradition that educates, uplifts, and inspires generations.
To encourage Black people of all ages to embrace reading, writing, and comprehension, empowering us to tell our stories, control our narratives, and leave a lasting legacy.
To stand firmly against book banning, fighting for the right to read, write, and access literature in all forms.
To defend the First Amendment, ensuring every voice, especially those historically silenced, is heard and respected.
To honor the legacy of Sag Harbor, a historic refuge for Black and Native American creatives and thought leaders. This seaside village has welcomed cultural giants like Langston Hughes, Lena Horne, B. Smith, Harry Belafonte, and descendants of inventor Lewis Latimer, whose impact lives on.