Schedule

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH 

9:00am

DOORS OPEN

9:30am - 10:00am

OPENING REMARKS

Glory Edim, Author, Gather Me, and Founder of Well-Read Black Girl

Frederick Joseph, Author and Poet - We Alive, Beloved

10:00am - 10:45am

OPENING FIRESIDE CHAT

Transformative Narratives: Black Art as a Catalyst for Change

Moderator: Tonya Mosley
Opening fireside chat with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Kennedy Ryan

In a world where narratives often silence or distort Black experiences, radical Black art and storytelling emerge as powerful tools of resistance, reclamation, and reimagination. This discussion brings together visionary writers who push boundaries and challenge the status quo through their work. We will explore how their books not only reflect the complexities of Black life but also envision new possibilities for liberation, identity, and community.

10:45am - 11:45am

Liberating Abortion: A New Era of Reproductive Justice

Moderator: Deesha Dyer

Panelists: Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone
Currently, reproductive rights are under unprecedented attack, this panel seeks to explore the urgent need for a liberated and just approach to abortion access. Our authors will discuss the intersections of race, class, and gender in the fight for abortion rights. We'll examine the historical and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized communities and explore strategies to decriminalize and destigmatize abortion.

12:00pm to 12:45pm

Defining Your Career and Life Path

Moderator: LaToya Coleman
Panelists: Lauren Wesley Wilson, Jamila Souffrant, and Adenike Olanrewaju

When society (and social media) is full of expectations and pre-defined paths, carving out your unique career and life trajectory can be a daunting yet rewarding journey. This panel brings together diverse writers from various industries, each of whom has charted their own course to success and fulfillment. Through their stories, you'll gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of forging a path that's true to who you are.

1:00pm – 2:00pm

BOOK SIGNINGS x LUNCH BREAK

2:15pm - 3:00pm

Meditations on Home and Inner Joy

Moderator: Glory Edim

Panelists: Rachel Cargle, LaTonya Yvette, Kleaver Cruz, and Nasozi Kakembo

We live in an age of constant motion and deadlines, sometimes trying to find a sense of home and inner peace can feel elusive. This panel will explore the importance of cultivating a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos of daily life, online and off. Our panelists will share insights on creating a joyful home environment, establishing a personal wellness practice, and integrating these practices into a balanced, creative lifestyle.

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Broadening the Bookshelf: Celebrating 100 Years of Storytelling at S&S

Presented by Simon & Schuster

Moderator: Yahdon Israel

Panelists: Essie Chambers, Luis Jaramillo, and Cebo Campbell

This discussion will explore Simon & Schuster's enduring legacy and its role in the rise of new literary voices. Panelists will share their unique experiences as authors and how inclusive narratives enrich reading experiences and reflect the world we live in.

3:45pm – 4:45pm

CLOSING FIRESIDE CHAT

The Literary Landscapes of Safiya Sinclair and Edwidge Danticat
Moderator: Glory Edim

Panelists: Safiya Sinclair and Edwidge Danticat

Join us for a powerful and moving closing keynote featuring acclaimed authors Safiya Sinclair and Edwidge Danticat. This intimate conversation will explore themes of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Sinclair, known for her evocative memoir "How to Say Babylon," and Danticat, celebrated for her impactful novels like "Krik? Krak!" and "The Dew Breaker," will delve into their creative processes, the role of narrative in cultural and personal identity, and the various ways in which their stories shape our understanding of the world.

5:00pm – 7:00pm

BOOK SIGNINGS

LITERARY LOUNGE

EXPLORE THE MUSEUM OF MOVING IMAGE