February 20-22, 2025
An event that celebrates literacy AND our history!
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The Black History Month Literary Weekend was founded by Dr. Rhonda Lawson in February 2017 as a way to promote and support independent authors in New Orleans while inspiring underserved youth during Black History Month. Since that time, the weekend has grown to a multi-event experience that includes pre-teen scholarships, book donations, entertainment, and much more. This premiere literary event has become an inspiring phenomenon that draws authors and students from throughout the United States, with no signs of slowing down!
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As seen on:
Essay Contests
Inspiring Writing
Since 2018, we've been recognizing the talents of 8th and 9th grade students through our annual Black History Month Essay Contests. Participants win cash prizes, get published, access scholarship details, and enjoy other exciting rewards!
School Visits
Reaching our Youth
For the first three years of this event, we took our
participating authors to Saint Mary's Academy in
New Orleans to inspire students ranging in age from
10-17 to not only pursue careers in writing, but to
impress on them that writing will be a part of their
professional lives, no matter which career they
choose. Since moving to the DMV, we have impacted
kids at the Young School, Richard Wright Public Charter School, Thurgood Marshall Academy, and Paint Branch High School.
Book Signings
Author Promotion
It wouldn’t be an author event without a
booksigning, but what makes this event even
more special is the variety of locations where you can find our authors! From the Meet the Authors event at PB's Coffee in Bowie, MD to a Chat and Sign at Barnes and Noble, the Black History Month Literary Weekend authors offer something for everyone.
Ivory & Cream Affair
Making reading fun again
The Literary Jazz Brunch is our signature event! It includes live music, guest speakers, author meet and greets, and, of course, books! During this event, we also award our essay contest winners, who read their essays during the event. This event attracts authors, literary professionals, entrepreneurs, and other community members who have an interest in promoting literacy.
Authors slots are filled, but click here to be added to the waiting list.
Waiting listWhat the People Said
"The definition of excellence. "
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"Thank you, Dr. Lawson! It was an absolute pleasure working with everyone!
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I am so glad to have been a part of a great event and met my new author family!!"
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- Torrie Q. Jones
Featured AuthorÂ
"It was my first time at an event like this, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I look forward to next year."
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We need YOU to help us make 2025 even better!
Partnership ranges from $300 to $2500, either monetary or in kind donations.
A VIP table w/ centerpiece for eight at the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Inclusion in the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch digital display & your organization's logo on all promotional material
Inclusion on the Meet the World Image Solutions Website and social media promo for six months as a Gold sponsor
Opportunity to display your organization and products with activations and include items in the VIP bag at the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Five minutes on stage at the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Donation to the Meet the World Scholarship Fund
Three VIP tickets for the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Inclusion on the Meet the World Image Solutions Website and social media promo for six months as a Silver sponsor
Inclusion in the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch digital display & your organization's logo on all promotional material
Opportunity to display your organization and products at the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Inclusion in the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch Swag Bag
Donation to the Meet the World Scholarship Fund
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Two VIP tickets for the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Inclusion in the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch digital display
Opportunity to include your promotional items in the VIP Swag Bag
Donation to the Meet the World Scholarship Fund
One VIP ticket for the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Opportunity to include your promotional items in the VIP Swag Bag
Donation to the Meet the World Scholarship Fund
Media sponsor (advertising and marketing)
Entertainment sponsor (band and host)
Keynote sponsor (speaker honorarium)
Venue sponsor (event sponsorship)
Transportation sponsor (author transportation)
Ticket sponsor (ticket donations)
Essay sponsor (prize sponsors)
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Cost: $500.00
Promo Mentions: Your brand will be mentioned on all show promotions.
Episode Mentions: Your brand will be mentioned at least twice during the sponsored episode.
Custom Promo Video: A personalized promo video featuring your brand will be played at the beginning of the show.
Digital Display Promotion: Your custom graphic will be included in the Ivory and Cream Affair Jazz Brunch digital display, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.
Bonus: Your brand will remain on show replays and archived shows.
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Cost: $150.00 per Question
Exclusive Question Selection: Choose one of the daily quiz questions for Black History Month.
Brand Exposure: Your logo will be prominently displayed on the question's graphic, reaching our engaged audience.
Event Promotion: Be listed as a sponsor in the digital display at the Ivory and Cream Affair Jazz Brunch, an event attended by influential community members and book lovers.
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If you're looking for a meaningful way to support your community while promoting your brand to a professional, discriminating audience, look no further. With your help, we will continue to do our part to eradicate illiteracy and empower our youth! Will you become a part of the movement?
Check out our Past Sponsors
Email us at [email protected] for more information
Author Line-up
Special Guests
2025 For The Culture Book Contest Winners
