Black History Month Literary Weekend Returns to DMV

ACCOKEEK, MD—Author, educator and member of the original Black Panther Party for Self-Defense Dr. Regina Jennings is set to be the keynote speaker for the 9th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend, taking place Feb. 20-22, 2025.  

Hosted by Meet the World Image Solutions, a Maryland publicity and literary services company, this year’s weekend will be the largest ever, featuring 12 authors from throughout the United States. The event will include an 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest and author meet-and-greets. Dr. Jennings will speak during the weekend’s signature event, the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch, along with USA Today bestselling author and literary agent Naleighna Kai.

The Black History Month Literary Weekend is solely focused on fostering literacy while celebrating African-American authors and businesses. Since its inception in New Orleans in 2017, the event has promoted nearly 100 authors, impacted thousands of students, and contributed more than $6,000 in scholarships, awards, and book donations. 

“Black history is world history, and it’s essential to celebrate the stories and voices that shape our culture and identity,” said Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, founder and president of Meet the World Image Solutions. “The Black History Month Literary Weekend is a testament to our commitment to celebrating our cultural trailblazers while inspiring future generations to embrace literacy and creativity.”

The weekend's activities will include:

• Feb. 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Authors will take over Urban Grape DC for a free Meet the Authors event.

• Feb. 21, 4-7 p.m.

After visiting two schools in Bowie, MD, the authors will host a free Book Chat and Sign at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Bowie Town Center.

• Feb. 22, 11 a.m.

The signature event for the Black History Month Literary Weekend will be the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Brunch, hosted by comedian Christopher Columbus with musical entertainment by the DMV’s own Brencore Entertainment. Guests are invited to wear their best ivory or cream outfits and come out to the Harborside Hotel in Oxon Hill, MD, where they will enjoy live music, a silent auction, and author interviews. The winners of Meet the World’s 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest and the For the Culture Book Awards will be honored during the event. VIP and general admission options are available. 

Throughout the weekend, Meet the World Image Solutions will also collect new and gently used children's or young adult books, all of which will be donated to Books Breaking Borders, a community action project founded by sports media personality Kelsey Nicole Nelson to eradicate illiteracy. 

"I'm so honored to join Dr. Rhonda for this amazing weekend for the third straight year," Nelson said. "There's nothing like seeing so many come together to promote literacy and highlight Black literary revolutionaries, both past and present, while giving back to the next generation."

This year's featured authors include Michelle Knight, Stephanie Freeman, Henry Razor, Shartia "Love" Jones, Elogeia Hadley, Royce Dixon Sr., Marc Beausejour, David Sledge, Pamela Coleman, and DMV authors Torrie Q. Jones, Derrick Jakolby Washington, and Sharon Burton. Each author represents genres ranging from inspirational, to children’s, to urban and fantasy fiction. Sponsors include Mr. Craves Cookies and S.H.E. Publishing. 

For more information on the Black History Month Literary Weekend, visit https://www.mtwimagesolutions.com/bhm, or email [email protected]. 

Meet the World Image Solutions is a boutique literary and publicity services company that specializes in assisting small businesses, non-profit organizations, authors, and artists. It was founded in New Orleans Jan. 23, 2017 by author and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, and continues to be a beacon for literary and cultural enrichment.