Black History Month Literary Weekend Returns to DMV

SILVER SPRING, MD—Literary luminary and co-founder of the Hurston-Wright Foundation Marita Golden, and author and movie producer Tiffany L. Warren are set to headline the 8th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend Feb. 22-24, 2024.

Hosted by Meet the World Image Solutions, a Maryland publicity and literary services company, the weekend will feature 10 authors from throughout the United States, and will include an 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest, author meet-and-greets, the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch, and even a fashion show.

Since its inception in New Orleans in 2017, the Black History Month Literary Weekend has promoted more than 70 authors, impacted thousands of students, and contributed more than $4,000 in scholarships, awards, and book donations. The event is solely focused on fostering literacy while celebrating African-American authors and businesses.

“Celebrating and preserving Black History ensures that it remains an important part of not only American history, but world history,” 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 diversity and literacy while preserving the valuable griot tradition.”

The weekend's activities will include:

Feb. 22, 4-5 p.m.

Authors will take over PJ’s Coffeehouse in Bowie, MD for a free Meet the Authors event.

 Feb. 23, 4-7 p.m.

After visiting DMV-area schools, the authors will host a Book Chat and Sign at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Bowie Town Center.

Feb. 24, 11 a.m.

The signature event for the Black History Month Literary Weekend will be the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Brunch, hosted by author and comedian Nerd the Poet. 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 jazz, a silent auction, author interviews, and an exclusive fashion show featuring New York/New Orleans fashion designer Alfred Tumblin. VIP and general admission options are available. During the event, the winners of Meet the World’s 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest will be awarded.

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 be part of this amazing weekend that is catered to highlighting Black literary revolutionaries, both past and present, and giving back to the next generation," Nelson said. "There's nothing like seeing so many come together to promote literacy for all and celebrate diversity in education."

This year's featured authors include Torrie Q. Jones, Derrick Jakolby Washington, Dr. Emily L. Woolcock, Dr. AudreyAnn Moses, Royce Dixon Sr., Michelle Knight, Marvin O’Bryant, Dr. Calenthia Miller, Shartia "Love" Jones, and Elogeia Hadley, each representing genres ranging from inspirational, to children’s, to fantasy fiction.

For more information on the Black History Month Literary Weekend, visit www.mtwimagesolutions.com, or email [email protected]. Sponsors include Mr. Craves Cookies, S.H.E. Publishing, and Blk+Grn.

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.