Native Daughter Brings Black History Month Literary Weekend Back to New Orleans

Councilman Eugene Green to Speak at Signature Ivory & Cream Literary Jazz Brunch

NEW ORLEANS—New Orleans native, author, and literary advocate Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson is celebrating the 10th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend back home in New Orleans Feb. 19–21 with events across the city, including booksignings, a writers’ workshop, a comedy show, and the signature Ivory and Cream Affair Jazz Brunch.

The 2026 Black History Month Literary Weekend will feature 14 nationally recognized writers, educators, and creatives, including three New Orleans–born authors who are also returning home—Lillian Ebanks Joseph, Karen Stampley, and Michelle Knight. The weekend’s signature event, the Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch, will take place Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and will feature New Orleans City Councilman Eugene Green (District D) as a guest speaker. The brunch blends live music, literary conversations, author honors, and cultural celebration.

During the brunch, Lawson will award the winners of the 8th and 9th Grade Essay Contest—a hallmark of the Black History Month Literary Weekend—which will be awarded exclusively to New Orleans students, with $300 awarded to one student from each grade. Additionally, she will recognize the recipients of the 2nd Annual For the Culture Book Awards, which celebrate fiction authors who intentionally uphold, preserve, and elevate African American culture through storytelling.

To deepen BHMLW’s long-standing commitment to literacy and educational access, Lawson has also partnered with One Book One New Orleans and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Gamma Zeta Chapter. Meet the World Image Solutions will collect new and gently used books throughout the weekend, all of which will be donated to One Book One New Orleans. The company will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the comedy show and brunch to the Alpha Gamma Zeta Scholarship Fund.

“Our missions align because we both believe literacy is foundational to opportunity,” said Dr. Megan Holt, One Book One New Orleans Executive Director. “Dr. Lawson’s commitment to making books accessible while celebrating Black voices directly supports the work we do every day in New Orleans.”

Founded in New Orleans in 2017, the Black History Month Literary Weekend has grown into a nationally recognized literary experience, promoting over 100 authors and awarding thousands in scholarships, essay awards, and book donations. This year’s return is deeply personal for Lawson.

“New Orleans raised me, poured into me, and shaped me into who I am today,” said Lawson, founder and president of Meet the World Image Solutions. “Bringing Black History Month Literary Weekend back home for this milestone celebration just made sense. My city protects its culture, supports its own, and understands the power of story. Our featured authors are in for something special!”

This year’s events include:

Featured Author Meet and Greet

Feb. 19 | 7 p.m.

Baroness New Orleans

FREE Writers Workshop

Feb. 20 | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Algiers Regional Library

Barnes & Noble Featured Author Book Signing

Feb. 20 | 4:30 p.m.

Barnes & Noble, Metairie, LA

Black History Month Comedy Night featuring Steve Brown

Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Café Istanbul

Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch

Feb.  21 | 11 a.m.

Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club

 For tickets, event details, or partnership information, email info@mtwimagesolutions.com.

About Meet the World Image Solutions

Meet the World Image Solutions is a boutique literary publicity and consulting firm specializing in author visibility, cultural programming, and literacy initiatives. Founded in New Orleans on Jan. 23, 2017, by author and U.S. Army veteran Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, the company has provided exposure opportunities for nearly 1,000 authors nationwide while remaining deeply committed to community impact and educational access.