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Essay Contests

Inspiring Writing

Since 2018, we've been recognizing the talents of 8th and 9th grade students through our annualĀ Black History MonthĀ 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, Ernest Juste Middle School, Charles Carroll Middle School, Thurgood Marshall Academy, and Paint Branch High School.

Video Poster Image

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 authorsĀ offer something for everyone.

IvoryĀ & 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.

Our 10th Anniversary Official Itinerary

Author slots are now open, click the link below to reserve your spot!

Reserve Author Slot

What the People Said

"The definition of excellence.Ā "

-Ā Event attendee

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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 Author
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"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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-Ā Event attendee

We needĀ YOU to help us make 2026 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 theĀ Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz BrunchĀ 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
I Got You!
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
InclusionĀ in the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch digital displayĀ & 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 theĀ Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch Swag Bag
Donation to the Meet the World Scholarship Fund

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I Can Do This!
Two VIP tickets for the Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Inclusion inĀ 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
I Want This!
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
Count Me In!
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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I got this!
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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I'm in!
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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I'm in!

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

2025 For The Culture Book Contest Winners