Write to Win Members Black History Month Literary Weekend
Dr. Rhonda in Action Contact Books
BHMLW 2027 Sponsorship Deck
Meet the World Image Solutions Presents
11th Annual
Black History Month
Literary Weekend
February 25–27, 2027  ·  DMV Area
Sponsorship Opportunities
$500  ·  $1,500  ·  $3,000  ·  $5,000
Featuring Guest Author April Ryan
Meet the Founder
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson
Author · Entrepreneur · Army Master Sergeant (Retired) · Literary Advocate
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson
25×
Published Author
11
Years Running BHMLW
23
Yrs U.S. Army Combat Veteran (Ret.)
1K+
Authors Platformed
DMV
Washington D.C. Area
Who She Is
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson is a 25-time published author, entrepreneur, and retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant whose work sits at the intersection of literary excellence, community investment, and Black cultural celebration. Through Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC, she has built one of the DMV's most respected literary platforms — from the ground up, over eleven years.
What She Built
BHMLW began as a vision to give Black authors a stage worthy of their stories. Eleven years later, it draws 1,000+ attendees, 100+ featured authors, and 500+ students annually — with City of New Orleans proclamations honoring every featured author in 2026. Dr. Lawson also hosts Horizons Author Lounge (HAL), a weekly author talk show simulcasting live across five platforms.
"When we invest in Black readers, we invest in generational change. BHMLW is eleven years of proof that the community shows up when you show up for them."
— Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson
Our Story
About BHMLW
Eleven years of celebrating Black literary excellence
The Event
The Black History Month Literary Weekend is an annual celebration held in the DMV area every February. Now in its 11th year, BHMLW brings together authors, readers, students, and community members for a weekend of literary excellence, cultural celebration, and community building.
The Founder
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson is a 25-time published author, entrepreneur, and Army Master Sergeant (Retired). Through Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC, she has built one of the DMV area's premier Black literary events — reaching 1,000+ attendees, 100+ authors, and 500+ students over the event's history.
The Mission
BHMLW exists to celebrate Black authors, close the literacy gap in underserved communities, and invest in the next generation of Black readers and writers through scholarships, essay contests, school visits, and hands-on workshops.
The Reach
From the Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch to the For the Culture Book Awards and the AI for Authors Workshop, BHMLW offers a full weekend of programming that uplifts both established authors and emerging student voices.
The Crisis Is Real
Why Literacy Matters Now More Than Ever
This is why BHMLW exists — and why your sponsorship is more than a donation
54%
of U.S. adults read below a 6th-grade level
National Literacy Institute, 2024
43M
American adults are functionally illiterate
National Literacy Institute, 2024
$2.2T
lost annually in the U.S. due to low literacy
National Literacy Institute
14%
of Black 8th graders read at grade level — down from 2022
Nation's Report Card, 2024
4×
more likely to drop out if not reading by 3rd grade
Annie E. Casey Foundation
37%
of Black students attend high-poverty schools vs. 7% of white students
NCES, 2021
63×
more likely to be incarcerated — dropouts vs. college grads
Northeastern University, 2009
Middle school is the last best window.
74% of struggling 3rd-grade readers still struggle in 9th grade. BHMLW's school visits and essay contest reach students at precisely the moment intervention has the greatest impact — before the window closes.
11 Years of Results
Our Impact
Real numbers. Real community. Real change.
11
Years of continuous programming
100+
Authors celebrated & platformed
1,000+
Attendees across all events
500+
Students engaged through school visits
$6,000+
In scholarships & prizes awarded
3rd
Annual For the Culture Book Awards
In 2026, the City of New Orleans issued proclamations honoring every featured author — recognizing BHMLW's impact on the broader Black literary community.
February 25–27, 2027
Weekend Programming
A full weekend of literary excellence, culture, and community
🎷
Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
Our signature flagship event — an elegant jazz brunch celebrating Black authors with a live second-line band and New Orleans flair.
🏆
For the Culture Book Awards (3rd Annual)
Recognizing outstanding Black authors across genres. One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend.
✍️
8th & 9th Grade Essay Contest
Students compete for cash prizes and recognition, deepening their connection to literacy at a critical age.
🎓
Graduating Senior Scholarship
Investing in the next generation of Black scholars with financial awards for graduating seniors.
📚
Barnes & Noble Featured Book Signing
Authors connect with readers at a major retail book signing, expanding their reach and readership.
🤖
AI for Authors Workshop
A cutting-edge workshop teaching authors how to leverage artificial intelligence in their writing and publishing journey.
📰
Meet the World Magazine
Featured coverage amplifying author stories to a broader audience.
🏫
School Visits
Dr. Lawson and featured authors visit DMV-area schools, inspiring students and closing the literacy gap one classroom at a time.
Who We Reach
Our Audience
Your brand, in front of an engaged and loyal community
Authors & Writers
100+ published and emerging Black authors from across the country, eager to build their platforms and connect with supporters.
Readers & Book Lovers
Passionate community members who attend year after year, purchase books, and spread the word about BHMLW.
Educators & Students
Teachers, administrators, and 500+ students engaged through school visits, essay contests, and scholarship programs.
Community Leaders
Faith leaders, business owners, and civic organizers who see BHMLW as a cornerstone of the DMV's cultural calendar.
DMV Area — A High-Value Market
The Washington D.C.–Maryland–Virginia metro area is one of the most educated, culturally engaged, and economically powerful regions in the country — and BHMLW is a fixture in its cultural calendar.
Partnership Opportunities
Sponsorship Tiers
Click any tier to see full benefits · Cash and in-kind partnerships welcome
  • Premier logo placement on all event materials, signage, and digital platforms
  • Named presenting sponsor of the Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch
  • VIP table for 8 at the Ivory & Cream Affair
  • Full-page ad in Meet the World Magazine
  • Feature in all press releases and media outreach
  • Social media spotlight across all BHMLW channels (15.3K Instagram + 6K email list)
  • Weekly brand mentions on Horizons Author Lounge — 5 platform simulcast
  • Verbal recognition at all weekend events
  • Complimentary book signing table
  • Logo on all event materials and digital platforms
  • Named sponsor of the For the Culture Book Awards
  • VIP seating for 4 at the Ivory & Cream Affair
  • Half-page ad in Meet the World Magazine
  • Included in press releases
  • Social media recognition (15.3K Instagram + 6K email list)
  • HAL brand mention — 5 platform simulcast
  • Verbal recognition at all events
  • Logo on select event materials
  • Named sponsor of the AI for Authors Workshop or Essay Contest
  • Two tickets to the Ivory & Cream Affair
  • Quarter-page ad in Meet the World Magazine
  • Social media shout-out
  • Verbal recognition at sponsored event
  • Name listed in event program
  • One ticket to the Ivory & Cream Affair
  • Social media acknowledgment
  • Certificate of Community Partnership
In-kind partnerships are welcome for goods or services valued at $500 or more. In-kind partners receive recognition commensurate with the fair market value of their contribution, aligned to the nearest cash sponsorship tier.
  • Prize & Product Donations — Books, gift cards, Kindle devices, or other items for essay contest winners, book award recipients, or attendee giveaways
  • Print & Design Services — Event programs, signage, banners, step-and-repeat backdrops, or branded materials
  • Media & Advertising — Ad space, sponsored social media promotion, press coverage, or on-air mentions
  • Travel & Transportation — Flights or ground transportation for featured speakers and guest authors
  • Venue Support — Space, equipment, or logistical resources that support event programming
  • Other Goods or Services — Any contribution that supports the BHMLW 2027 mission — let's talk
To discuss an in-kind partnership, contact Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson at info@mtwimagesolutions.com or (504) 505-5894.
Make Your Mark
Why Sponsor BHMLW?
More than marketing — a meaningful investment in your community
🎯
Targeted Reach
Put your brand in front of 1,000+ engaged authors, educators, readers, and community members in the high-value DMV market.
📖
Close the Literacy Gap
Your dollars directly fund student scholarships, essay prizes, school visits, and literacy programming for underserved communities.
🌟
Brand Elevation
Align with a celebrated, City of New Orleans–recognized event entering its 11th year of excellence and growing reach.
🤝
Community Credibility
BHMLW has deep trust in its community. Sponsorship signals authentic investment — not just advertising.
📣
Multi-Channel Exposure
15.3K Instagram · 6K email list · HAL weekly simulcast on 5 platforms · press releases · Meet the World Magazine · event signage.
✊
Invest in Black Excellence
Support an event that has championed Black authors and readers for over a decade — now featuring inaugural guest author April Ryan, Veteran White House Correspondent and nationally recognized author.
Your Brand, Everywhere We Are
The MTW Media Ecosystem
Sponsoring BHMLW isn't buying a weekend — it's a 6-month multi-channel campaign that culminates at the event
📸
15.3K
Instagram
Followers
📧
6K
Email List
Subscribers
🎙️
5
HAL Platforms
Weekly Simulcast
🎙️
Horizons Author Lounge (HAL)
Weekly Simulcast · 5 Platforms
HAL is Meet the World's weekly author talk show, streaming live every week on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, and YouTube. Sponsors receive brand mentions and visibility across every episode in the lead-up to BHMLW — turning a one-time event sponsorship into a sustained content partnership.
📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 💼 LinkedIn 🎵 Spotify ▶️ YouTube
📆
6-Month Promo Runway
From commitment through the event — your brand runs across all MTW channels from day one.
📧
6K Direct Email Reaches
Logo and mention in event announcements, author updates, and sponsor spotlights to a warm, opted-in list.
📸
15.3K Instagram Impressions
Sponsored posts, Stories, and event countdown content in front of a highly engaged Black literary audience.
🎙️
Weekly HAL Mentions
Brand recognition on every HAL episode across 5 platforms — building familiarity before the event even begins.
Inaugural Celebrity Guest
Proudly Presents April Ryan
Veteran White House Correspondent · MS NOW Political Analyst · Author
April Ryan
APRIL RYAN
Guest Author
Who She Is
April Ryan is one of America's most recognized White House correspondents, with nearly three decades of access to the highest levels of power in Washington. A veteran political analyst for MS NOW and author of multiple critically acclaimed books, she brings unmatched credibility and national visibility to the 11th Annual BHMLW.
📚
Book Signing
Barnes & Noble
February 26, 2027
🎷
Keynote Speaker
Ivory & Cream Affair
February 27, 2027
⭐ Early Bird Tickets
Tickets open December 1, 2026. Platinum and Gold sponsors receive priority VIP seating for this historic first — April Ryan's inaugural appearance at BHMLW.
Voices From the Community
What People Are Saying
Authors, attendees, and community members speak for themselves
“
The definition of excellence.
— Event Attendee
“
It was my first time at an event like this, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I look forward to next year.
— Event Attendee
“
Thank you, Dr. Lawson! It was an absolute pleasure working with everyone! I am so glad to have been a part of a great event and met my new author family!!
— Torrie Q. Jones
Three-Time Featured Author
“
It's leveled up every year and this year was the best by far... but who knows how it will look 10 years from now when we celebrate the 20th anniversary.
— Marc Beausejour
Five-Time Featured Author
“
This one is for the books! Rhonda outdid herself with this 10-year anniversary; it was amazing!
— Elogeia Hadley
Three-Time Featured Author
Let's Partner
Ready to Make an Impact?
Full promotional inclusion guaranteed for sponsors who commit by November 30, 2026 — hard close December 15, 2026
Organization
Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC
Contact
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, Founder & CEO
Email
info@mtwimagesolutions.com
Phone
(504) 505-5894
Website
www.mtwimagesolutions.com
⏰ Full Inclusion Deadline: November 30, 2026  ·  Hard Close: December 15, 2026
Sponsors who commit by November 30, 2026 are guaranteed inclusion in all pre-event promotional materials, press releases, and marketing campaigns — a full 3-month promotional runway before the event. The hard close for all sponsorships is December 15, 2026. Early bird tickets open December 1, 2026 — VIP seating for Platinum and Gold sponsors guaranteed.