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
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 (Washington D.C.–Maryland–Virginia) 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 literary advocate. 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 of high school 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 — high school 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 in Meet the World Magazine, 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
Social media, press releases, Meet the World Magazine, event signage, and verbal recognition across all programming.
✊
Invest in Black Excellence
Support an event that has championed Black authors and readers for over a decade — and is just getting started.
See It For Yourself
BHMLW In Action
Scenes from past events
Second Line · Ivory & Cream Affair
City of New Orleans Proclamations · 2026
Comedy Show · Café Istanbul
For the Culture Book Award Winner
Barnes & Noble Book Signing
Skye Jackson
Second Line · Ivory & Cream Affair
Dr. Rhonda · AI for Authors Workshop
Ivory & Cream Affair Attendees
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?
Secure your sponsorship before September 30, 2026 to be included in all pre-event promotional materials
Organization
Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC
Contact
Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson, Founder & President
Phone
(504) 505-5894
Website
⏰ Sponsorship Deadline: September 30, 2026
Sponsors who commit by September 30, 2026 will be included in all pre-event promotional materials, press releases, and marketing campaigns. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the 11th Annual BHMLW.
