The Ivory & Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch

Break out your best ivory or cream outfit and join us for a powerful day of food, authors, music, prizes, and fun during the premier event of the 7th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend! The purpose of the Black History Month Literary Weekend is to celebrate literacy while introducing young adults to a part of Black History beyond what they learn in school.

This year we will feature eight local and internationally best-selling authors during an afternoon of live music, prizes, authors, and our annual 8th and 9th grade essay contest.

This year's guest speaker will be Lisa McNair, sister of Denise McNair, one of the Alabama Four who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham in 1963. Denise was only 11 years old at the time of her death. In her book, Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew, Lisa McNair discusses the sister she never had a chance to know.

Marita Golden, Literary Consultant and Hurston/Wright Foundation Co-Founder, will also make a special appearance. She will discuss her latest book, Strong Black Woman, and will highlight writing opportunities with the Hurston/Wright Foundation.

This year's Literary Jazz Brunch will be an Ivory and Cream Affair, so make sure you come showing out in your ivory best! Events will include:

A full buffet

Mimosa bar

Live music

Door prizes

Author interviews

This year's featured authors are:

Chef Diana Riley, award-winning Louisiana-based chef and best-selling author of Grace at the Kitchen Table and Cooking on Purpose: Lessons Learned From the Kitchen

Dr. Emily L. Woolcock, Maryland-based internationally recognized surgeon, speaker, and three-time best-selling author of the children's book, My Doctor Looks Like Me

Dr. AudreyAnn Moses, South Carolina-based certified Christian Life / Personal Coach, Mental Wellness Counselor, Professor of Psychology, Master Trainer, Speaker/Workshop Facilitator and Author

Pastor Henry L. Razor, founder and senior pastor of Faith Hope & Charity Ministries Church in Lanham, MD.

Michelle Knight, Louisiana-born children's author and retired Army veteran with a mission to uplift and support others through inspirational advice and wise words of encouragement.

Shataria "Love" Jones, certified life coach who desires to help women cultivate their inspiration, experience healing, activate continuous growth, and remain encouraged.

Shenitha Burton, founder and owner of S.H.E. Publishing, LLC, a unique publishing and retail company based in Houston, TX

Marc Beausejour, New York-born and Atlanta-based author of Street Retribution, Fires of Justice, and The Preacher's Web

Hosted by Nerd the Poet, California-born and D.C.-based published poet, host and spoken word artist. He is the 2022 winner of the DC Poet Project by Day Eight Publishing

The Black History Month Literary Weekend has grown from less than 100 participants in 2017 to more than 1,300 in 2021. This Black History Month event is solely focused on promoting and celebrating literacy. To date, we have awarded more than $2,000 in scholarships and book donations. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Meet the World's scholarship funds, which provide funding for low-income students.

Don't miss this amazing event!

VIP, virtual, and sponsorship tickets available.

Host or Publisher Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC