Credit: Tamika Jamison provided the image.
Credit: Tamika Jamison provided the image.
According to Jamison, “I wanted to develop a novel approach for people to find authors they’ve never heard of and develop an interest in reading their books.” A book market, nightly mixers, and seminars on the commercial side of the arts are all part of the event.
Black writers struggle to have their work published by many of the major publishing houses, which coincides with the occurrence of Black Writers Weekend. According to a 2023 diversity research by publisher Lee & Low Books, white editors, who comprise roughly 72.5% of the team, frequently do not know authors of color or actively seek them out if they already have a bestselling Black author on their list.
According to Jamison, it is more crucial than ever that we begin documenting our experiences, whether they be in the form of memoirs, nonfiction, or fiction. She thinks that some state and federal authorities are trying to erase the accomplishments of the African American community by de-emphasizing Black history in the public and educational spheres.
“We want people to know that we are here, so we have to leave footprints,” Jamison added. We were real.
Film producer Tamra Simmons, singer-songwriter Melanie Fiona, psychotherapist and food relationship specialist Ebony Butler, and authors Apostle Dwight K. Buckner Jr., Kimberly Williams, K.C. Mills, and Alvin Gray are among the creatives attending the event.
According to Jamison, since storytelling is more than just books, the weekend encompasses podcasting, filmmaking, and other forms of content creation.
According to her, a lot of talks today take place behind the mike, in visuals like movies, or in stories individuals make on social media platforms like TikTok or their phones. I wanted to include the kinds of creatives who use creative methods to tell stories.
With thanks to Jae Coley
With thanks to Jae Coley
Black authors must find a way to share their experiences, but it doesn’t always take a major publishing deal, according to Stockbridge resident and first-time novelist Jae Coley.
Last November, she self-published her book, On the Wrong Side of Love, and has been promoting it at book festivals like Black Writers Weekend and through word-of-mouth.
She said, “I never sent out my manuscript.” I believed that I wanted to be self-sufficient.
By meeting individuals in person and discussing her writing and the pleasure of sharing Black experiences, she has sold over 300 copies of the book. Many people who acquire hard copies frequently recommend the book to their friends, who then buy it online.
She declared, “I’m winning.” Building an audience is more important than quitting my job at the bank.
Writing for him is about leaving a legacy, according to Brandon White, a native of Atlanta who writes under the pen name Positive B White. The motivational speaker and host of Positive Mind Saturdays on 101 TKO radio, who focuses on mental health and well-being, has written four self-published books and will shortly release a new one called Level Up Your Mind.
His objective as a speaker at Black Writers Weekend is to inspire participants to express their creativity and provide advice on how to do so.
According to him, a lot of people have a creative spirit but are unsure of how to begin or believe they are incapable of doing it since they work a full-time job. But you’re not that full-time job. It’s the thing you do to support yourself.
IF YOU GO
2025’s Black Writers Weekend
Loudermilk Conference Center (40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta) and Auburn Avenue Research Library (101 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta) are open Thursday through Saturday. Discussions on the main stage, panels, and the book fair are all free. Tickets range from $65 to $170 for workshops, master seminars, and one-on-one meetings to pitch books to publishers and agents.com/blackwritersweekend.
Thanks to ArtsATL
Thanks to ArtsATL
GET TO KNOW OUR PARTNER
A nonprofit organization called ArtsATL (artsatl.org) is essential to teaching and enlightening people about the arts and culture of metro Atlanta. Established in 2009, ArtsATL works to create a thriving arts community that supports the city’s cultural and economic well-being.
