International Black Writers Festival 2025

The International Black Writers Festival returns to Howard University this fall for its fourth year of powerful dialogue, creative exchange, and literary celebration. Taking place September 30 – October 2, 2025, the festival gathers writers, scholars, critics, and artists from across the African diaspora for three days of dynamic programming.

See further below on this page for full schedule. All panels are in-person and will also be livestreamed at msrc.howard.edu/livestream

This year’s theme — “The Story of Us” — centers Black fiction and explores how storytelling shapes identity, history, and imagination across generations and geographies. Through panels, readings, workshops, and student showcases, the festival will highlight the power of narrative as a tool for liberation, representation, and memory.

This year’s featured guests include award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, literary critic and editor Clarence Haynes, historical romance icon Beverly Jenkins, bestselling novelist Kristina Forrest, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Tanya Barfield, and multi-hyphenate artist and cultural producer LeeAnet Noble — with more to be announced.

Hosted by the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and supported by campus and community partners, the festival also features a live book festival on the Yard, offering readers the opportunity to connect with authors, browse books by Black writers, and celebrate literature in the heart of Howard’s campus.

The International Black Writers Festival is free and open to the public, with select sessions streamed online. Whether you're a lifelong reader, emerging writer, or simply passionate about the power of Black storytelling, we invite you to join us in shaping and celebrating “The Story of Us.”

Full Schedule PDF Version