Black Writers Weekend 2020

Last week, the Black Writers Weekend (August 27 to August 29) was held virtually! This is the largest gathering of African American literary creatives and filmmakers. Most of the panelist include authors, screenwriters, along with and film and TV stars. The attendees could sign up for creative clinics, workshops, masterclasses...virtually of course. Tamika Newhouse the founder of Black Writers Weekend started writing at the age of 12 and the goal of the conference is to give black writers the education, support, and visibility needed within the black writing community. This is the largest gathering of literary creatives and filmmakers in the country. The attendees and panelists include authors, screenwriters and both film and TV stars. The attendees can attend creative clinics, workshops, masterclasses, pitching sessions, and more.

There were so many great session that were held over the weekend, here are a few highlights:

Session: Create + Master a Writing Career with Wattpad

This session was about “Create + Master a Writing Career with Wattpad” with Tamika Newhouse, Daven McQueen, Angel @ AngeltheAuthor_360, Ashley Marie, and Paula Gill. The ladies went into an in-depth discussion on the benefits of writing on the Wattpad writing platform. Wattpad is a website and application to publish stories by amateur and established writers. Readers can read, review, and comment on the writing pieces that are posted by the authors. In addition to publishing their own writing projects, authors are also connected to other writing opportunities and writing contests.

Session: His Story | Moderated by Darius Hicks of While Black Podcast

During this session Black creative males spoke out about the importance of their stories from the Black male perspective. These gentlemen discussed mental health, self-care, police brutality, showing emotions, and how their various experiences influence their creative expressions. This discussion was very thought provoking and insightful. Many of them have been writing for years and note the current climate of racial injustice has affected them personally and their creative works.

In summary, the Black Writers Weekend is so important amid the continuous disparities African Americans face especially in the literary space. The next Black Writers Weekend is schedule for June 2021 in Atlanta, GA. For more information check out www.blackwritersweekend.com or @tamikanewhouse on Instagram.