Titles being discussed during Friday’s panels and fireside chats.
Whether you’re here for the whole weekend or just pulling up for the day, check-in is your first stop. Swing by to grab your B3 tote, badge, and everything you need to unlock the panels, parties, and good vibes ahead. Check-in is open all day, every day—because no matter when you arrive, we’re ready to welcome you home.
Beloved for Perfect Peace and the deeply moving Don’t Cry for Me, Dr. Daniel Black returns with Isaac’s Song—a powerful companion coming of age story. In this intimate conversation, we celebrate his literary legacy, his exploration of Black masculinity, and the stories that have shaped a generation of readers.
Rosey Lee and Lorna Lewis write unforgettable stories about the power of forgiveness—within families, between partners, and most importantly, with ourselves.
Black supernatural love is in the air!! Listen to Rachel Howzell Hall speak about writing in both the romantasy and thriller genres: from world building, to craft and especially the importance of loving Black women!
Black women are often overlooked by the very health systems meant to protect them. Grounded in Dr. Ian K. Smith’s Eat Your Age and joined by physician Dr. Pauline Rolle, this conversation explores wellness, aging, and how to advocate for a body too often ignored—offering insights to help Black women thrive at every stage.
Comic book Legends John Jennings (Ironheart, Lion Man, Shook, Box of Bones, Megascope Comics) and Barbara Brandon-Croft (The first Black woman syndicated cartoonist, Where I'm Coming From) speak on the importance of diverse and authentic Black representation in the comic book industry.
Aubry J and Tatum James write romance with drama, and ride-or-die energy. Their stories dive deep into loyalty, lust, and love in the streets—where danger is real, and so are the feelings. This is urban romance at its rawest and most addictive.
Long before the algorithms, they were setting the standard. ReShonda Tate and Farrah Rochon share hard-won wisdom, career reflections, and what it takes to build a lasting literary legacy.
Wands are for losers! Join Clarence Haynes and Kosoko Jackson in a conversation about ancestral magic and writing complex magic systems.
D. Camille and Aubry J. have built fan-favorite universes with sprawling casts, spin-offs, and cult followings. This panel explores how their high-stakes love stories, from billionaire vigilantes to crime families, became addictive franchises readers can’t quit.
Through legal suspense and sharp social commentary, Wanda Morris and Kellye Garrett explore the lies we’re told—and the ones we’re forced to live with. Their thrillers center Black women uncovering secrets buried by power, silence, and systems that were never built to protect them.
K.C. Mills is the definition of prolific, blending love, loyalty, and street-smart grit into stories her readers devour. This fireside chat dives into her journey, her characters, and how she built an empire writing the kind of romance that always hits.
Book influence is more than pretty shelves and viral trends. This panel, led by top content creators, breaks down how to grow your brand, find your niche, connect with publishers, and turn your passion for books into real partnerships—and real opportunities.
From digital crushes to seismic family secrets, Ravynn Stringfield and Faith Knight explore the push and pull of identity in real and virtual spaces. Whether it’s a freshman finding love and voice online, or a teen discovering his Blackness in a divided Alabama, these stories examine how young people come to know who they are—and what they believe—when the world isn’t sure where they belong.
Break bread with your fellow cuzzins! Join us for a complimentary lunch featuring delicious bites from Black-owned caterers. Whether you’re debriefing a panel, meeting new friends, or just taking a moment to refuel, this is your midday reset—served with community, conversation, and a whole lot of flavor. Available to all registered attendees on Friday and Saturday.
From a Negro League team owner to an opera diva born enslaved, Kaia Alderson and Tiffany L. Warren bring real Black women out of the footnotes and into the spotlight.
In Kamala, The Motherland, and Me, Dr. Nii-Quarterlai Quartey explores identity, belonging, and what it means to see yourself reflected in power. This conversation unpacks heritage, hope, and the political awakening that bridges Ghana, America, and everything in between.
Nek Mills delivers the kind of urban romance that hits fast, burns hot, and leaves you wanting more. From plot twists to messy love and unforgettable characters, Nek is turning up the heat—and bringing all the smoke.
From a secret interracial marriage that shook the Roaring Twenties to a blues singer chasing stardom amid glamorous and dangerous vaudeville—Denny S. Bryce and Monica Chenault‑Kilgore bring to life histories that are bold, gripping, and unforgettable.
Experience the allure of Black dark romance as bold authors dive into tales of desire, danger, and unapologetic love.
Whether you’re pitching yourself or your book, visibility is the job now. This panel dives into how to build a brand in the book community—from content creation to PR strategy—and what it takes to turn attention into impact (and income).
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show 'em! LaDarrion Williams and justin a. reynolds' protagonists find themselves in some tough situations. but whether its with ancestral magic or a fist, they make a way out of no way. Join these authors in discussing the importance of writing complex Black male characters.
In this conversation, award-winning journalist and bestselling children’s author Linsey Davis reflects on Girls of the World and The Smallest Spot of a Dot—and how her work on the news desk and the page helps young readers understand their value, their voice, and the power of being seen.
Tabitha Rochelle proves you don’t need open-door scenes to bring the heat. With faith, tension, and emotional depth, their romances show that intimacy starts with connection—and some of the most powerful love stories happen beyond the page.
At the intersection of race, sexuality, and masculinity, Dr. Daniel Black and Rasheed Newson craft stories that refuse to choose one truth over another. This conversation explores the power of fiction to hold complexity—and the freedom that comes with being fully seen.
Meet the authors you’ve been hearing from all day! During this dedicated signing window, panelists from the day’s sessions will be available to autograph books, take photos, and connect with readers one-on-one. Whether you’re collecting your favorites or discovering someone new, this is your chance to get your books signed and your questions answered. Books will be available for purchase on-site while supplies last.
No need to leave the party to grab dinner—Hyatt’s in-house food truck-style stations have you covered. From wings to flatbreads, grab-and-go favorites will be available for purchase right inside the venue.
Break out the pajamas and bring that cousin energy! Chapters + Chill is our late-night family reunion turn-up—just like the ones at Grandma’s house, but grown. We’re talking karaoke, good vibes, and a cash bar to keep the party flowing. Whether you’re belting out a ballad or just vibing in your slippers, it’s the perfect way to unwind and connect with your bookish fam.