Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY

Spearheaded by Dr. Brenda M. It is the only Center devoted to this in the country.

Founded in 2002, the mission of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY (CBL) is to expand, broaden, and enrich the public’s knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of Black literature by people of the African Diaspora. Greene, the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College builds on the tradition and legacy of the National Black Writers Conference and serves as a voice

, mecca, and resource for black writers and the general public to study the literature of people from the African Diaspora. The mission of the Center for Black Literature is to expand, broaden, and enrich the public’s knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of the value of black literature. Through a series of programs that build an audience for the reading, discussion, and critical analysis of contemporary black literature and that serve as a forum for the research and study of black literature, the Center convenes and supports various literary programs and events such as author signings, writing workshops, panel discussions, conferences, and symposia. Its intellectual approach to program activities is an integrative one that focuses on the ways in which the literary arts and cultural values inform the work of black writers and the ways in which these works influence the culture at large. Through its collaborations with public schools and organizations such as the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, the Brooklyn Literary Council and the PEN American Center, the Center for Black Literature serves as a vehicle for nurturing and cultivating the critical reading and writing habits of a cross-generation of readers and writers and provides university, community and public institutions with literary programs such as conferences, symposia, book discussions, author signings and writing workshops. Funding and support for Center programs have been provided by the public and private sector and include organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the New York Council on the Humanities, Poets and Writers, and the Brooklyn Community Foundation.

04/29/2026

Applications are now open for ! ✍🏾🗽🏙️

Join in , NY, July 26–August 1, 2026, for a transformative week of writing, community, and creative growth.

Learn alongside acclaimed workshop leaders and while deepening your craft and moving your work forward.

Apply today via the link in our bio and visit centerforblackliterature.org for retreat details and workshop leader bios.

Photos from Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY's post

04/01/2026

Gratitude post: Thank you 🙏🏾 to everyone that made our four days of the 18th possible! ✨✨ We look forward to seeing you next year! Stay connected. Visit our website for our programming.

03/18/2026

Next week, it begins. 🎉

Opening Night of the 18th National Black Writers Conference brings together , Michael Harriot, and Dr. Brenda Greene for an unforgettable evening.

Join us as we set the tone for four days of bold ideas and transformative dialogue.

📅 Wednesday, March 25 | 6 PM
📍 Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn

Secure your seat. Visit the link in our bio for registration

WritersMatter

03/03/2026

Today, on Day, we celebrate the joy and power of reading—and the communities it builds. That celebration continues at the 18th National Black Writers Conference, where books spark dialogue, dialogue fuels action, and stories help us move forward together.

Dive into powerful titles from our participating authors.

📎 Head to the link in bio for schedule and registration information.

02/27/2026

Congratulations 🎉🎉to the ‘26 Winter Cohort.

02/11/2026

The Countdown Begins. ⏳✨

is proud to present the 18th National Black Writers Conference.

Join us from Wed., March 25 – Sat., March 28, 2026, as we expand the conversation on Environmental Justice, Popular Culture, Resilience, and Peace.

We are bringing together the storytellers, the truth-tellers, and the change-makers.

The Highlights:
Opening Night: A must-see conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones () and Michael Harriot ().

Honoring Excellence: Celebrating our 2026 honorees Camille Dungy (), Kassahun Checole, and Imani Perry ().

This is more than a conference—it’s a gathering of the minds that are shaping our collective future.

🔗 Scan the QR code in the graphic or visit our website to view the program and registration details!

02/11/2026

March at the Center for Black Literature is officially here! 📚✨

We’re kicking off the month with a powerful virtual session dedicated to Black women’s mental health before we head into our 18th National Black Writers Conference.

Join on Thursday, March 12, for a vital virtual conversation on Black women’s mental health and well-being.

Authors Venise Berry () and Marita Golden () will lead us through a deep dive into the power, the pain, and the myths surrounding the "Black Superwoman".

Moderated by Dr. Makeba Pinder (Director of Counseling & Psychological Services, Medgar Evers College).

🗓 When: March 12 | 6 PM – 7 PM ET 📍 Where: Virtually on Zoom 🔗 Register: at the pictured QR Code or visit our website: centerforblackliterature.org

02/03/2026

Check out this footage from the 2018 . We’re getting ready for the 18th NBWC: Expanding Conversations on Environmental Justice, Popular Culture, Resilience, and Peace.

Visit our website (www.centerforblackliterature.org) for program details and registration information.

01/30/2026

Our deepest🙏🏾condolences on the passing of visionary great , a cherished friend and longtime supporter of .

With Black History Month around the corner, we are reminded of the honor of hosting this towering figure of theater, television, and culture at for our 2023 BHM program. In conversation with Mr. King, we were joined by Carolyn Butts (), David Greaves (), and Mia Mask () for a powerful discussion on Black American film and his enduring impact.

Slide 1 - Flyer for the 2023 Black History Month program

Slide 2 - Biography for Woodie King, Jr.

Slide 3 - Brooklyn Elected Officials Proclamation Presentation to Woodie King, Jr. during the 12th National Black Writers Conference held in 2016

Slide 4 - Woodie King on stage during the 12th National Black Writers Conference with Honorees, Brooklyn Elected Officials, and Dr. , Executive Director Emeritus

01/27/2026

Join in person at for our Black History Month program, "Black Literature: A Device for Equitable Change", on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

We’re presenting a powerful and timely conversation at the intersection of community, capital, and justice, featuring dynamic voices and , moderated by .

📌 Scan the QR code or copy and paste the link in your browser to register (https://bit.ly/4pYG2Vj).

01/02/2026

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Telephone

(718) 804-8883

Website

http://www.centerforblackliterature.org/

Address

New York, NY
11225