Petersburg’s Black Author Expo: A Growing Literary Hub
The Petersburg Public Library is set to host the Black Author Expo on February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free event, held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, promises to be larger than the successful 2025 Expo, which drew hundreds of attendees and over 45 authors.
Celebrating Black Voices in Literature
This year’s Expo will spotlight award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a mother-son duo whose function focuses on Black history, resilience and imagination. Together, they have amassed an impressive record, including over 80 published books, 2 NAACP Image Awards, and 18 American Library Association Youth Media Awards. Their accolades too include a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Award, 4 Caldecott Honors, The Claudia Lewis Award, and The Boston Globe Horn Book Award.
More Than Just an Expo: A Community Celebration
The Black Author Expo isn’t just a literary event; it’s a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover new voices, engage in meaningful conversations, and support Black literature. The event will feature over 60 Black authors, writers, and educators representing a diverse range of genres, including children’s literature, poetry, faith-based works, self-help, and fiction.
Resist Booksellers: A Cornerstone Partner
Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg, is a key partner in the Expo. The partnership will facilitate book signings and author meet-and-greets, providing direct access for readers to connect with the authors. Demetrius Frazier, owner of Resist Booksellers, emphasized the goal of making the event inclusive, stating, “The goal has always been to make sure everyone, from a first-time reader to a seasoned writer, feels seen, valued, and inspired.”
The Growing Impact of the Expo
The 2026 Expo builds on the momentum of previous years, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone literary celebration in Virginia. Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “It’s a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month.”
Event Details
- Date: February 28, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.
- Website: ppls.org
- Contact: (804) 733-2387
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Black Author Expo free to attend?
- Yes, the Expo is free for both attendees and participating authors.
- Where is the Expo located?
- The Expo will be held at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.
- Who are the featured authors this year?
- Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford are the featured authors.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Raleigh Desper at [email protected] for more information.
