The Petersburg Public Library proudly announces the return of the Black Author Expo 2026, Virginia’s largest free Black author-centered literary event.

The Expo will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Petersburg Public Library.

Featured Authors: Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford

This year’s Expo highlights award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a celebrated mother and son duo. Their work centers on Black history, resilience, and imagination.

Their achievements include:

80+ published books
2 NAACP Image Awards
18 American Library Association Youth Media Awards
Newbery Honor
Coretta Scott King Award
4 Caldecott Honors
The Claudia Lewis Award (Bank Street College of Education)
The Boston Globe Horn Book Award

Their presence is a major highlight for the 2026 Expo and reinforces its growing statewide impact.

About the Expo

In addition to the Weatherfords, the Expo will feature 60+ Black authors, writers, and educators. Attendees will have the chance to:

Discover new voices
Engage in meaningful conversations
Support Black literature during Black History Month

Following the success of the 2025 Expo, which drew hundreds of attendees and over 45 authors, the 2026 event promises to be even larger. It continues to strengthen its reputation as a cornerstone literary celebration in Virginia.

Event Features

Held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg, the Expo will include:

Book signings
Author meet-and-greets
Books across every genre: children’s literature, poetry, faith, self-help, and fiction

“The Black Author Expo is more than a literary event,” said Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library.
“It is a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month.”

“The goal has always been to make sure everyone, from a first-time reader to a seasoned writer, feels seen, valued, and inspired,” said Demetrius Frazier, owner of Resist Booksellers.
“We are proud to see this Expo grow into a cornerstone event for Black literature in Virginia.”

The event is completely free for both attendees and authors, reflecting the library’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Petersburg Public Library, Conference & Event Center
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Website: www.ppls.org
Phone: (804) 733-2387

Sponsorship Inquiries: Raleigh Desper – [email protected]

Participating Authors

The 2026 Black Author Expo will feature the following distinguished authors, writers, and educators:

Adele Williams
Alfreda Gregory
Alvin Schexnider
Barry Beck, Jr.
Bradley Johnson
Bria Freitas
Bryan Garland
C. Rose Dahl
Calmfirmations
Cecil Avery
Christopher Green
Colleen Bray
Cutina Walker
Daniel Davis
Debra Johnson
Denise LaJuan Peters
Desmond Ross
Destiny Bryant
Doris Ryan
Dr. Barbara H. Smith
Dr. Bridgette Y. Williams
Dr. Kimberly Mitchell
Dr. Na’Shayla Nelson
Dr. Tia Palmer
Elizabeth Willis
Frances Crouch
Healing Angel
Iche Palms
J’ana Price
James Rollins
Jamare Bates
Jamica Whitaker
Jamie “Jai” Morrison
Jamila Romero
Jessieca Montgomery
JK Lynch
LaStar Vieira
Lakeisha Crawford
Lakeshia Crawford
Laymetha Guy
Mary Day Sims
Mary Gerald-Patterson
Maurice Brown
Mechelle Harris
Mccarthy Barnes, Jr.
Paula Banks
Patricia Moore
Rhonda Stanford
Ronald Robinson
S. LaTisha Branch-Morgan
Savannah Jackson
Sharon Matthews Fortune
Sharelle McNair-Jasper
Shirley Scarborough
Tamela Carrington
Theresa Caldwell
Tony Durham
Torria Burwell
Tracy Booker
Travis Simmons
Tywanda Parker
Valencia Martin
Wanda Miller
Yvonne J. Medley

Save the Date: Black Author Expo 2026 Returns to Petersburg Public Library

The Petersburg Public Library is excited to announce the return of the Black Author Expo on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM in our Conference and Event Center. After a record-breaking year in 2025, the Expo is already shaping up to be one of Virginia’s most anticipated celebrations of Black literature.

Interest in this year’s event has been overwhelming. A total of 77 Black authors have already registered to participate, along with one featured award-winning author. Because of this strong response and limited space, author registration is now closed.

Held during Black History Month, the Black Author Expo brings together readers, writers, and community members to celebrate Black voices and storytelling. Families, book lovers, and literary enthusiasts gather for an afternoon filled with culture, creativity, and connection. The event continues to uplift Black authors while encouraging meaningful conversations around literature and representation.

Attendees can expect a vibrant experience featuring authors from many genres, including children’s books, poetry, self-help, faith-based writing, memoirs, and fiction. Guests will have the opportunity to browse author tables, purchase books, meet writers, and enjoy personal conversations about the creative process.

The Petersburg Public Library is proud to host the Black Author Expo in partnership with Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg known for championing diverse voices and community engagement.

With all author spots filled for 2026, submissions are now closed. Authors interested in future events are encouraged to follow the Petersburg Public Library for updates and upcoming opportunities.

The Black Author Expo is a free, public event. The Library remains committed to making literacy, culture, and diverse stories accessible to everyone. Over the years, the Expo has grown into a signature community event, drawing hundreds of attendees and spotlighting authors whose work informs, inspires, and empowers.

For more than 100 years, the Petersburg Public Library has served as a pillar of the community. From navigating segregation and desegregation to expanding inclusive programming today, the library continues to honor its past while building a stronger future. Events like the Black Author Expo reflect this ongoing commitment to literacy, creativity, and community connection.

Mark Your Calendar

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Petersburg Public Library Conference and Event Center
201 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Black Author Expo