Celebrating Black Author Expos

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, but only because the week before last I was preparing for the Plots and Pours Black Authors Expo in Houston. Prep included long hours of hand-making our new book sleeves and magnetic bookmarks, but it turned out to be a wonderful two-day event presented by Author Zee Renee. I had the opportunity to showcase our items for the first time on Day 2 alongside thirty-ish Black indie authors (give or take five) for over 200 guests to meet and network with. It's a beautiful thing to see an author who has been actively writing and putting out work also coordinate a well-planned event for readers and supporters in the Houston community and surrounding areas. It was important for me to be present after our six-month hiatus, and it meant the world to be included in this beautiful event.

And this reminds me of the saying: if you don't see it being done, do it yourself. Not just book events—wellness events, sewing classes, small-business expos. The list is long. And most times, it's coordinated and presented by small groups or singular individuals. Help from larger or well-known organizations may come in the form of sponsorship, but the day-to-day groundwork all falls on the person or few people wanting to fill a gap in opportunities within their respective communities. Hosting these events requires money first and foremost, but logistics as a close runner-up. Making sure locations are suitable, attendees and authors feel safe and comfortable, and information and changes are well-communicated. And usually at least twelve months of planning. No easy feat for any-sized organization.

I find it particularly special and dear to the Black reading community because not only are events for us happening in major metropolitan cities across the country, but they're successful. They're well thought out. They're heavily attended. And they're mainly sponsored by us. The long list of sponsors? Black indie authors and Black-owned small businesses and brands. These events are successful because they cater to readership. Most times, the committee putting on these events is well in tune with what's going on on social media, conversations that are being had, and ideas that are being proposed. When you have your ear to the streets like that, successful planning has direction and inspiration from all levels. Post-event surveys and feedback offer valuable criticism and guidance for next year's planning. In all, these events are authentic to the Black experience. The music played. The stories shared. The energy in the room.

These events give readers and authors the opportunity to further nurture relationships. A lot of us get to meet and form connections with fellow readers. The interactions are kind and personable because there's already a middle ground shared—a love for Black stories.

Vendors like ourselves have the opportunity to put faces to names, receive love from past customers, and meet new customers who sought us out through word of mouth. The last time we popped up at an event was in Houston in 2025 selling our tote bags, and to have people spot our table and our bags and express excitement that we were there meant the world. The cherry on top was seeing a woman wearing one of our totes from last year.

For us, showing up at these events is about more than selling products. It's about continuing to grow our community, discovering and supporting authors we might not have found otherwise, making connections for future projects, and keeping our ear to the streets about what's happening in the community. What readers are loving. What authors are working on. What needs aren't being met. You don't get that kind of insight sitting behind a screen. If you're looking for community in your local area, I recommend starting here. Here's a list of events happening this year that may be near you:

• A Lit World: Black Author Expo — June 13, 2026, Houston, TX

• Black Romance Book Fest — May 29-31, 2026

  • I went last year and it was massive. It will only continue to grow, so get your tickets for 2027 because I heard 2026 is sold out

• URBN LIT Exhibition 850 — August 1-2, 2026, Pensacola, FL

  • Presented by M. Monique, one of my favorite authors. I had the opportunity to interview her for our Black Love in Romance series—check it out here

• Black Girl Book Fair — April 25, 2026, Virtual

• Chocolate City Lit Fest — April 24-25, 2026, Washington, D.C.

• Conyers Book Festival — April 11-12, 2026

• Empire State of Stories: Lit in the City — July 10-11, 2026

  • Presented by author Jahquel J., an author who had us in a reading chokehold for the last 2 years with her popular book series

• Books on the Ground — November 6-7, 2026, Houston, TX

• Chicago Urban Book Expo Weekend — September 25-27, 2026, Chicago, IL

  • One of the first Black author expos I came across when I enter the book space. It was started by national bestselling author, Jessica N. Watkins, in 2015

• One Love Reunion — July 22-25, 2026, New Orleans

• Indie Love — June 19-20, 2026, Nashville, TN

These are just some of the events happening this year—there are more popping up all the time. I want to close this post with a shout-out to all of the book clubs and groups, indie authors, independent bookstores, small presses, and any other supporters of Black stories and voices who are putting on for us. Year after year, catering to the growing desire of readers wanting to participate. During these isolating times—with the political climate, digital overload, and everything else weighing on us—these events offer community, light, and a chance for all of us to touch some grass. There's something grounding about being in a room full of people who love what you love, who get it without explanation. When is the last time you got out and mingled? I encourage everyone who is able to attend what you can, support, and share with fellow readers so these events can continue to exist and keep growing. You might see BLK & Company at one of these—be on the lookout!

Until next time,

Happy Reading