The Black Authors Festival Atlanta 2026 is making history as the nationally acclaimed Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor announces its powerful expansion to Atlanta, Georgia. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the movement recognized by USA Today as one of the Top 9 Best New Festivals in the Nation will bring its mission of visibility, literacy, and cultural preservation to a city deeply rooted in Black excellence.
This Southern debut will pay tribute to two of Atlanta’s most beloved spiritual and cultural leaders—Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant and Dr. Karri Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Both are widely celebrated for their transformative work in ministry, scholarship, and community upliftment. Their commitment to empowering Black families aligns seamlessly with the Festival’s national vision and the broader purpose of the Black Authors Festival Atlanta 2026.
“It’s a divine alignment,” said Festival Founder and President Darlene Williams, award-winning author, educator, and philanthropist. “Dr. Jamal and Dr. Karri Bryant embody the essence of leadership, love, and literacy in action. Honoring them at our inaugural Atlanta celebration is both a privilege and a proclamation that our stories are sacred, and our words hold power.”
The Right to Write: A Movement Rooted in Cultural Protection
The 2026 theme—“The Right to Write”—reflects the Festival’s unwavering stand against the surge of banned books across the nation. With more than 30% of banned titles written by Black authors or centered on Black life and culture, the Black Authors Festival Atlanta 2026 positions itself as both a celebration and a call to action.
Through legislative partnerships, literacy advocacy, and nationwide community engagement, the Festival is working to protect First Amendment rights and ensure Black stories remain accessible for generations to come.
“The Black Authors Festival is more than a literary event—it’s a movement to preserve our voices, protect our stories, and ensure that future generations can learn freely from those who came before them,” Williams shared.
Get Involved in the Movement
Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, educator, or community supporter, there are multiple ways to participate:
- Early Bird Tickets: Secure your seat at this historic Atlanta debut.
- Vendors & Sponsors: Align your brand with one of the nation’s fastest-growing cultural festivals.
- Festival Ambassadors: Support community outreach, author engagement, and media relations before, during, and after the event.
- Host & Hostess Search: The Festival is currently seeking dynamic Atlanta personalities to lead this unforgettable celebration.
Past Sag Harbor honorees include Tamron Hall, Don Lemon, Sunny Hostin, Marc H. Morial, and Marcus Samuelsson. The 2026 Sag Harbor honorees include Dr. Mathew Knowles, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard, Sr., A’Lelia Bundles, Tiffany Cross, and Rickey Smiley.
A portion of the proceeds from Black Authors Festival Atlanta 2026 will benefit A Father’s Love Personal Development & Community Services, a nonprofit devoted to empowering youth through literacy, mentorship, and personal growth. Learn more at www.afatherslove54.com.
About Black Authors Festival
The Black Authors Festival is a national celebration uplifting Black authors, storytellers, and thought leaders whose work shapes today’s cultural landscape. Through live performances, book signings, workshops, and intergenerational conversations, the Festival combats book banning, strengthens community engagement, and amplifies underrepresented voices nationwide.
For tickets and more information about Black Authors Festival Atlanta 2026, visit www.blackauthorsfestival.com.
