The Third Annual Black Authors Festival is leading the way in African-American literary events, and SwagHer Magazine was there to cover it all.
Founded by Darlene Williams, the Black Authors Festival is a yearly celebration of African-American literature, culture, and thought leadership. The event brings together acclaimed authors, emerging voices, and literary enthusiasts for a day of dynamic panels, book signings, and meaningful discussions that highlight the richness of Black storytelling. More than just a literary gathering, the festival serves as a platform to amplify Black voices, foster community connections, and inspire future generations of readers and writers.
Set at the luxurious Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor, New York, the festival brought out prominent literary figures and New York’s elite, several of whom I had the privilege of interviewing on the red carpet. However, everything was perfectly curated to create a more intimate setting than most would expect. It was unlike the usual hustle and bustle of busy events, but more of a laid-back feel that allowed attendees to get close to the honorees because they blended right in with the guests.
Black Authors Festival Honorees
The honorees included:
Sunny Hostin – A former federal prosecutor turned three‑time Emmy‑winning co‑host of The View and New York Times best‑selling author. Her memoir, I Am These Truths, and her Summer Beach novel trilogy showcase her multitalented writing prowess alongside her legal and journalistic expertise. (Watch our brief interview).
Don Lemon – A celebrated American journalist and news anchor for CNN until 2023, recipient of regional Emmy awards and a Murrow Award. Author of This Is the Fire and I Once Was Lost, Lemon offers unflinching commentary on race, identity, and social justice.
Marc H. Morial – Distinguished civic leader, former Mayor of New Orleans, and current President & CEO of the National Urban League. He continues to spearhead economic and social equity initiatives nationwide.
Alton Fitzgerald White – A Broadway legend renowned for a record-breaking 4,308 performances as King Mufasa in The Lion King. Now an inspiring author and motivational keynote speaker, his autobiography, My Pride, shares insights into balancing performance and purpose. (Watch the red carpet interview.)
Harriette Cole – A dynamic life stylist, media coach, and bestselling author, Cole has held key editorial roles at Essence and Ebony. Known for her syndicated advice columns, motivational speaking, and her empowering “39 lives” approach to media and personal branding.
Dr. Cheryl Wills – A veteran, Emmy‑winning journalist with Spectrum News NY1 since its launch in 1992. Author of Die Free: A Heroic Family Tale, she skillfully weaves personal and historical narratives—such as uncovering the story of her enslaved ancestor—to powerful effect.
Pamela McBride – An award‑winning freelance writer and senior advisor specializing in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. With hundreds of articles covering leadership, culture, and military life, she uses her voice to advocate and inspire.
Attika J. Torrence – A versatile, two-time Emmy‑nominated producer, writer, director, and actor. Honored with a Television Academy Honors award, he is also a published novelist with a compelling presence across media forms. (Watch our red carpet interview.)
Amaryllis Greene – The Festival’s first Youth Author Honoree, this remarkable 14-year-old is a published poet, actor, model, and youth literacy advocate. Her work—in books like Poets Are Children Too—celebrates young voices and inspires resilience. (Watch our red carpet interview.)
Multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist Arrianee LeBeau and Emmy-winning anchor and Tyler Perry’s Duplicity actor, Shannon LaNier, were vibrant hosts for the occasion, keeping the audience engaged.
Black Authors Festival Activities
Some of the sessions to take place that day were:
- Black Women in America Panel, sponsored by The Treat Table and moderated by Newsday’s Rochell Sleets
- Black Men and Literacy Panel, sponsored by Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box Collection, moderated by Maurice Williams of A Father’s Love
- A Self-Publishing Bootcamp
- A Book Ban Awareness Forum
- And a bold Civic Proclamation Ceremony—officially declaring August as Black Authors Festival Month in the Hamptons
- Attendees could also view Sunny Hostin’s daughter’s artwork.
I really enjoyed the women’s panel. Many of the ladies’ stories were heart-wrenching, but they shed light on challenges sisters face daily, such as being overworked, underpaid, and dismissed. When one guest asked how Black men help their women in these trying situations, columnist Harriet Cole replied, “Listen.”
While it was not planned, authenticity was a significant theme for the event. As I worked the carpet, almost every honoree spoke about it and their intentionality from various aspects concerning their work. Of course, SwagHer Magazine is big on intentionality, and this stood out to me.
The festival was a success because of the intentions its founder, Darlene Williams, put into every part of it. And let me also mention that she and her husband looked so cute! Darlene wore a long white dress with a train that read, “Black Authors Festival,” and her husband, Maurice, matched her in a white tuxedo that also read the same thing.
If you missed this year’s festival, be sure to follow @blackauthorsfestival on Instagram to stay updated about the 2026 event. I am sure it will be even bigger and better.
