.png)
.png)
FEATURED AUTHORS
Here's What to Expect
FRIDAY MEET & GREET
An exclusive meet and greet with our spotlight Summit authors with curated cocktails and discussions for our VIP guests.
​
General admission will get to enjoy a happy hour at each of our host hotels, just steps from their door.​
SUMMIT DAY
Access to connect authors and readers, a live book club chat, keynote speakers, a VIP lounge, a vibey patio, coffee bar in the morning and cash bar after lunch (did we mention food trucks will be on site).​​
​
We will then head over to a bowling after party for all to enjoy.
DAY OF SERVICE
Sunday, we will be doing a church takeover where we invite all of our guest to join us at One Community Church for Easter service, followed by community service at one of our 2 tailored locations.
​
You will be able to choose between a Bookbag and Brunch or a Self Love and Spa Experience.
CELEBRATION OF YOUTH
Along with our hand selected experience for you, we are also creating a space to celebrate the youth who participate in our new creative writing program, honoring one young woman with an abundance of love, support, scholarship, and representation.​
​
We will have influencers on site to keep energy high and interview our guests.
MEET OUR RENOWNED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ReShonda Tate is a national bestselling author of more than 50 books, a NAACP Image Award winner, and a powerhouse storyteller. Her most recent work, The Queen of Sugar Hill (William Morrow, 2024), is her debut historical fiction novel, spotlighting the life of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black Oscar winner.
​
Her novels Let the Church Say Amen and The Secret She Kept were adapted into films, and her writing has been featured in USA Today, The Washington Post, People, Essence, and Ebony. A veteran journalist with over three decades of experience, she currently serves as Managing Editor of the Houston Defender Newspaper and a radio host on KTSU 90.9 FM.
ReShonda is also co-founder of Brown Girls Books and Brown Girls Entertainment, companies dedicated to elevating fresh voices and producing content across literature, film, and TV. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack & Jill of America, and mom of five.
Spotlight Authors & Partners
tatum
james
Fireside Chat
Discussion of
Psalm
Deric Augustine
Celebrity Guest Author, Introducing
Nawlins
kaylynn hunt
Live Book Club Discussion of
Satisfaction Guaranteed
D.R. Maddox
Official Legacy Partner and Founder of Black Men Read, Too
octavia grant
Live Book Club
Discussion of
Cutthroat
MEET OUR WRITERS WORKSHOP SPEAKER
Lissa Woodson, who writes as Naleighna Kai, is a USA TODAY and Essence Magazine National Bestselling author, a literary agent with The Macro Group who has landed book deals with traditional publishing houses, a developmental editor, motivational speaker and The Book Whisperer.
In addition to successfully cracking the code of landing a deal for herself and others with a major publishing house, she continues to "pay it forward" with NK’s Tribe Called Success, The Kings of the Castle series, and the experience of the annual Cavalcade of Authors, now in its 21st year, which gives readers intimate access to the most accomplished writing talent today.
​
​
VIP Tickets Include
Your VIP ticket includes all-access entry to Friday and Saturday Summit events, along with exclusive bonus experiences and incentives throughout the weekend. Because Sunday falls on Easter and many guests may choose to travel home, our Sunday offerings are designed to be flexible and interest-based. Sunday community service experiences are available as optional add-ons at an additional cost and can be selected based on your preference. Regardless of your Sunday plans, rest assured that your VIP ticket includes additional VIP-only gifts for you to take home as part of your attendance. Long story short: pack an extra suitcase. Your VIP experience is thoughtfully curated and filled with meaningful moments and premium goodies you’ll be glad you made room for.
V
Friday
-
VIP Only Happy Hour and Author Meet and Greet
-
Bonus Gifts Upon Check In
-
Luxe Tote with Merch and Gifts​​​
I
Saturday
-
Early Access to Summit
-
VIP Only Lounge
-
Light Bites for Breakfast
-
Catered Lunch
-
Bowling After Party
-
Book Box and Bouquet
-
Front Row Seating
-
Drink Ticket
P
Sunday
-
Drink Ticket at Community Service Event
-
Prayer Journal for Easter Service
-
BGWR Boundless Legacy Project Merch​
Your General Admission experience kicks off with a warm Dallas welcome.
-
Upon check-in at one of our host hotels, you’ll receive a drink ticket to enjoy a curated happy hour featuring interactive games, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.
-
You’ll also receive a welcome package to help you settle in and start the weekend on a high note—because we believe in having a good time before the great time.
On Summit day, General Admission includes full access to the event, including:
-
Author meet-and-greets, keynote programming, and access to food truck vendors throughout the day.
-
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage with fellow book lovers and connect with your favorite authors in attendance.​
-
Saturday evening features an optional bowling after-party add-on, giving guests a fun, relaxed way to keep the energy going and continue building connections beyond the Summit floor.
Sunday programming offers optional add-on experiences, including:
-
Brunch or a spa experience, both of which tie into our community service efforts through the BGWR Boundless Legacy Project.
-
Guests may choose the experience that best fits their interests, all while enjoying meaningful connection, conversation, and community throughout the weekend.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
