Authors, publishers and readers alike will have the chance to come together and celebrate their love of the written word during the 18th annual National Black Book Festival scheduled to take place from Oct. 23-25 in Houston.

Sponsored by Cushcity.com, an online site launched more than 25 years ago by Willie and Gwen Richardson to market and promote African American authors and literature, this year’s festival will bring more than 100 participating authors and publishers grouped into 23 different genres to Fallbrook Church – Brook Sports Facility at 12512 Walters Rd. in Northwest Houston.

General admission is free to the public and allows them to explore diverse offerings from exhibiting authors and a variety of seminars and workshops throughout the weekend. Bookworms will have plenty of choice with just some of the covered genres including everything  from sci-fi/fantasy, romance, thrillers, poetry and horror to history, faith, biography, memoirs and self-help books. 

There are a number of children’s book authors exhibiting throughout the weekend as well, with a special free Children’s Festival taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. This event is also free and open to the public. There will be books, games, prizes and activities and all children who attend it will receive a free book.

Saturday will also have several book discussions and signings by this year’s featured authors:

• Actor, Director, Producer and Author Eriq La Salle
• Author and White House Correspondent April Ryan
• Best-Selling Author, Screenwriter and Film Producer Kiki Swinson
• Best-Selling Mystery/Thriller Author Rachel Howzell Hall
• Best-Selling Mystery/Thriller Author Brandon Massey
• Best-Selling Romance Author Brenda Jackson
• Best-Selling Historical Romance Author Beverly Jenkins

In addition to the free programming there are three ticketed events also taking place – a welcome reception to officially begin the festival on Thursday evening, and breakfasts happening on both Friday and Saturday that will allow opportunities to get acquainted and network.

For authors/vendors who may want to participate in this year’s festival as exhibitors, there are still a limited number of places available.

For information on schedules, registrations, ticketing and more visit https://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/