Darlene Williams is no stranger to the world of authorship. Williams has been a published author several times over, most notably with her 2021 publication of “The Higher Level Method,” in which she collected stories of successful women and gleaned pieces of wisdom from their wins. But her success in writing and publishing would mean nothing if she couldn’t uplift others in the process. “I wanted to do something bigger than myself.”
Inspired by conversations with her husband, Maurice Williams — a system-involved youth who taught himself to read — and immersing herself in the statistics of youth literacy amongst Black children, she found her calling. “But in particular, Black boys. So when we talk about the importance of literacy, we’re talking about the futures of Black boys who become Black men,” said Williams.
Since its inception, the Black Authors Festival has grown from a modest gathering to a weekend-long celebration of Black literature, culture, and community empowerment. “It started really small, just a few authors and a handful of people. Now, it’s become a full weekend of events with workshops, panels, and community givebacks,” Williams shared.
This year’s festival continues that growth and has a theme of “the Power of Literacy,” and for the first time, it will raise money for Maurice’s nonprofit, A Father’s Love, which supports formerly incarcerated fathers reintegrating into their communities. The festival will also partner with the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center to support literacy and enrichment programs for local youth.
The 2025 Black Authors Festival will honor an impressive group of advocates and trailblazers. Honorees include Don Lemon, Sunny Hostin, Marc H. Morial, Alton White Fitzgerald, Harriette Cole, Kendis Gibson, Pamela McBride, Attika J. Torrence, and Cheryl Wills. The festival will also recognize the work of its first youth honoree, Amaryllis Greene, who has made a significant impact in promoting literacy among her peers.
The award ceremony will be hosted by Arrianee LeBeau, familiar to many as the anchor for PIX11’s weekday early evening newscasts. “Having someone like Arrianee to host really brings a sense of community and visibility to the festival,” said Williams.
Williams is adamant about the importance of literacy as a tool of empowerment, especially in the face of increasing book bans that disproportionately affect stories by and about Black people. “When you start banning books, you’re not just limiting stories. You’re limiting futures,” Williams explained. “Literacy is freedom. It’s the key that unlocks potential and opportunity, especially for Black boys who need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read
The Black Authors Festival stands as a direct response to these challenges, using literature to inspire, educate, and resist censorship. “This festival is about more than books,” Williams said. “It’s about community, culture, and creating space where Black voices can be celebrated, heard, and preserved.”
Looking ahead, Williams sees the Black Authors Festival as a continuing force for change and community empowerment. “Our goal is to keep expanding — more voices, more stories, more resources — so that the next generation understands the importance of literacy not just as a skill, but as a tool for self-expression and social justice.” She stressed the festival’s role in creating a safe space where Black authors and readers can connect without fear of censorship or marginalization. “You can tell my story, I can tell your story. But it’s important we learn and teach kids how to tell our own stories in our own words,” she said.
For more info on the Black Authors Festival, visit blackauthorsfestival.com.