Griot & Grey Owl Black Southern Writers Conference is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black voices in Southern literature. This year's conference promises to be a transformative event that unpacks the theme of Home & Heritage with multi-sensory experiences curated by culture-shifting writers.

It will also bring together local vendors and partners, such as Trees for the Triangle and Southern Foodways Alliance, to help us contribute to community restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene.

In collaboration with partners like Duke University, the City of Durham, the City of Raleigh, the Durham Arts Council, Discover Durham, the Hayti Heritage Center, and the United Arts Council, the conference will host participants for a weekend of impactful performances, workshops, and community events featuring the heavyweights of Southern literary scene.

Friday (Free Day) Activities:
- 11 AM: Write-In led by Black Feminist Love Evangelist Alexis Pauline Gumbs and many other illustrious writers, poets, and performers at Nasher Museum.
- 2 PM: Opening Ceremony & Keynote with Alexis P Gumbs and Expert Embodiment Practitioner Prentis Hemphill at Reynolds Auditorium at Duke University Bryan Center.

Saturday & Sunday (Ticketed Activities):
- Unforgettable culinary experience Lunch & Learn led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Twitty, known for his work on Netflix's "High on the Hog."
- Griot’s Poetry Slam, hosted by award-winning poets Bluz, Jay Ward, and Dasan Ahanu.
- Workshops, Panels, & Book Talks
- Hallmark Talk w/ Michael Twitty
- Dinner with the Authors
- Closing Ceremony & Entertainment by Ashlee Haze
- Afterparty w/ Dasan Ahanu