Twenty-time national bestselling author and New Orleans native Brian W. Smith is set to return to New Orleans for the 4th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend Feb. 28-29 for two days of workshops, booksignings, and music.

“For years I’ve longed to be a part of a literary-centered movement in my hometown of New Orleans,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t miss this event for the world.”

Hosted by New Orleans-based public relations agency Meet the World Image Solutions, the Black History Month Literary Weekend will feature 10 local and national bestselling authors, as well as a special writing class taught by Smith.

“I am excited and honored that Brian agreed to come out this year,” said Rhonda M. Lawson, founder and president of Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC. “What makes the Black History Month Literary Weekend so special is that we not only get to promote Louisiana authors, but also inspire our young people through our eighth and ninth grade essay contest. With Brian, I’m confident that we will be able to reach even more of our young people.”

The essay contest is open to all students in the Greater New Orleans area. One winner will be selected from each grade to receive $100 and scholarship materials sponsored by Higher Minds of Education, LLC. SwagHer Magazine, also an event sponsor, will also publish each winner’s essay on their website. The deadline to enter is Feb. 9.

Black History Month Literary Weekend events are as follows:

*A writers’ workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m., Feb. 28 at the Algiers Regional Library, located at 3014 Holiday Dr., New Orleans, LA, 70131. Smith, owner of Hollygrove Publishing and an adjunct creative writing professor at Collin College and Dallas Community College (Richland Campus), will teach a special writing class, followed by a panel discussion on writing tips and the relationship between literacy and African American history. This event is free of charge.

*A mass booksigning is set for 4 – 7 p.m., at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, located at 1601B Centre at Westbank, Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA, 70058. All of the featured authors will be available for photos and booksignings. Attendees who purchase a book will be eligible to win two free tickets to Twylite: The Stage Play.

*The Ivory and Cream Affair Literary Jazz Brunch, featuring the New Orleans Jazz Band Strate Notes, will take place at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 29 at Dooky Chase Restaurant, located at 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119. The brunch will be hosted by WBOK’s Oliver “OT” Thomas, with Minister Bobbye Mathews II of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church as the featured guest speaker. Both essay contest winners will also be announced and will read their essays during the brunch. Admission is $50, including entertainment, meal, and a free book. Advance sales only.

*The final event of the weekend will be the premiere of Twylite: The Stage Play, which will take place at McDonough 35 High School’s Auditorium. The play, directed by 4thdimension Productions, is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Rhonda M. Lawson, and addresses the effects of teenaged sexual assault. Advance tickets are still on sale for $25 for adults, and $10 for teens under 18 years old with ID. Tickets will be sold at the door for $35 for adults and $20 for teens. Group rates are also available. Due to the serious nature of the play, parental discretion is advised.

“I am really excited about the caliber of talent in this production,” Lawson said. “We have a perfect storm of established actors and newcomers who all bring something special to this very serious topic. It is our goal that attendees will see sexual assault survivors in a different light.”

The participating authors for the 2020 Black History Month Literary Weekend include:

*Aston R. Williams, The Righteous Seeds: 7 Principles Towards Success

*Kesh Nicole, Every Goodbye Ain't Always Forever (1-2), A Family Affair, A Beautiful Symphonie, Broken Empire (1-3)

*LaTracey Drux,10k in 10 days for Black Authors, 100 things every black author needs to do NOW

*Diana Riley, Cooking on Purpose, Grace at the Kitchen Table

*Rosalind Armstrong-Woodfox, My Story, My Testimony, My Deliverance

*Teriece Reynolds, Live, Learn, Love: With an Open Heart Life, Lessons on Cultivating Healthy and Meaningful Relationships

*Raymond Manson, Bamzybaby's First Day of School

*Vanessa J. Ross, A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Eyez

*Portia A. Cosby, The Disgruntled Wives Club, It's Complicated, and F.I.R.E. Reignited

*Shelia Goss, The Joneses, The Aftermath

*Jae Henderson, Where Do We Go From Here, Where Do We Go From Here II, From Here to There, and Husband Wanted

Meet the World Image Solutions, LLC is a boutique public relations firm that specializes in assisting small business, non-profit organizations, authors, and artists. It was founded Jan. 23, 2017 by author and U.S. Army veteran Rhonda M. Lawson as a vehicle to promote entrepreneurs with smaller advertising budgets. Lawson also hosts Horizons With Meet the World Image Solutions, a literary talk show, on the New Orleans Talk Network each Monday at 7 pm CST. For information on the Black History Month Literary Weekend, visit the Meet the World Image Solutions website or 504-505-5894.