Black Author Expo 2026 to Celebrate Black Voices in Petersburg, VA

The annual event will feature award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Petersburg Public Library is set to host the Black Author Expo on February 28, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free event, held in partnership with Resist Booksellers, promises to be larger than the successful 2025 Expo, which drew hundreds of attendees and over 45 authors. The 2026 Expo will spotlight award-winning authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, a mother-son duo whose work focuses on Black history, resilience and imagination.

Why it matters

The Black Author Expo is more than just a literary event - it's a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month. The event aims to provide a platform for diverse Black voices in literature and connect readers directly with authors.

The details

The 2026 Black Author Expo will feature over 60 Black authors, writers, and educators representing a range of genres including children's literature, poetry, faith-based works, self-help, and fiction. Resist Booksellers, a Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg, is a key partner in facilitating book signings and author meet-and-greets.

  • The Black Author Expo will be held on February 28, 2026.
  • The event will run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The players

Carole Boston Weatherford

An award-winning author whose work focuses on Black history, resilience and imagination.

Jeffery Boston Weatherford

An award-winning author and Carole Boston Weatherford's son, whose work also focuses on Black history, resilience and imagination.

Resist Booksellers

A Black-owned independent bookstore in Petersburg that is a key partner in the Black Author Expo, facilitating book signings and author meet-and-greets.

Wayne Crocker

The Director of the Petersburg Public Library, which is hosting the Black Author Expo.

Demetrius Frazier

The owner of Resist Booksellers, who emphasized the goal of making the event inclusive for all attendees.

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What they’re saying

“The goal has always been to make sure everyone, from a first-time reader to a seasoned writer, feels seen, valued, and inspired.”

— Demetrius Frazier, Owner, Resist Booksellers (Instagram)

“It's a celebration of storytelling, legacy, and representation during Black History Month.”

— Wayne Crocker, Director, Petersburg Public Library (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Raleigh Desper at [email protected] for more information.

The takeaway

The Black Author Expo has grown into a cornerstone literary celebration in Virginia, providing a platform for diverse Black voices in literature and fostering meaningful connections between authors and readers during Black History Month.