— ABOUT KWELI —

Kweli means “truth” in Swahili. Under the direction of founding editor Laura Pegram since 2009, it has been our mission to nurture emerging BIPOC writers that “sing the truth.” With a quarterly online literary journal, year-long writer fellowships, multi-session workshops, writing retreats, individualized editing, an annual writers' conference and international festival, Kweli invests in the artistic and professional growth of emerging authors, nationally and internationally. We continue to contribute to a world where the narratives being told reflect the truth of our histories and the possibilities for our future.


— 2024 COLOR OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE CONFERENCE —

The 2024 Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference is a weekend long conference for writers of color held from April 19th through April 21st! The conference is designed to help Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) emerging writers and illustrators of children’s literature hone their craft, introduce them to established authors willing to share their experiences and expertise, and connect them with editors, agents and publishers who can introduce their art to the world. We have an incredible lineup this year, including Jason Reynolds, Amina Luqman-Dawson, Safia Elhillo, and Autumn Allen.

 

Nikky Finney, Laura Pegram and Tyehimba Jess | #KweliLitFest22