✨ Conference Schedule
The Griot & Grey Owl schedule celebrates the voices, stories, and brilliance shaping our Carolina Gold experience. Explore the panels, workshops, and performances that make this weekend unforgettable.
Please note: All times, locations, and sessions are subject to change. We’ll continue updating this page as new details are confirmed, so check back often for the latest schedule.
Let's Get Started!
Friday Nov 7th
FREE FOR EVERYONE!
* Yes, that means you!*
🌟 Friday: Opening Day (Free & Open to the Public)
We begin the Carolina Gold weekend with a day of community, creativity, and connection. Friday’s events are free and open to all, inviting everyone to experience the spirit of Griot & Grey Owl through powerful conversations, performances, and local talent. Come be part of the story as we open the doors to a weekend of Southern brilliance.
9:00am - 10:15am
Event
Location
Saltwater Memory: Gullah Geechee Culture, Language & Lineage
de'Angelo Dia, Marlanda DeKine, Kita Bryant and Amethyst Ganaway.
Presented by Ebony Toussiant
Discover Durham Visitor's Center
4:00pm - 6:30pm
Early Registration & Vendor Setup
Durham Main Public Library
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Opening Ceremony
Featuring
Black Banjo & Beyond: The Soundtrack of Black Southern Life w/ Nnenna Freelon & Pierce Freelon
& Keynote By Crystal Wilkinson
Featuring Black Banjo & Beyond: The Soundtrack of Black Southern Life w/ Nnenna Freelon & Pierce Freelon & Keynote By Crystal Wilkinson
Durham Main Public Library
8:30pm - 11:00pm
After reception
Cocktails and conversations
The Durham Hotel Rooftop
Saturday Nov 7th
Only with conference passes
* Yes, that STILL means you!*
All of theses events will happen in the American Underground unless otherwise stated
9:00am - 10:15am
Writing Romance w/ Southern Grit & Black Love
with Kianna Alexander
Training Room 1
Poetry Masterclass
What We Carry: Writing in Contrapuntal Form with Kianna Alexander
The Classroom
9:30am - 10:45am
Freelance While Black: Rates & Pitching 101
Journalism/Media Industry —Cynthia Greenlee
Vault Room
11:00am - 12:15pm
Crafting Black Fantasy Futures
Chelsea Lockhart, Eddie Williams, Nicole Glover moderated by Zelda Lockhart
Training 1
All Access Publishing Roundtable
Speed Dating
w/ Cortland Gilliam, Cedric Tillman, Victoria Miller, Ashley Lumpkin, Mike Sales, Halle Hill, Rian Jenkins and Kate McClean Landon.
Bull Pen
Root Work & Rituals Panel
Speed Dating
James E. Stewart, Fola Afolayan, Shanita Dee; Moderator J. Rycheal
Training Room 2
11:00am - 12:15pm
Lunch Break & Vendor Time
12:15pm - 1:30pm
Root Work & Rituals Panel Podcast
w/ Alyssa Cuffie from Durham Archives Podcast & special guests in the Google Lounge sponsored by Ebony Tomatoes
Rooftop
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Book Signings
Main Hall
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hallmark Poet Laureates Reading: Nikki Giovanni Tribute
w/ Jaki S Green , Glenis Redmond, Donovan Livingston, Asiah Mae and Jay ward. Moderated by Crystal Simone Smith.
Bull Pen
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Eden Royce: Journey in Publishing- Publishing
will give information to help you choose between the self-publishing versus traditional routes, including pros and cons for each, and some insider knowledge about agenting and marketing
Vault Meeting Room
Main Character Energy: Writing Strong Women Characters
Halle Hill “Good Women” Book talk w/ Vanessa Miller Q&A w/ moderator - Ariel Seay-Howard
Training Room 1
So You Want to Own a Blk Literary Org/Biz
w/, Chelsea Lockhart, Ty McDuffie, Victoria Scott-Miller, Dr. Zelda Lockhart moderated by Courtney Napier
TBD
4:00pm - 5:00pm
KidLit Panel: From Seedlings to Oak Trees
Pierce Freelon, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kamal E. Bell, special guest: Rian Jenkins, Mike Sales w/ Gale as moderator
Bull Pen
Writing Critique Session
w/ Ebony Tomatoes
Side Room
4:30pm - 5:45pm
Break + Book Signing & Vendor Browsing
Lobby & Vendor Hall
5:30pm - 7:00pm
All Access Evening with the Griots
Kianna, Nnenna, Pierce, Halle, Crystal W, J. Rycheal, Donovan, Ty McDuffie. Also
Attending Glenis, Rian, Chelsea, Asiah, Cortland, James Stewart.
Only For All Access attendees
American Underground Café w/ Taste of Black & People Tourism partnership
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Carolina Gold Slam: The Last Word
Poetry slam
All Access attendees and VIP Free entry all others require
American Underground Bull Pen
7:30pm - 9:30pm
After Party
Hosted by Ebony Tomatoes
The Durham Hotel
Sunday Nov 7th
Only with conference passes
* Yes, that STILL means you!*
🌾 Sunday: Closing Day
As the Carolina Gold weekend comes to a close, we gather in gratitude — for the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the community we’ve built together. Sunday is a time to reflect, reconnect, and carry the spirit of Griot & Grey Owl forward. The words don’t end here — they live on in every voice that dared to be heard.
