

Friday: (Open to the Public)
11-11:45am- Rubenstein Library Art Gallery Tour & Workshop w/ Mandy Carter + Kamau Pope – 411 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27705 ( Arrive at 10:30 for Park and Ride from Rubenstein Arts Center)
12-1pm: Lunch for all participants in the Duke Rubenstein Library/ Gallery
1:30-2:30pm: Mahogany L Browne Reading & Workshop- Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University – 2020 Campus Dr, Durham, NC 27708
2:30-3:30pm: Terrance Hayes Reading
3:30-5:00pm: Q&A + Book Signings w/ Mahogany & Terrance- Rubenstein Arts Center
1:00p- 5:00pm: * Express – Pre- conference registration available at the Rubenstein Arts Center during book signings*
5-7pm- Dinner Break ( on your own)
7:00pm: The Griot Battle Royale Poetry Slam Competition– Rubenstein Arts Center ( $10 @ the door)
9:30- until – Mix and Mingle Kick-off Party – Durham Hotel Rooftop

Saturday: (Ticket Holders Only)
7:30-8:30a- Opening Breakfast + Optional Registration Site @ 21 C Hotel
8:30a- Opening Reception & Keynote by: Dasan Ahanu – Durham Arts Council- 111 North Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701 ( Registration open at Durham Arts Council from 8am- 10:00am)
9:30a -11:45a: Workshops/Panels – 21 C Durham Hotel & Durham Arts Council
11:00 Hallmark Craft Talk w/Terrance Hayes: “Line, Breath, and the Word”
12:00: Lunch at Queeny’s Burgers ( discounted/on your own)
1pm-2:30pm: Panels & Roundtables – 21 C & Durham Arts Council
2:30- 3:30pm Hallmark Workshop w/: Nikky Finney: “Writing the Land”
3:30-5:30pm – Book Fair & Author Signings at Durham Arts Council
American Underground Presents: Pitch Fest/Critique Session
Self Guided & Guided Historic Tours w/ Whistle Stop Tours– Provident 1898, NC Mutual, Pauli Murray Center, Black Wallstreet/Parish Street, West End Community + Museum of Durham History
Live Podcast w/ Sistories at Queeny’s Burgers
5:30-7:00pm: Dinner ( on your own for General Adm)
7:30- 9:15pm: Black Poet Laureate Palooza at North Star Church of the Arts ( Open by Invite)
9:30-11:30p: Spoken Word/Performance Showcase at North Star Church of the Arts & AfterParty ( Open by Invite)
Sunday: ( Ticket Holders Only)
8:30a: Yoga
10a: VIP & All Access Brunch w/ Meditation Moment & Poetry Reading by: adrienne maree brown @ Durham Bottling Co
* A la Carte offerings will be avialable for Gen. Admin*
12:30: Healing Power of Nature /Connecting with Self Workshop w/ adrienne maree brown @ Durham Bottling Co
Optional Activities in the Park
more details and specific session titles to be released, October 20th

Where to Stay
Premier Hotels: Ranging from $149-$199
- Residence Inn
- ALOFT ( Re-opened)
- Unscripted ( FULL)
- Springhill Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn
Durham Hotel & 21 C hotel block sold out