Scholastic Launches Black Booksellers Conference

Scholastic has announced The Black Booksellers Conference: Connect. Build. Elevate, a free virtual conference to take place on November 1, 2023. This initiative aims to support Black-owned bookstores, Black booksellers, and advocates by creating a curated space for dialogue and action. The Black Bookselling Conference will showcase a rich collection of books centering the histories and present-day realities of Black people in children’s literature while prioritizing Black stories, storytellers and the communities they serve and reflect.

The live, broadcast event will include robust panels featuring bestselling authors and illustrators such as Tami Charles, Alaya Dawn Johnson and Jamar Nicholas as well as educators in children’s literature. The conference will aim to raise discoverability of future publishing from Black creators.

SIBA has been integral to the creation of the event, with several SIBA bookstore owners and SIBA staff serving on the steering committee. “My hope for the Black Booksellers Conference is to help open the door to leveling the playing field,” said Julia Davis, owner of The Bookworm Bookstore in Powder Springs, Georgia. “So often we struggle to get some of the big name authors, the financing and so much more to help us to not only stay open but to help make a difference in our community. The Black Bookseller Conference could be a great asset not only to the booksellers but the publisher, allowing the concerns and differences to be heard plus providing education and resources that black bookstores don’t always have access to.”

The event is free and open to all Black booksellers, not just owners or managers. Recorded sessions will be available to allies after the event.

Black Booksellers Registration Link | Conference Website & Program