The Harlem Writer’s Guild will honor Dr. Brenda Greene, celebrating her lifelong dedication to advancing Black literature and amplifying underrepresented voices through her work at the Center For Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY.
The Harlem Writers Guild, the nation’s oldest continuously operating African American writers’ organization, announced its 75th Anniversary celebration at the historic Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on Friday, Oct. 24, honoring Dr. Brenda M. Greene with the Inaugural John Oliver Killens Literary Leadership Award for her work at the Center For Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY.
Founded in 1950 by John Oliver Killens, Rosa Guy, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Willard Moore and Walter Christmas, the Harlem Writers Guild has nurtured and championed some of the most influential Black voices in literature and the arts.
Its members have included Dr. Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, Paul Robeson, Lorraine Hansberry, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Louise Meriwether, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Terry McMillan, Grace F. Edwards, Alice Childress, Walter Dean Myers, and many others. Today, the guild continues its legacy by supporting writers across the African diaspora.
The event theme — “When We Write, We Free the World” — reflects both the transformative power of storytelling and HWG’s enduring mission to inspire, challenge, and liberate through the written word.
This milestone celebration will honor Dr. Greene, recognizing her lifelong dedication to advancing Black literature and amplifying underrepresented voices.
“For 75 years, the Harlem Writers Guild has been a guiding light for African American literary voices,” said Diane Richards, executive director of the Harlem Writers Guild. “This celebration is not only about honoring our history, but also about promoting our future—using our stories to empower, inspire
hope, and remind the world that when we Write, Speak, and Act, We Free the World.”
The evening’s keynote address will be delivered by Kevin Powell, acclaimed poet, author, humanitarian and Grammy-nominated spoken word artist, whose works explore race, identity and social justice.
Celebration highlights include:
A Legacy Remembered – A multimedia retrospective on 75 years of HWG excellence
Writers’ Showcase – Live readings from Guild members across genres
Keynote by Kevin Powell – Insights on writing as a tool for cultural freedom and justice
Award Presentation – Honoring Dr. Brenda M. Greene with the Inaugural John Oliver Killens
Literary Leadership Award
Reception & Book Signings – Connect with writers, enjoy refreshments, and purchase signed works.
For tickets, click here.