LANGSTON HUGHES STAGE
JUNE 14, 2025
AUTHOR TALKS
LIVE MUSIC
COMIC CREATORS
COSPLAY
AND MORE
FOR ALL AGES
135th Street & Malcolm X Boulevard, Harlem NYC
Join us for a celebration of the African Diaspora through the power of literature, literacy, and community!
The Harlem Renaissance was part of our historic engagement with authors of African descent and a century championing literacy and intellectual exploration in Harlem. We continue that tradition by convening communities of book lovers to interact with their favorite authors and comic book creators on 135th Street between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards in Harlem, New York. The festival will feature readings, panel discussions, workshops, photo activations, bookish marketplace, mobile library, and more. We will close the day with musical performances and an old-school block party! Past participants have included Sonia Sanchez, Jacqueline Woodson, Akwaeke Emezi, Roxane Gay, Walter Mosley, Kiese Laymon, Ishion Hutchinson, Vashti Harrison, Ben Okri, T'ai Freedom Ford, and Jayson Reynolds.
Leadership support for the Schomburg Center's Centennial is provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and Andreas C. Dracopoulos. Additional support is provided by Carnegie Corporation of New York. The 2025 Schomburg Center Centennial Festival is powered by Puma.
Katie Mitchell Photo Credit: Scott Dinerman
PREVIEW
Join us on Saturday, June 14th for an opportunity to meet the distinguished storytellers and illustrators who bring to life the books and comics we love.
New authors and creators are being added daily. Check back often for updates.
THE BLOCK PARTY
Slick Rick and The Soapbox Presents: Stoop Sessions, blending the best of classic hip-hop and fresh R&B on our newly added 4th stage!
KIDS
CLUBHOUSE
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome the return of the Woke Baby Festival and introduce Jump Up Jamboree. The day will Inspire young readers with storytelling, live music, yoga, crafts, hand games, Double Dutch, book signings, and more
Jacqueline Woodson and Rev. Malika Whitney / Lit Fest 2023
Photo by Bill Farrington
BAM!
A fan favorite from our Black Comic Book Festival, the Very Black Cosplay Showcase brings characters to life! Join the fun on the outdoor 135th Street stage or enjoy the show from the crowd.
Credit Bob Gore
Calling All BLERDS!
Swing by Comic Book Row and grab all your favorite comics, anime, and sci-fi reads.
MARKETPLACE
Black Future Newstand / Black Thought Project / Lit Fest 2023. Photo by Bill Farrington
Discover fascinating and exciting finds at the Festival Marketplace! Books, Comics, Give-Aways, Fun Activations and more!
Black Woman Be Whole
Dream Fury
Fair Square Graphics
Fine Roots
GENERATE COMIX
Gigi Murakami
Global Girls Squad
Hiztory Bookz
Kamau Studios
Raecomics
Simon and Schuster
Walk Tall Girl
and more to be announced!
Character Art by Blossom Blair
OUR PARTNERS
Leadership support for the Schomburg Center's Centennial is provided by the
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and Andreas C. Dracopoulos
Additional support is provided by
Carnegie Corporation of New York
The 2025 Schomburg Center Centennial Festival is powered by Puma
