Keynote speakers & Icons 2008 TO 2019

MARY MONROE ~ The first keynote speaker in 2008 and the BARR Literary Icon in 2019. From "Mama Ruby" to "Mrs. Wiggins".

VIRGINIA DEBERRY AND DONNA GRANT ~ who co-wrote several literary works between 1990 and 2010.

DR. DANIEL BLACK ~ in 2010 his first novel "Perfect Peace" swept book readers away.

BERNICE MCFADDEN ~ winner of the 2017 American Book Award and the 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.

PAMELA SAMUELS YOUNG ~Award-winning author and attorney writes mysteries that matter.

RESHONDA TATE BILLINGLEY AND VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY ~ National Bestselling authors have more than two million books in print.

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY ~New York Times Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, and Speaker, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has published 28 books.

LISA RENEE JOHNSON ~ entrepreneur, certified professional life coach, author, speaker, publisher and book club president.

DWAYNE ALEXANDER SMITH ~ the 2015 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work—Debut Author.

KWAME ALEXANDER ~ Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books and the recipient of numerous awards.

DONNA HILL, The first BARR "Literary Icon" award - has more than 70 published titles to her credit and is considered one of the early pioneers of the African American romance genre.

TINA MCELROY ANSA - The 2018 BARR Literary Icon ~ An American novelist, filmmaker, and journalist. Her fiction focuses on black women living in the American South.

BARR ~ The Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend ~ is all about:

Meeting & Mingling
Promoting Authors
Sharing & Caring
Book Club Members
Avid Readers
And Excellence

Over the years we have brought our attendees the best of the best ... and we intend to continue that tradition in 2022.