Support

Black Women Writers:

A Retreat in Gratitude

Celebrating & Creating Space for Black Women Writers

By supporting this retreat, you:

  • Provide tuition and travel stipends for attendees to join the retreat at no cost to them, including those who have worked hard to lift up and create opportunities for other Black Women Writers in the industry.
  • Make dedicated space for Black Women Writers to grow together.
  • Build an environment and community that helps Black Women Writers create stories to inspire children now and in the future.

It’s important for writers to have uninterrupted time to think, process, and generate work—and I hope this space feels calming and nurturing. The inclusion of artwork that honors Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Lucille Clifton, Maya Angelou, and Audre Lorde are meant to remind guests of the perseverance, boldness, and grace it takes to make art. These creatives made work during perilous times. They understood the power of storytelling and not only documented their world as it was, but they imagined what the world could be. The books, the writing prompts, the vinyl records are all here as reminders, as encouragement, and as a call to action to keep going, keep creating, and keep on and on.”

(Renée Watson, on curating art for The Renée Watson Cottage at the Highlights Foundation)

Photo of Renée Watson in the Renée Watson Cottage

Black Women Writers: An Retreat in Gratitude

This invitation-based, in-community program has been thoughtfully shaped by Renée Watson, Edith Campbell, and Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to honor Black women (including cis and trans women) who have worked hard for decades to inspire children and lift up fellow creatives in this industry. 

It will amplify their Voices, honor their contributions, celebrate a rich tapestry of Black womens’ stories and experiences, and offer dedicated space and time for those who attend to create and grow.

The retreat in 2024 will mark the program’s inaugural year.

August 4-7, 2024

At the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center

Sponsored and Supported by:

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STRENGHTEN

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The Brown Bookshelf

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Goal:

$120,00 over 3 Years for a Fully Funded, Sustainable Program

  • 2024 Program Dates: August 4-7

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The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.