NOLA Expressions

08/29/2026

Special thanks to Scarlett Miller - Author for hosting today’s BLK INK Writers Meetup in . And, congrats to our dynamic writers!!

Join us Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM at Eastbank for the next meetup.

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

✨ The community is the lifeline for Black authors.

We cannot do what we do without those who value our stories, amplify our voices, and create space for diversity, creativity, and cultural expression.

ESSENCE Festival of Culture opened doors for Black authors to showcase their work, while Black bookstores like Community Book Center continue to provide essential spaces for our stories to be discovered and celebrated.

Because of these opportunities, Black Writers Workspace founder Michelle Jackson (Michelle Jackson ) had the honor of moderating a panel featuring local authors who are showcasing their craft, creativity, and the rich culture of New Orleans.

This matters.

Black authors need community—not only to publish, but to thrive. When we buy the books, visit the bookstores, attend the events, share the stories, and make space for Black voices, we help build a literary ecosystem where our stories can flourish.

Community is the lifeline. Let’s continue to show up for Black authors. 🖤📚

07/07/2026

Thank you Essence and Community Book Center for inviting me to moderate a panel of dynamic local authors. Special thanks to each panelist: Poet Sunni Patterson, Chef Toya Boudy and Historian Freddi Williams Evans.

03/03/2026

📚📚 Thank you to the incredible writers who joined us for the February BLK INK Writers Meetup in New Orleans: .michelle.

We kicked off the conversation with a powerful question: Is AI helping or hurting Black writers? From there, we dove into overcoming writing fears and setting intentional publishing goals for 2026. The dialogue was honest, insightful, and inspiring.

Join us for the next meetup on Saturday, March 28 at 1:15 PM at Jefferson Parish Library East Bank Library in .

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/Michelle_Denise/NOLAMEETUP

02/08/2026

✨📚 Join Us for a Powerful Black History Month Book Signing at Barnes & Noble (Westbank)

Black History Month is a time to celebrate our stories, our voices, and the power of the written word—and I’d love for you to be part of something special.

We are excited to invite you to support a talented group of local authors at the Third Annual Local Authors Black History Month Book Signing.

Participating authors include:

📚 Fiction & YA Business Author Michelle D. Jackson .michelle
📚 Urban Fiction Author Keondra Wheeler
📚 Memoir Author LaVerne Toombs
📚 Children’s Author Devina Parker
📚 Inspirational/Autobiography Author Quiana Scott .scott1
📚Poetry Author Coretta McRae
📚Memoir Author Delatria Sam

This event is more than a book signing—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community, and your presence truly makes a difference.

📌 Event Details
What: Third Annual Local Authors Black History Month Book Signing
When: Saturday, February 21 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Where: Barnes & Noble
1601B Westbank Expressway
Harvey, LA

Each selected author will have the opportunity to sell and sign books, connect with readers, and share their work with the community.

We hope to see you there in support of our local literary talent.

12/10/2025

Sophie Kinsella, the author of the Shopaholic series of novels, has died, her family have said.