The Schomburg Center's annual Black Comic Book Festival celebrates the rich tradition of Black comix with a two-day event. This annual event features panel discussions, workshops, cosplay showcases, and highlights the work of creators from across the country.

Patrons can register for events and panels online.

Friday, April 26

11am - 12pm | Graphic Histories and Comics in the Classroom
Exciting new visual narratives have been created to aid students in imagining the past and engaging with historical events! Creatives from four dynamic projects share their works, including Kofi’s Fire (Historic Hudson Valley/Blue Telescope); Buffalo Sonnet (Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts/Kamau Studios); The Graphic History Company (Dr. Walter Greason/Tim Fielder); and Queenie: Godmother of Harlem (John Jennings/Abrams ComicArts-Megascope Books).
Guests: Tim Fielder, Dr. Walter Greason, John Jennings, William Ellis, Kamau Ware, and Deirdre Hollman

12:30pm - 1:30pm | How to Draw Black Superheroes & Comics with Tim Fielder
Join Tim Fielder (Infinitum, DieselFunk Studios) for a family-friendly master class on drawing comics. This program is open to all ages, but it is especially geared towards young people ages 5 and up.
Guest: Tim Fielder (Infinitum, DieselFunk Studios)

1:50pm -2:50pm | Bookin' the Biz! Building a Career in the Commercial Arts
Want to learn how to be in the Comic book industry!? Attend a fun and thought-provoking discussion on writing, editing and drawing comics, as well as the in and outs of business.
Guests: David Walker, Dr. Shamika Mitchell, Gamal Hennessy, Alitha Martinez, and TJ Sterling

3:30pm - 4:30pm | Say it Proud: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Comics
A conversation on how comic creators are expanding and creating exciting spaces for LGBTQ voices in comics, novels, and multimedia.
Guests: Michael Lamar Simeon, Greg A. Elysee, Vita Ayala, Jason Michael Primrose, TJ Sterling

5:30pm - 6:30pm | Black Comics Trivia Challenge
Think you know Black Comics? The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community returns for another Black Comics Trivia Challenge to test that knowledge! Hosted by Christine Blanch, the Awkward Bronx Chick, trivia experts Alitha Martinez, Tatiana King, and Lateef Adé Williams will battle with the audience for the title of Top Blerd.
Guests: Alitha Martinez, Tatiana King, Lateef Adé Williams, and Christine Blanch

Saturday, April 27

10:30am - 11:30am | The Little Heroes of Color Musical
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as the vibrant world of The Little Heroes of Color comes to life! The Little Heroes of Color is a joyous celebration, paying homage to the trailblazing men and women of color whose remarkable achievements reshaped our world.
Guests: David Heredia, Carlos Heredia, Analia Heredia, Ed Cardenas, George Escalante, and Brianna Contreras

12:30pm - 1:30pm | IYANU: Weaving West African Wonder into Animation, Presented by Lion Forge
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly anticipated animated series, IYANU, coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max based on the popular West African fantasy graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.The team behind IYANU shares their journey of bringing the world of the graphic novel to the screen!
Guests: Roye Okupe, Kerri Grant, Dawud Anyabwile, and Karama Horne

2:15pm - 3:15pm | Free Writing: Finding Liberation Through Literature
Whether it's comics, animation or novels, fans and creatives are creating new worlds where identities and representation can be showcased that mirror authentic and cultural experiences. This conversation includes creatives and influencers who advocate for representation in novels, comics/graphic novels and manga while encouraging their communities to support marginalized creators.
Guests: Frankey, Michael Simeon, Greg Burnham, and Keisha Parks

3:50pm - 4:50pm | She's Out There Screaming: Women and the New Golden Age of Black Horror
Get ready for a captivating exploration of the dynamic role of women in shaping the resurgence of Black horror. The conversation delves into the nuanced themes, creative processes, and cultural significance behind their contributions to this flourishing genre. Engage with discussions that highlight the diverse voices and narratives driving the evolution of horror storytelling in contemporary media.
Guests: Tracey Baptiste, Jazmine Joyner, Ashlee Blackwell, Zin E Rocklyn, Erika Hardison, and Isis Asare

5:30pm - 7pm | A Very Black Cosplay Showcase
Participation is open to attendees of all ages and skill levels. Wanna join the show? Sign up at the Schomburg Center on Saturday, April 27 between 1pm - 5pm (slots are limited).
Guests: ChibiT Cosplay, Sir Julius Cosplay, DJ Gregory Wilson

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