The National Black Writers' Conference, first presented in 1986 as a result of the visionary leadership of the late John O. Killens. Past Honorary Chairs have included the likes of, Toni Morrison, Susan L. Taylor, Merlie Evers–Williams, widow of the slain civil rights leader. Black writers come from throughout America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa to participate in panel discussions, roundtables, author readings and storytelling. The National Black Writers' Conference examines the historical representation of the literature of Black writers and the representation of new and future directions for contemporary and emerging literary voices.

The National Black Writers' Conference is a conference dedicated to the exploration of "emerging themes, trends and issues in Black American literature." It is hosted by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY and attracts writers, scholars, editors, agents, faculty, students and the general public. The National Black Writers' Conference has addressed the themes of stereotypes in Black literature, the direction of Black literature, the renaissance in Black literature, access and expanding conversations on race, identity, history and genre. Each conference has built upon the previous one celebrating outstanding Black writers through the world.