The 23rd Annual CityLit Festival is set to take place on April 11, bringing together literature enthusiasts for a free, all-day celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Mount Vernon.
This year’s festival will carry the theme “Bearing Witness: Literature as a Revolutionary Act.” According to organizers, this theme emphasizes the crucial role that writers play in documenting truths, challenging prevailing narratives, and providing platforms for marginalized voices. Featured headliners will include notable authors Michaela angela Davis, Adrian Matejka, Reyna Grande, and Baltimore’s own Lawrence Burney.
Attendees can look forward to an engaging lineup featuring author readings, book signings, panel discussions, and workshops geared toward readers and writers at every experience level. The programming will center on how authors influence cultural conversations and amplify substantial truths. A Literary Marketplace will also be available, showcasing small presses, self-published authors, literary journals, and organizations dedicated to the literary community, where books will be available for purchase throughout the day.
“We need poets, writers, creatives, and inquisitive individuals to document the times we are living in,” commented Carla Du Pree, the executive director of CityLit Project. “We cannot afford to turn away from reality. Bearing witness means being committed to the history of our current moment and the importance of our narratives – our honest and unfiltered voices, ultimately our truths.”
Michaela angela Davis is a distinguished writer, creative director, and producer, exploring the intersections of gender, race, fashion, culture, beauty, and identity in her work. She co-authored Mariah Carey’s bestseller, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” which swiftly rose to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Additionally, she created and co-executive produced the docuseries “The Hair Tales,” which garnered a nomination for an NAACP Award. Her own memoir, “Tenderheaded,” examines Black identity within the glamorous world of fashion.
Adrian Matejka is a celebrated author with an extensive portfolio of six poetry collections and the graphic novel “Last on His Feet.” He has served as the former Indiana Poet Laureate and is a previous editor-in-chief of “Poetry” magazine. Matejka has received nominations for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. His latest collection, “Be Easy: New & Selected Poems,” is scheduled for release in 2026.
Reyna Grande, a bestselling author known for titles like “The Distance Between Us” and “A Dream Called Home,” shares her experiences as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, arriving in the United States at the age of nine. Her forthcoming publication, “Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget,” will be released in May 2026, available in both English and Spanish.
Lawrence Burney, a talented writer, editor, and Baltimore native, is the founder of “True Laurels,” a media hub celebrating the arts, music, and cultural richness of Baltimore and the DMV area. His work has been featured in notable publications such as “New York Magazine,” “GQ,” and “The Washington Post.” This year marks Burney’s inaugural appearance at the CityLit Festival, following his recognition as the 2026 One Maryland One Book author for his debut book, “No Sense in Wishing.”
According to Baltimore Magazine, the CityLit Festival is regarded as “a can’t-miss event on the city’s cultural scene,” providing an excellent opportunity for emerging writers to develop their craft. The festival is organized in partnership with the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
To find out more about the CityLit Festival or to register, please visit the festival’s website.
