Celebrating Black Literary Excellence

The 35th Annual Legacy/ Zora Awards

Presented by the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation
Friday, October 17, 2025
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown
999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

---

A Night of Excellence, Legacy, and Literary Power

Celebrate Black literary excellence at the 35th Annual Legacy Awards — the premier national event honoring Black writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and debut fiction. Join leading authors, emerging voices, industry influencers, and passionate readers for a night of recognition, connection, and culture.

This year's ceremony will also feature the debut of The Zora Awards — a renewed tribute to our legendary namesake, Zora Neale Hurston, and the extraordinary writers who continue her legacy.

What to Expect

 Awards Ceremony – Honoring outstanding works in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and debut fiction
 Merit Awards – Presented in three powerful categories:
• The North Star Award - Dr. David Levering Lewis
• The Ella Baker Award - Dr Mary Frances Berry
• The Madam C.J. Walker Award - Dr. Brenda M. Greene
 Dinner & Program – Celebrate over a delicious meal among literary legends
 VIP Reception & Gift Bags – Exclusive perks for our VIP guests
 Cultural Presentation – A beautiful evening of art, culture, and community

What You Need To Know

VIP Cocktail Reception & Meet the Authors 6:15 pm - 7:00pm 

Awards Ceremony 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM 

Event Area  – Ballroom Level (downstairs escalators/near gift shop) Anacostia Room  

Loyalty Books – Books available for purchase on site.  

Book Signing  

Book Signing 6:45PM – 6:59PM 

Book Signing 9:30 – 10:00PM  

Location - Friday, October 17, 2025 
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown 
999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 

Cross Streets. 9th and K Street. Across from the Convention Center / DC Public Library 

Attire is Business Casual/ Afrocentric  

Masks are not required; however, attendees are welcome to wear a mask. 

Dinner will be served.   

Parking  

Valet Parking: Available 24/7 at a rate of $84.96 per night.  

Self-Parking with In & Out Access: Available at $48 per night.  

Please validate your self-parking ticket at the Front Desk for easy entry and exit.  

Things to know - Visiting Washington DC  

“DC is open and we are glad you will soon be holding an event here in our nation’s capital. The National Guard’s presence is at the President’s authority. The only impacts you might notice are related to the federal shutdown which has affected the Smithsonian museums which are closed until the shutdown is over.”   - Jim Slattery | Correspondence Officer Mayor’s Correspondence Unit | Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser 

Hotel Block

10/15/25 - 10/19/25  

$284 Total Per night  + Tax

THE WESTIN DC DOWNTOWN 

999 9th Street Northwest 
Washington, DC 20001 

marriott.com/waswc 

Tickets

VIP Ticket – $275

Includes:

• Reserved premium seating

• Dinner and awards program

• Exclusive gift bag

• Access to the VIP pre-event reception

Limited VIP tickets are available.

General Admission – $200

Includes:

• Access to dinner and full awards program

• Group seating at a table of 10

• Guests may be seated with others unless specified

 

Table of 10  - $2000

Includes:

Access to dinner and full awards program

 

Event Details

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Location: The Westin Washington, DC Downtown
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Program begins at 7:00 PM
Dress Code: Business/Afrocentric 

FAQs:

No early bird tickets available.

Need assistance with tickets, seating, or dietary needs?
Email us at programs@hurstonwright.org

Reserve Your Seat Today - TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED.

This is your moment to stand in community, celebrate our storytellers, and uplift Black literary excellence. Buy your tickets now and be part of a historic evening!

,  

Get in touch!   or