The Chicago Urban Book Expo Weekend was started by national bestselling author, Jessica N. Watkins, in 2015. Since, this book festival has grown into the largest in the Chicago-land area featuring African-American authors. Readers attend from across the country to meet some of their favorite authors of African-American literature! 

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The Chicago Urban Book Expo Weekend is a three-day celebration of all things Black books—bringing together readers, authors, and industry professionals for an immersive, interactive, and unforgettable literary experience. From an intimate meet & greet and laugh-out-loud comedy show to a live book club/game show, an elegant Million Pages Gala, and the main expo packed with your favorite and future-favorite authors, this weekend is designed to honor Black stories across every genre while keeping everything accessible, welcoming, and community-centered. It’s not just an event; it’s a cultural experience where literature, laughter, learning, and love for reading all collide.