October 31st - November 1, 2025
THE JADE EVENT CENTER
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI
Black Art. Black Voices.
Black Stories.
Black Creativity.
Hi I’m Johnna B! Author of 11 books and CEO of Watch My Journey Publications and The Black Ink Experience Book Event. I created The Black Ink Experience to uplift and spotlight African American authors, giving them a platform to connect with readers and gain well-deserved exposure.
St. Louis lacks large-scale literary events dedicated to Black authors, and I saw an opportunity to change that. This event is about more than just books—it’s about representation, community, and showcasing the incredible talent across all genres. Our stories matter, our voices are powerful, and The Black Ink Experience is here to prove that we not only read—we write, we inspire, and we thrive.
This is just the beginning. My vision is to expand this movement, fostering a literary culture that continues to grow and empower authors for years to come.
October 31, 2025
Friday
We’re kicking the weekend off with a grown folks’ game night you’ll never forget. Think soulful slow jams, throwback bops, and just enough friendly trash talk to keep things spicy. As the beats drop, your bingo card fills, and the room buzzes with “that’s my song!” moments, you’ll be laughing, vibing, and maybe even winning big. It’s R&B, it’s bingo, and it’s all the way lit.
R&B BINGO NIGHT
7pm-11pm
TBD
Saturday
November 1, 2025
Ink Fest is where pages, people, and pure energy collide. Stroll through a vibrant marketplace of Black authors and small businesses, each with their own story to tell. Discover new books, meet creatives who inspire, and shop unique finds you won’t get anywhere else. It’s part festival, part family reunion, and all about celebrating Black art, culture, and community.