The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth
for spring 2025 has been canceled. Future conference dates will be announced when available.
Advisory Board Chair, Mary Anne Nichols Speaks About The Importance Of The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth
The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth is the longest-running event in the United States to focus exclusively on multicultural literature for children and young adults. With a strong following of librarians, educators, authors, illustrators, scholars, faculty, staff, students and fans, conference attendees gather to honor award-winning author Virginia Hamilton.
The conference mission is to promote cultural awareness and affirmation of lived experiences, such as finding one’s place in the world.
The conference is held at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
Over the years, the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth has elevated creators (authors, illustrators, publishers, storytellers) who craft stories for youth that celebrate culture and lived experiences. It has provided tools and resources to those who work with youth such as librarians and educators, so they can identify culturally authentic stories that promote appreciation and acceptance. And, it has created advocates who will help youth to identify themselves in stories and to understand and appreciate cultural differences which develop healthy communities and positive relationships.
The Conference is sponsored by the College of Communication and Information and the School of Information
