Since 2013, BrooksDay has been a marquee event in the Guild’s yearly calendar with many literary, cultural, and civic leaders from Chicago—and beyond—taking the stage to celebrate and honor Gwendolyn Brooks, former poet laureate of Illinois and the first African American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize.

BrooksDay honors her legacy as an artist and an iconic figure of generosity and civic conscience in Chicago and the nation.

Presented by: American Writers Museum

BrooksDay 2026: Children Celebrate Gwendolyn Brooks

2:30 pm – 3:10 pm

Featured writers: Nora Brooks Blakely and young writers

Led by author and educator Nora Brooks Blakely, the daughter of Gwendolyn Brooks, young scholars take the stage as part of BrooksDay. Hear presentations by young people ages 5-11, representing Brooks-related schools and groups. Fun and inspiring for the whole family!

BrooksDay is the Guild Literary Complex’s annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks, held every year on June 7th, the anniversary of her birth. This year, they take the stage at the American Writers Festival to honor her legacy as an artist and an iconic figure of generosity and civic conscience in Chicago and the nation. Presented in partnership with Brooks Permissions and the Guild Literary Complex.

BrooksDay 2026: Gen Z Celebrates Gwendolyn Brooks

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Featured writers: Brooks Permissions and the Guild Literary Complex

BrooksDay is the Guild Literary Complex’s annual celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks, held every year on June 7th, the anniversary of her birth. This year, they take the stage at the American Writers Festival to honor her legacy as an artist and an iconic figure of generosity and civic conscience in Chicago and the nation. Presented in partnership with Brooks Permissions and the Guild Literary Complex.

FULL SCHEDULE