Black Playwrights Gathering
Black Playwrights Gathering
The Black Playwrights Gathering brings together Black playwrights with the intention of fostering genuine interactions and creating space for community building.
At a time when communities are fractured and the genius of storytelling is needed more than ever, bringing together Black playwrights gives us hope.
We launched this biennial gathering in 2024 to address widely reported isolation and burnout experienced by many Black writers in our community. The inaugural event in Los Angeles was a historic day of connection and cultural rootedness (check out the video below and participant testimonials here).
Juneteenth 2026
Friday, June 19, 2026
Arrival: 10:30 a.m. PT | Program Starts: 11:00 a.m. PT | Ends: 9 p.m. PT
At a private residence in Los Angeles, CA
About the Program
For 2026, we are deepening our focus on intergenerational relationships, ensuring that early-career Black playwrights and established elders circle in community together.
Our 2026 program is being shaped by a dedicated host committee of visionary artists—including Sharon Bridgforth, Omi Jones, Dominique Morisseau, Goldie Patrick, and a.k. payne—whose wisdom has been instrumental in centering the needs of the community.
During the gathering, we will embrace dreaming, healing, and freedom, while replenishing through conversation, laughter, good eatin’, and groovin’.
For inquiries regarding this offering, please contact us at meet@artEquity.org.
Facilitators
Aleshea Harris
Playwright / Actress
John Doe
Playwright / Storyteller
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code for this event?
We encourage folks to dress for their comfort. If you are seeking a point of reference, picture a family barbeque!
What if my dietary requirements have shifted since I expressed interest?
Not a problem! Please email meet@artequity.org.
Will there be a private space for me to pump milk?
Yes, the event venue is a residence with several bedrooms. Please check in with any of the artEquity team when you arrive and they can show you options.
Can I receive the address for the event venue?
It’s a private residence. Given the capacity of the venue, the address is only being shared with confirmed guests.
I can’t stay for the whole event! Is that ok?
The experience is designed for a fully immersive experience that prioritizes respite, care, and community. Given that as our goal, it will be important for every attendee to be present for the duration of the event. If you are not able to prioritize a full day’s experience, we encourage you to join us at the next gathering.
What if I am hard of hearing and need captions?
The design of the event is not presentational, so we will not have captions. However, for large-group moments, we will be using ampflifed sound.
I’m sensitive to heat. Will there be shade?
The event will include activities that are both indoor and outdoor with a variety of places to get out of the heat.
Will there be any quiet spaces to avoid sensory overload?
The event makes use of multiple spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for various activities, including one as a quiet room. Participants will be able to create their own experience by opting in and out of various activities and activations.
Will there be stairs?
The event will take place primarily on one level, both indoors and outdoors. Any change in levels will be optional and include proper railings for safety.
Thank You to Our Supporters
artEquity provides the tools, resources, and training to support the intersection of art and activism. Our work is made possible in part by the California Arts Council, the Dramatists Guild Fund, the Ford Foundation, the Getty Foundation, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the JKW Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, Venturous Theatre Fund of the Tides Foundation, and a growing community of individuals and organizations across the globe.
The Inspiration
Talking Back, Season 2, Episode 1, excerpt: the conversation that inspired the Black Playwrights Gathering
A quick look at Black Playwrights Gathering
The Black Playwrights Gathering is supported in part by:
Thank You to Our Supporters
artEquity provides the tools, resources, and training to support the intersection of art and activism. Our work is made possible in part by the California Arts Council, the Dramatists Guild Fund, the Ford Foundation, the Getty Foundation, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the JKW Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, Venturous Theatre Fund of the Tides Foundation, and a growing community of individuals and organizations across the globe.