2025 Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is #Kweli25 IN PERSON ONLY this year?

Yes, the entire conference weekend will be IN-PERSON. For those who are unable to join us in-person we will be offering virtual pre and post conference events! Check our upcoming events page for more.

2. How do I get to the CUNY Graduate Center and Teachers College?

You can find directions to the CUNY Graduate Center here.
You can find directions to Teachers College here.

3. What is the registration fee for #Kweli25?

A limited number of partial scholarships are available on a demonstrated need basis. Please read on for more details.

4. How do I register?

This year, we are using Constant Contact for registration. You will be able to purchase the Conference Weekend ticket and add-ons including a master class and/or a manuscript critique (in-person or remote). Slots fill up quickly.

5. What if I want to purchase just a manuscript critique or masterclass?

You have to purchase a conference weekend ticket in order to be able to purchase a manuscript critique and/or masterclass.

6. Can I sign up for every masterclass?

We are offering three master classes this year, from 1pm - 4pm. You can select one master class.

7. The masterclass I want to attend is full. Can I still get in?

We only have a certain number of seats for each class, so if they are full or the deadline has passed, we cannot accommodate you.

8. What if I make a mistake on my registration form?

Please read CAREFULLY through all questions to ensure you are choosing and filling in what you intend to. Once you submit your registration, you can no longer make changes yourself.

However, if you do make a mistake, contact Chantel Kelly at events@kwelijournal.org as soon as possible.

9. What if I want to cancel my registration?

Since we have to reserve space and food in advance, we cannot offer full refunds for late cancellations. Thank you for understanding.

If you cancel BEFORE March 21st, you will be charged a $50 administrative fee.

If you cancel AFTER March 21st, we cannot issue a refund.

Note, refunds may NOT be issued immediately. Please wait until ONE week after the conference before reaching out.

10. Will recordings of the events be available to attendees later?

We will NOT be recording in-person sessions for #Kweli25.

However, if you subscribe to our newsletter, we will be sharing highlights from various sessions after the conference.

11. Are scholarships available for the conference?

YES, Kweli has a limited amount of partial scholarships for first-time, unpublished, and un-agented writers who exhibit a financial need. If you are in need of a scholarship, you must complete an application form and submit a statement of financial need, a short essay explaining your interest in attending the conference, and a writing/illustration sample.

The scholarship application portal closes on March 12th. THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12TH, 11:59PM EST. Please note that travel expenses and lodging are not covered by the scholarship.

12. When will I find out about my scholarship decision?

We assess scholarship applications on a rolling basis. We get many applications every year, so the earlier you apply, the sooner we will be able to provide a decision.

13. The registration window has passed, can I still register?

Registration closes at 12:00pm EST on SUNDAY, March 30th. We cannot accept registrations past the deadline.

Still have more questions? Contact Chantel Kelly at events@kwelijournal.org