Literary Festival
TICKETS
Ticket sales are live! Students may attend at no charge, but due to space limitations, please register.
Adult tickets are $10
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BISHOP DUNNE
APRIL 10, 2025
FEATURING Nic stone
“The more we see Black people living—loving and doing and being and feeling… solving mysteries and being the heroes—the more we recognize our shared humanity.” –Nic Stone
Nic Stone is a bestselling author and an outspoken racial and social justice advocate. Stone burst onto the scene with her #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel, Dear Martin, which chronicles the story of a seventeen-year-old Black high school senior, Justyce McAllister, after a bloody run-in with the police places him squarely in the crosshairs of media fallout. Seeking meaning in the events that follow and grappling with racism—and what it means for his future—Justyce writes a series of letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of this fictional narrative inspired by everyday encounters for young Black Americans, author Jason Reynolds certifies Dear Martin is “raw and gripping.”
In Dear Justyce, the companion to Dear Martin, Stone introduces readers to incarcerated sixteen-year-old Quan, who writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American juvenile justice system. Drawing once again on conversations about systemic racism, this powerful sequel explores how marginalization is rooted in the subconscious dehumanizing of other people. The third of the series, Dear Manny, will be released in March 2025.
In her lectures across the country, Stone draws from the themes in her books while stressing the need for equity, accountability, and empowerment in reshaping our society. She urges that “we must deconstruct the world as it is if we are to build a better one.” Her presentations speak to the importance of human connection through a lens of storytelling and the necessary work of racial and social justice.
A fierce advocate for reading freedoms in public education, Stone has had her books banned in various parts of the country. Nevertheless, she champions the rights of readers to pick up any book they choose and for authors to tell their authentic stories without fear of censorship. She is also the author of other blockbusters Fast Pitch, Odd One Out, Jackpot, and Clean Getaway. Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and is a graduate of Spelman College.
Awards
- 2021 YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, Dear Justyce
- 2020 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, Dear Justyce
- 2019 Finalist, William C. Morris Award, Dear Martin
- 2019 Finalist, ALAN / Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, Dear Martin
2025 Literary Festival Committee
Veronica Alonzo
Erica Culton
Melanie Gibson
Elisa Goodwin
Natalie Louis
Damian McDonald
Shelly Morgan
Amber Peoples
Kathryn Perry
Steve Smith
Jennifer Thornton
Christine Voigt
Questions about Literary Festival? Contact Melanie Gibson or Kathryn Perry.
ORATOR COMPETITION
Bishop Dunne is sponsoring a student orator competition. Open to area students, from any regional school, grades 4 - 12 (in three competition brackets), students will write and present an original letter to an individual (historical figure, public leader, activist, family member, etc.) who has influenced their understanding of justice, equality, or activism. The letter should reflect their personal journey, insights on social issues, and how this individual has shaped their approach to creating positive change. The student will produce a video recording of the 300 - 500 word letter as part of the competition. Awards include:
- An in-person meet-and-greet with Dear Martin author Nic Stone
- Gift cards for top presentations in each level
- Award Certificate
- An autographed copy of Dear Martin or another Nic Stone book
- The opportunity to recite your winning letter at the 2025 Literary Festival
If you are interested in entering this exciting competition, please see the instructions for completing and entering, as well as important dates.
Sponsorship Opportunities*
Gold Circle $5,000: 20 VIP tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Banner displayed on the Bishop Dunne campus through June 30, 2025. Acknowledged during event welcome and opportunity to briefly address guests at podium. Reserved front seats at keynote address. Inclusion in all event print materials, press releases, website, and social media
Silver Circle $2,500: 15 VIP tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Banner displayed on the Bishop Dunne campus through December 31, 2024. Reserved premium seats at keynote address. Included in event program, website, and social media. First right of refusal for next year's Silver Circle sponsorship level
Bronze Circle $1,000: 10 VIP tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Banner displayed at event. Reserved premium seats at keynote address. Inclusion in event program, website and social media. First right of refusal for next year's Bronze Circle sponsorship level.
Patron Sponsor $500: 8 VIP tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. inclusion in event program and website
Supporting Sponsor $250: 6 VIP tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Inclusion in event program and website.
Falcon Family Supporter $100: 4 tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Name acknowledged in event program and website.
Partner $50: 2 tickets to the Literary Festival with meet and greet. Name acknowledged in event program and website.
*to be published in the program, sponsorship must be received by March 15, 2025.