Patrick Oliver, Kalamu Ya Salaam, Dorothea Smartt, and Frank Wilderson discussed the use of literature to promote political causes and instigate change and transformation. Louis Reyes Rivera moderated. The panelists also responded to questions from members of the audience.

"The Black Writer as Literary Activist" was part of the Tenth National Black Writers Conference sponsored by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College at the City University of New York. It was held on the Medgar Evers College Campus in Brooklyn, New York.

This program contains language that some may find offensive.