Created by local fiction author Maurice Broaddus in 2006, MO*CON is not the average writers’ convention.
What started as a nontraditional church-based conference has since evolved into a relaxed and inclusive informal gathering for Black and brown writers and creatives to hang out, eat, drink, socialize and share their work. Returning with special guest writers, artists, business vendors and more, the convention kicks off at Ujamaa Bookstore on May 1 and continues at The AMP at 16 Tech and The Kheprw Guest House on May 2-4.
“My favorite part of going to conventions is basically the room parties. We relax, we just eat, we drink, we talk. The end,” Broaddus said. “I was like, ‘How come we can’t just do that for a whole convention?’ So now that’s what MO*CON is. We eat, we drink, we talk for a whole weekend.”
Although MO*CON strays from the typical convention atmosphere, the weekend-long gathering will include panel discussions, live music, after-parties and low-pressure opportunities to meet and chat with writers such as Wrath James White, P. Djeli Clark, John Jennings and editor Bridget Smith, Lesley Conner and game designer Richard Dansky.
MO*CON, named after Broaddus by Dr. Chesya Burke, has been — and always aims to be — open to the community and free to attend. The convention is about community building rather than networking, as networking is seen as transactional, and “if you’re doing it right, it’s community building,” said Olivia Sailor, Broaddus’ assistant.
“I love being able to back up that ideal with a little conference and show everybody this is what community making is,” Sailor said. “This is how we support one another. This is how we grow as creatives.”
Sailor has been helping put on the convention for the last three years and said many different facets go into MO*CON, but using her skills to contribute to and engage with the writing community in this way is equally important.
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Writers happen to be “notoriously introverted by nature,” Broaddus added, and he wanted to create a safe, low-pressure but fun environment where his peers and fellow creatives of color can “just hang out and talk to each other.”
Over the years, Broaddus has made an effort to build community partnerships and showcase Indianapolis’s local talent and artistry through the convention. MO*CON seeks out local Black businesses for catering, spotlights Black and brown artists such as Omar Rashan and Rianna S. Butcher and invites Black musicians like Premium Blend to entertain guests.
“I love the way community comes together behind this,” Broaddus said. “In the past, we’ve featured Lance Parker or Januarie York, you know, the jewels of the community, because these are the folks I brag about when I’m out and about, and I need more folks to be aware.”
MO*CON 2025, which takes place May 1-4, is free to attend, although guests must register on Eventbrite. The Convention is sponsored by The Learning Tree, GANGGANG, the Indianapolis Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation.
For more information or to view a full convention schedule, visit mauricebroaddus.com/mocon. Contact broaddus.assistant@gmail.com with any questions.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
