Theme: Second Lines & New Beginnings
New Orleans, LA
March 29 – April 1, 2026
Common Reader Keynote Speaker
MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and two-time National Book Award-winner
Hailed as the standout writer of her generation, proving her “fearless and toughly lyrical” voice in novels, memoir, and nonfiction.
With a singular voice that resonates with both pain and resilience, Ward fearlessly explores themes of race, family, and survival.
A literary force from Mississippi, Ward captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of the American South with unflinching honesty.
She is the only woman and only African American to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice.
Make Your Mark on the National Stage
The Sigma Tau Delta Convention offers a unique opportunity to present your work at the largest student-focused English studies conference in the nation. Share your insights, receive constructive feedback, and connect with a supportive community of fellow presenters. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on the field.
"Attending the
Sigma Tau Delta Centennial Convention Changed My Life"Simply put, my experiences at the Centennial Convention changed my life. Outside of the many papers and presentations that inspired my own writing, I was able to connect with fellow Society members in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without attending the convention.
Words in Action
Explore insights, stories, and updates from the heart of the Sigma Tau Delta community.
The National Book Award-winning novel from the author of Let Us Descend and Men We Reaped—a gritty but tender story of family and poverty in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina.
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Thomas Lanier Williams III (March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983), known by his pen name Tennessee Williams, was an American playwright and screenwriter. Along with contemporaries Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller, he is considered among the three foremost playwrights of 20th-century American drama.
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Experience the magic of New Orleans while connecting with fellow literature enthusiasts. Find out why the 2026 Sigma Tau Delta Convention is a must-attend event for students, educators, and writers alike.
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