Press Release - 28thSeptember 2020
Publishing Entrepreneurs Schedule Month-Long Activity To Celebrate Black History Month
Hashtag Blak, Hashtag Press, The Author School, The Diverse Book Awards
Press Release, London, United Kingdom, 28thSeptember 2020: The 34thBlack History Month in the UK will celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Black communities throughout October. In 2020, more than ever, this month is needed. The team behind Hashtag BLAK, Hashtag Press, The Author School and The Diverse Book Awards have put together a package of events, competitions and celebrations throughout October 2020 with the aim of raising up Black authors, showcasing the incredible books published by Black British writers in particular in recent years, but also to challenge racism in publishing.
Activities will include:
An open letter to publishing
This open letter will be an honest and transparent perspective of what it means to be a Black British author in the UK today. It will include practical steps that must be taken to move the industry forward. Every year we expect to see improvement in terms of diversity and inclusivity, but there is way more talk than action. Not enough is being done to address the elitism, racism, lack of representation and archaic publishing models that are closed down to many hugely talented writers.
A competition for school children
All school children (under 10s and over 10s) are invited to work at home or at school on a 150-200 word review of their favourite book by a Black author OR submit a piece of writing answering this question: "Who is your favourite Black author and why?"
The closing date for the competition is November 1st2020 and the winner in each age category will receive a bundle of brilliant books by Black authors! The competition is only open to UK entries. Entries should be sent tohelenlewis@theauthorschool.com.
More than a Hashtag
A video will be go live across social media to highlight that Black Lives Matter, that Black experiences are more than just a fad, and Black History Month is more than just a hashtag.
#OwnVoices Panel Discussion
On 15thOctober at 7pm, Helen & Abiola will host an #OwnVoices discussion, chaired by Luisa Martinez-Negret, which will be streamed via Zoom. RSVPhttps://ownvoicespaneldiscussion.eventbrite.co.uk
Nigerian Independence Day celebration
On 1stOctober, Abiola Bello and Hashtag BLAK author, Nuzo Onoh, will share articles to celebrate their Nigerian heritage. Also, there will be an online competition for one lucky winner to receive the three books in the prize-winning Emily Knight series written by Abiola Bello.
Meet the authors
A series of ‘7-question' interviews will be shared throughout Black History Month including the amazing female writers who will be the first to see their books released by diverse and inclusive imprint Hashtag BLAK in 2021. Black British authors interested in participating are welcome to contact helenlewis@literallypr.com to be sent the 7 questions.
The Diverse Book Awards WINNERS announcement
The winners of the children's, adult and YA Diverse Book Award of 2020 will be announced at an online video premier on 22ndOctober at 7pm. The shortlist will be announced on 30thSeptember 2020. For more information:www.thediversebookawards.co.uk.
Black History Month book bundle
A book bundle will be available on the Hashtag Press shop:www.hashtagpress.co.uk/shopin honour of Black History Month throughout October.
Abiola Bello says, "Black History Month is the most important month of the year in my opinion, even though Black History is more than a month. I feel like this year there have been progressive conversations in regards to Black History and our voices. This Black History Month should be louder than ever!"
Helen Lewis says,"We wanted to curate a program that appeals to different people, at different times throughout the month, and that is accessible for everyone. 2020 has been a hugely challenging year for so many people and for so many reasons. Black History Month aims to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Black people, and as we work in publishing, where there is a serious need for more work to be done on diversity and inclusion, we hope that the messaging we are putting out is clear, inclusive and effective in encouraging celebration and conversation."
Notes to Editors
Helen Lewis and Abiola Bello are available for media comment, interviews and editorial commissions. For media enquiries re. Hashtag Press, Hashtag BLAK, The Diverse Book Awards, The Author School please contactinfo@literallypr.com.
theauthorschool.com
@theauthorschool
thediversebookawards.co.uk
@the_dbawards
hashtagpress.co.uk
@hashtag_press
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