The day of emancipation Book Fest organizers Saraciea Fennell (left) and L. L. McKinney (to the right).
As the self-appointed guardian of the literature — and therefore of culture — the publishing industry overwhelming whiteness it is an important issue. Publicist and founder of The Bronx Is the book Reading festival Saraciea Fennell she says that she believes that the traditional book of festivals, a cornerstone of the marketing and promotion of new titles, is 80-90 percent of whites. That means that the books and the authors and of the audiences to hear you speak are elected by the same (mostly white) people time and time again. Ahead of the 155th anniversary of the day of the emancipation, Fennell and acclaimed fantasy author L. L. McKinney unite to change this dynamic, at the launch of the The Day Of Emancipation Book Fest.
“It’s going to be the 10 percent [about] Black Lives Matter, and 90 percent of Black joy, Black love, Black everything else. Racism is not everything that comprises who we are.”
With a dozen panels and highlighting more than 30 Black authors, including Angie Thomas, Mikki Kendalland Eva EwingOn the day of the emancipation Book Fest YouTube channel is going to make space for a wide list of conversations on Friday, June 19. “To be in control of the programming means that it’s going to be the 10 percent [about] Black Lives Matter, and 90 percent of Black joy, Black love, Black everything else. Racism is not all that encompasses who we are,” McKinney said POPSUGAR.
McKinney and Fennell describe established book festivals as a key opportunity for authors and publishers to promote their titles, but both women say the experience of attending can often be disappointing for Black writers. While white classmates to be invited to speak about their work, Black authors often is expected that elicit the trauma stories and talk about systemic racism of the curious white audiences. “A Black author shows, and now I’m in the group of diversity. Why can’t I talk about the fantasy? Why can’t I talk about art? Why can’t I go to play the [industry] game? So we get pigeonholed,” McKinney explained. “My bookwhile there is some talk about the racism in it, is not a book about racism. Why put me in that [diversity] panel?”
Above all, McKinney and Fennell say that was created the day of emancipation Book Fest to give you Black book lovers a space to talk about what they enjoy most: books. “Yes, we’re going to talk about the issues that affect the world, but we’re also going to play Black Danger, and [discuss] world-building, and writing for the children, being queer as well as to be Black, to write his memoirs, written comics. We’re just going to talk about what we like to do.” It is an opportunity for the underappreciated, underpaid, and unappreciated in their own industry feel valued for more than the painful stories of racism that we have to share. “For Black people,” Fennell said she wants them to leave on the day of the emancipation Book Fest sensation “celebrate”. “And for non-Black people, I want to leave you with this message: I’m not here just for enjoy-Black pain. I’m also here to be around Black people celebrating their Blackness.”
Do not forget to confirm your attendance and subscribe to day of emancipation Book Fest YouTube channel to (virtually) attend this event. Tune in to hear their favorite authors, discover new voices, and learn more about the publishing industry Friday, June 19, from 10 in the morning.
