Publishing, as a field, has historically privileged the writings and perspectives of those who are white and or male. But with the ever-evolving movement towards self-publication and small press, the formerly ignored voices of women, people of color, lgbtqia+, and those who exist within a multiplicity of these identities, are gaining the agency and recognition they deserve.
Founded in 2012, Raven Press is a student-run small press based out of the Brooklyn public school Academy for Young Writers. As part of their work towards community-building and cultivating the kind of agency needed to take charge of their own stories, students create and publish their own chapbooks, as well as manage the publishing of school-wide anthologies. In April, members of Raven Press will host a panel and workshop on the power of publishing with a number of incredible poets, publishers, and poet-publishers including: Mirene Arsanios, Mahogany L. Browne, Farnoosh Fathi, Adjua Greaves, Zakia Henderson-Brown, Zohra Saed, Nicole Sealey, and Diamond Sharp.
The Power of Publishing panel will bring together students and renowned poets to face these driving questions: What are the challenges of getting published or working in publishing in a field that has historically privileged white and/or male perspectives? How does self-publication inspire community-building and create agency in people and communities who want to take charge of their own stories? What advice do you have for youth authors who want to publish their work, start their own small press, or work for a major publishing house?
This workshop is open for teachers and their students. If you are interested in learning more about this workshop or attending, please email us at [email protected].
Cosponsored by Lost & Found: The CUNY Poetics Document Initiative
https://vimeo.com/229920983