Cassava Republic Press is delighted to announce Cherise Morris (United States) as the winner of the inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize, with Desta Haile (Eritrea) and Pamella Gysman (South Africa) recognised as runners-up. Emerging from a pool of over a hundred and fifty (150) manuscripts hailing from 36 countries, these three manuscripts truly capture the spirit of the prize, showcasing thought-provoking and critical non-fiction with an engaging and distinct voice.

The winning manuscript, the cosmic matter of Black lives, a multi-layered exploration of Blackness by writer and interdisciplinary performance artist Cherise Morris, will be published by Cassava Republic Press, with Morris receiving a $20,000 advance. Written in a bold, experimental form, the cosmic matter of Black lives impressed the judges with its powerful exploration of the ways both Blackness and the environment have been shaped and shifted by structures of white supremacy.

Reflecting on her achievement, Cherise shared, “I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have my work recognised with this prize. I began this manuscript six years ago, and it has been a long road to get to this point. I am beyond grateful that Cassava Republic has embraced my work in all of its uniqueness, and I am excited to share it with the world.”

The two runners-up will also receive publishing deals with Cassava Republic Press, with each author receiving a $5000 advance. A captivating read, Desta Haile’s Black Beauty Model Agency takes us behind the doors of the eponymous agency in 1960s New York, peeling back the layers of glamour to explore its cultural, historical, and political impact, through a personal lens. Through The Lens Of Food: A Decolonised Exploration Of Black, Middle-Class Identity by Pamella Gysman stands out for its clarity and cultural depth, effectively capturing the significance of food as a lens for understanding identity and social dynamics.

These manuscripts showcase originality, and depth across narratives, and stand as a testament to the power of Black women as critical thinkers and writers.

Reflecting on her recognition, Desta Haile shared: “I am so grateful to be a finalist for the Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize, for a project that has been so close to my heart for many years, in such inspiring company, by such inspiring judges. Cassava Republic Press has always been in the business of ground-breaking and representation; this prize is a brilliant and generous extension of that vital work, and it aligns perfectly with the historic & diasporic vision of Black Beauty Model Agency”.

Pamella Gysman shared, “I want to thank Cassava Republic, the judges, and the sponsors of the Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize. Winning this prize is a deeply affirming moment for me, as it not only recognises my work but also honours the people I write about. The Black middle class, often treated as an anomaly- ‘too white to be Black’ or ‘too Black to be truly middle class’-has long been overlooked. This prize gives us the space to tell our stories, in our own voices, and showcase new knowledge drawn from these narratives. I’m grateful to Cassava Republic Press and the sponsors for this opportunity, which allows me to contribute to a broader understanding of our experiences.”

Supported by Alitheia Capital, a female-led private equity fund that manages the largest Gender-Smart fund in Africa and the Open Society Foundations Africa, The Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize was created to spotlight exceptional non-fiction works by Black women and make space for Black women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The prize is dedicated to fostering literary excellence and providing a platform for transformative narratives that inspire, educate, and challenge global audiences.

Chair of Judges and Booker Prize award-winning author, Bernardine Evaristo commented on the judging experience stating, “Chairing this prize has been a richly rewarding experience and process of discovery of a wonderful range of manuscripts that reveal the breadth of black women’s intellectual and creative enquiry. The talented winning writers show us that the universe of black women’s ideas, experiences and perspectives is full of talent, promise and adventure.”

The Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize will return for its second year in 2025. Details to follow.