About "Being Black in Publishing"
Cassava Republic Press is excited to announce the return of its Being Black in Publishing (BBIP) initiative, following the success of its inaugural year. The programme is designed to boost African and Afro-diasporic representation in the global publishing industry by offering a wide array of resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
This year, BBIP will feature a roster of industry experts, panel discussions, and an expanded internship programme with new opportunities across Southern and Eastern Africa. In 2023, BBIP brought together over 500 participants from around the world, along with 15 distinguished panellists.
The 2024 forum will take place virtually throughout November 2024, offering participants an opportunity to engage with publishing professionals from various sectors, including editorial, design, literary agenting, and digital marketing. Featured panellists include high-profile industry leaders such as Charlotte Abrams-Simpson, Art Director at Orion Fiction; Nkanyezi Tshabalala, Head of Communications at Pan Macmillan South Africa; Nancy Adimora, Founder of Afreada; Bunmi Ishola, Editor at Penguin Random House; and Zakia Henderson, Senior Editor at The New Press, alongside other influential figures.
Programme Highlights
- Month-long Global Forum: The “Being Black in Publishing” forum is a pioneering effort designed to connect seasoned Black publishing professionals from across the world with aspiring young Black people interested in exploring a career in publishing. This is an opportunity to gain invaluable insights, perspectives, and knowledge from experts.
- Three-Month Internship Programme: Building on the success of last year, the BBIP internship programme, which began in Nigeria in 2023, will now extend to Southern and Eastern Africa. Aspiring professionals will secure internships with prominent publishing houses such as Jacana Media in South Africa, Masobe Books, Farafina Press, RovingHeights and Narrative Landscape in Nigeria, and Jahazi Press in Kenya. These internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, helping participants gain a foothold in the industry.
Conference Schedule
Panels are also livestreamed on YouTube. You can sign up here:
Internship Programme
Applications are now open for the internship programme! Applications close 15 Jan 2025.
Important Points to Note
The internship is open to individuals based in Africa only.
Internship opportunities are available with our partners, Jacana Media in South Africa, Masobe Books, Farafina Press, RovingHeights and Narrative Landscape in Nigeria, and Jahazi Press in Kenya.
Limited slots are available for the internship.
Priority will be given to recent university graduates.
Our Partners
We are proud to partner with some great Nigerian publishers and booksellers for the internship programme. Partners include Narrative Landscape Press, Farafina Press, RovingHeights Bookstore, Masobe Books, Jacana Media, and Jahazi Media
FAQs
The forum is open to African and Afro-diasporic individuals worldwide. Internship applications are only open to applicants based in Africa interested in a career in publishing.
Engaging panel sessions on various aspects of publishing, led by African and Afro-diasporic industry experts.
Practical hands-on experience in editorial, marketing, sales, and distribution, plus mentorship and networking opportunities.
Detailed application instructions will be announced during the first week of October, including deadlines and requirements.
To encourage and increase the participation and entry of more African and Afro-diasporic industries into the publishing industry.
Get Involved
Join us in making a lasting impact on the world of publishing. Apply for the internship program, participate in the conference, and support our mission!
Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming plans!