Cassava Republic Press is thrilled to announce the longlist for its inaugural Global Black
Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize, created to amplify the voices of Black women
writers in the non-fiction space as knowledge producers and critical thinkers. Reflecting the
international spirit of the prize, Cassava Republic received submissions from 36 countries, and
from both established and emerging writers.

The 9 longlisted authors hail from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and each bring a
unique perspective and voice to the topics they explore. Each manuscript reflects the goal of the
prize, to find writing that is rigorous and beautiful, creative and thoughtful. From critical
analyses of socio-economic issues to personal reflections on identity, resilience and culture, and
from experimental scholarship to travelogues, these titles reflect the breadth and range of Black
women’s intellectual contribution to global discourse, showcasing ideas that transcend borders.
The inaugural prize’s judging panel is chaired by award-winning author and 2019 Booker Prize
recipient Bernardine Evaristo, Ugandan scholar, Sylvia Tamale, African-American author and
filmmaker Natalie Baszile, Caribbean-American feminist scholar Carole Boyce-Davies, and
Zimbabwean-South African historian and novelist Panashe Chigumadzi.

Bernardine Evaristo shared, “The longlisted titles for this prize are a wonderful revelation in
terms of originality, creativity, intellectual scope and diversity of interests. We are looking
forward to the next stage whereby six of the manuscripts will rise to the surface.”
The Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manucrips Prize Longlist:

1. African Feminist Reflections on State Sponsored Backlash in Kenya by Marilyn Muthoni
   Kamuru (Kenya)
2. Anxiolytic Notes by Helena Silvestre (Brasil)
3. Being Here in This Body by Mildred Kiconco Barya (Uganda)
4. Black Beauty Model Agency by Desta Haile (Eritrea)
5. Elemental Solidarity: The Climate Crisis and Contemporary African And Diasporic
   Art by Sindi-Leigh McBride (South Africa)
6. Sweetness Is No Guarantee by B.J. McDaniel (United States)
7. The Black Packer by Ebbo-Chan (UK)
8. The Cosmic Matter of Blackness by Cherise Morris (United States)
9. Through the Lens of Food: A Decolonized Exploration of Black Middle-Class
   Identity Expression by Pamella N. Gysman (South Africa)
   

Commenting on the longlist, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Founder and Publishing Director of Cassava
Republic said, “We are incredibly excited to see such a rich array of voices represented in the
longlist. This prize not only celebrates the talents of Black women writers but also underscores
their essential role in shaping critical discourse across various fields.”

Funded by Alitheia Capital and the Open Society Foundations Africa, the prize winner will
secure a publishing contract with Cassava Republic Press along with a substantial $20,000
advance. In recognition of the strengths of the top shortlisted writers, two runners-up will each
receive a $5,000 advance and a publishing deal.
The shortlist will be announced on November 13th, and the winner will be announced on
December 4th.