Celebrating Black Authors at the Toronto Urban Book Expo

TORONTO, ONT (February 2018) - In celebration of Black History Month, independent publishing company Kya Publishing is highlighting the black authors who have participated in their signature event--the Toronto Urban Book Expo--over the past four years.

The Book Expo began in 2014 as a tribute to local writers and as an outlet for independent writers and self-published authors to promote, display, and sell their books. With an initial participant count of 8 vendors, Kya Publishing has seen author interest and international attendance grow steadily over the years.

Since the inaugural Toronto Urban Book Expo during the Toronto Public Library's Black History Month program in February of 2014, there have been approximately 70 writers who have honoured the Kya Publishing event with their presence.

"As we approach the fifth annual Toronto Urban Book Expo, we want to thank all of the authors who have officially supported this event as vendors, hosts, speakers, and ambassadors," said Kya Publishing founder and event administrator Stacey Marie Robinson. "The response from the U.S. has been particularly encouraging; it's a great opportunity for the writers to network, and also for the readers to have a nice range of urban cultural literature."

Participating authors over the years have included:

CANADIAN AUTHORS

Adrian Sterling

Akwasi Afriyie

Allan Brentt Hood

Andree Nicole

Angela Walcott

Angelot Ndongmo

Ava Knight

Bernadette Hood

Breanna Chanelle

Dalton Higgins

Dane Swan

Jaden Amber Taylor

Janine Carrington

Jennylynd James

John Robinson Jr.

Josephine Casey

Kamilah Haywood

Kebrina Morgan

Kelvin Gumbs

Kwame Osei

Latania Christie

Lavern Lewis

Makini Smith

Mathis Bailey

Matthew L. Taylor

Mutendei Nabutete

Nadine Chevolleau

Ndija Anderson Yantha

Olive Rose Steele

Pamela Mordecai

Peter James

Randall Mitchell

Robert Small

Simone DaCosta

Stacey Marie Robinson

Yusuf Abubakar

AMERICAN AUTHORS

Christopher Signal (Ohio)
Deborah Watkins (New York)
Edquina Washington (Pennsylvania)
Jameel Davis (Ohio)
Erika L. Farmer (Maryland)
JL Crayton (Florida)
Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II (Washington)
Jessica Tamara (New York)
Kawana Moore (New York)
Key Porter (Washington)
KL Hall (Virginia)
Queen Tastee Thoughts (South Carolina)
Mariah James (New York)
Melissa Jones (Florida)
Precious Champegnie (Maryland)
Shannon Spruill (New York)
Shataya Simms (Pennsylvania)
Ms Tee (New York)
Tramona Ford (Pennsylvania)
Tristan Jackson (Texas)
Sincere James (Texas)
Chase Monet (Michigan)
Domonique Pequet (Louisiana)
Ebony Stroder (Indiana)
Fanchon Stylezz (New York)
Jalissa Monique Brown (New Jersey)
Jedah Mayberry (Texas)
Kamesha Shropshire (Georgia)
Queen Rella (Pennsylvania)
Sammodah Speaks (Georgia)
Sheila L. Brown (New York)
Tawanda Amos (Maryland)

"Many authors enjoy operating independently of the mainstream publishing industry. Whether by default or by choice, the Book Expo offers an alternate environment for book sales and communication to take place," said Robinson. "Every major city in America has a black and/or urban book festival to represent the urban and cultural writers in their communities. We are pleased to offer a similar platform here in Toronto, and look forward to the continued growth of this literary celebration!"

This year's Toronto Urban Book Expo is scheduled for Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Toronto Public Library's Parkdale Branch. Registration will begin this month, and registration and sponsorship packages will be available through TUBE@kyapublishing.com, and via the Kya Publishing website: kyapublishing.com.