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 AbubakarAMERICAN 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.