Tuesday, June 28, 2022

International Writers' Workshop returns Emancipation Day Long Weekend in Toronto

(June 2022) - The International Writers' Workshop (IWW) returns for a virtual edition during Emancipation Day long weekend in Toronto, Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm over the Zoom platform. The theme is "Enhancing and Leveraging the Black Writing Community" featuring presentations and a roundtable discussion from all registered participations; registration is free.

The Workshop, now in its fourth edition, is designed for writers (particularly those in the Black/African diaspora) to present and advance their writing projects and initiatives through conversation and connection.

During the interactive discussion, experts will share culturally-specific experiences and strategies for writing and marketing, in addition to providing resources for starting, sustaining, and [self-]publishing writing projects in a variety of genres.

"We hope to continue to provide writers with an inviting and comfortable platform to cultivate new ideas and artistic networks," said event administrator Stacey Robinson.

Presented by the TU Book Expo, and sponsored by the Toronto Arts Council, Toronto's Kya Publishing, Nairobi's Mutendei Writes, Cleveland's Elevated Waves, and Toronto's Bstellar Group Inc, the IWW team is composed of Black writers Mutendei Nabutete, Stacey Ann Berry, Kamilah Haywood, and Jameel Davis. 

"Our goal is to continuously strengthen the writing, the voices, and the unification within the Black writing community, and to also establish Toronto as a hub and key international location for Black writers to feel welcome, supported, and enhanced as artists."

Previous sessions have highlighted:

  • "Character Development and Historical Representations" by Mutendei Nabutete
  • "How to Use Writing to Ignite Freedom, Healing and Power" by Stacey Ann Berry
  • "Content Marketing" by Jameel Davis
  • "Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing" by Kamilah Haywood and Mutendei Nabutete
  • "Traditional Marketing Methods in the Digital Age" by Stacey Ann Berry
  • "Literary Cultural Barriers in the African Diaspora" featuring guest presenter Adam H.C. Myrie, in addition to presentations from the IWW Board members.
Writers and literary supporters from all communities are welcome to attend!


REGISTER HERE

VISIT TUBOOKEXPO.COM

Contact us with your inquiries or to learn more about the International Writers' Workshop at IWW@kyapublishing.com.


ABOUT EMANCIPATION DAY

Emancipation Day is celebrated on August 1 in Ontario, Canada. The Government of Canada officially designated this day on March 24, 2021 to mark "the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire."

"Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada."