All voices matter.
Enriching our lives with diversity in literature.
In the landscape of literature, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it's essential for a richer, more vibrant cultural narrative. As Selina Brown, founder & CEO of the Black British Book Festival, attests, representation in literature profoundly benefits readers and society at large. She believes in the power of showcasing the written word by Black voices and provides a platform for emerging talent historically underrepresented in the literary world.
Why does it matter that all voices get a chance to be heard and how can we all play a part in helping that to happen?
Because literature is a mirror and a window. When we read stories from a wide spectrum of voices, we see reflections of ourselves and views into the lives of others. For women seeking a healthier life and society, embracing diversity in what we read can broaden our outlook and deepen our understanding of the complex world we share.
Brave New Girls podcast guest Selina Brown, CEO and Founder of Black British Book Festival, is leading this mission. By championing Black British authors, she's not only breaking barriers but also nurturing a healthier, more inclusive literary landscape. Her festival draws thousands, indicating a strong, often untapped market for diverse stories.
According to a report by the Cooperative Children's Book Center, out of the thousands of children's books published in 2018, only 10% featured African or African American characters. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for festivals like Brown's, which offer a counter-narrative to the industry's historical biases.
The benefits of diversity in literature are manifold. It encourages empathy, enhances creativity, and promotes social and emotional growth. A study by McKinsey & Company shows that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially. This correlation can be extended to the literary world—diverse books can increase readership and engagement, enriching the industry as a whole.
To support this vision, we can start by expanding our own reading lists. Brave New Girls podcast reminds us of our role in this endeavor. By consciously choosing books by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, we contribute to a more equitable literary ecosystem.
It matters that all voices are heard because it's the essence of an equitable society. We can all play a part by promoting, purchasing, and engaging with literature that represents the full spectrum of human experience.
Here are 10 actionable steps to empower diverse voices in literature:
Actively seek out and read books by Black British authors.
Attend literary festivals focused on diversity, like the Black British Book Festival.
Support independent bookstores that promote diverse authors.
Encourage libraries to diversify their collections.
Recommend diverse books to friends and book clubs.
Share and review diverse books on social media.
Donate books to schools and community centers.
Mentor or support aspiring authors from underrepresented communities.
Engage in conversations about the importance of diversity in literature.
Advocate for diversity and inclusion in the publishing industry.
Why does it matter that all voices get a chance to be heard? It's simple: a world that listens to all its voices is a richer, more harmonious one. And we can all contribute to this landscape of inclusivity by embracing and elevating diverse literature.
PS. Listen HERE to Selina’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.
