Welcome to our blog interview, dedicated to National Black Authors Day! Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing CaTyra Polland who knows all about promoting the works of Black authors and is the Founder of National Black Authors Day. The goal of this interview is to shed light on the importance of reading books by Black authors, encourage diversity in literary consumption, and inspire our readers. The interview has been edited for clarity!
Let’s get started!
Can you share how National Black Authors Day started and why it’s so important?
I started National Black Authors Day to recognize and celebrate past, current, and future Black authors. We deserve a day. And I created it. I researched to see if it existed and it didn’t. So I started the process, filled out the application, and did what I needed to do to make it happen. So it was really about making sure that we get the acknowledgment that we deserve and that our work. Our literary contributions are recognized and it’s a day for the world to celebrate what we have, all that we have contributed also those who are currently writing, and those we are preparing to be the Black writers and authors of the future. So it’s a very important day.
I was very excited by the engagement for the very first National Black Authors Day in 2023. I saw lots of posts. You know, we were tagged in a lot of posts showing that people were celebrating. They were hosting their book signings on May 4th. They were shouting out Black authors on their social media. They were hosting other writing or author events on May 4th, and there are many ways that people choose to celebrate, so I’m looking forward to this year’s celebration.
Why is it important for readers to explore the works of Black authors?
Readers need to explore the works of Black authors because we have so much information knowledge and experience to share with the world. We’ve endured so much, we’ve overcome so much, we’ve achieved and created so much and we deserve to tell our stories. Other people can benefit from what we have been able to manifest, what we’ve written, and the stories that we are telling. The stories that we have shared, and the wealth of knowledge that we bring to the table. So learning from and reading works by Black authors improves knowledge, intellect, growth, emotional growth, and emotional intelligence. There are just so many benefits to being familiar with Black authors and their work.
How can National Black Authors Day contribute to raising awareness and appreciation of Black literature?
National Black Authors Day raises awareness and appreciation of Black literature by promoting the work and encouraging readers and other authors to indulge in our stories.
The day is an opportunity for us to look at Black authors, those who are well-known, those who are less known, and those who are unknown. It’s an opportunity to explore and expand information and also to give kudos respect and honor and value to Black Authors who have provided us with so much powerful literature. Literature changes the world, our minds, and our environment and has a grand impact on how we interact, what we know, and our knowledge, and helps us advance progress and move forward. And also to prevent a repeat of the mistakes of the past build for an even better and brighter future and also focus on our present. It was going right.
So it’s really natural. National Black Authors Day is there to uplift and praise the Black literature that exists in our world and that will exist in our world. It’s a great opportunity to bring attention to just how many treasures And roles we have presented to the world through our literature.
Are there any particular genres or themes within Black literature that you believe readers should explore more?
I think that Black sci-fi is a genre that could use more Spotlight. Of course, there are plenty of Black sci-fi writers, but I feel that genre kind of goes unnoticed under the radar, and so I would encourage your readers, who are interested in sci-fi, to be intentional about seeking out Black sci-fi authors. Black Sci-Fi is a genre that, I believe, could use more attention.
Which notable Black authors would you recommend for readers who are just starting to explore this genre?
I‘d recommend Octavia E. Butler. I know that I’ve heard her name many times concerning sci-fi. I’m not a sci-fi reader so I haven’t yet read her work. Her name comes up frequently, so that may be a great introduction to Black sci-fi works.
How can local authors and book enthusiasts in Rochester actively participate in celebrating National Black Authors Day?
There are many ways that people can celebrate National Black Authors Day.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- host a book signing on May 4th,
- shout out a Black author in their work on social media,
- host some other type of literary event on May 4th. (Of course use #NationalBlackAuthorsDay when you do post about it).
- host a readathon,
- host a spelling bee or any other literacy-related event,
- host a workshop about how to write a book,
- host a book club on that day,
- attend an event planned on May 4th for National Black Authors Day,
- write a poem about it,
- write an ode to one of your favorite or favorite Black authors,
- publish your book on May 4th to celebrate National Black Authors Day
and so many more!
Have you noticed any positive changes or increasing interest in reading books by Black authors in recent years?
I’ve definitely noticed positive changes for Black authors in the publishing industry. I have seen more Black creatives take the lead and create their own platforms. That has been very exciting to watch. We now have our own blogs, we have our own magazines, we have podcasts, and we have other ways that we are promoting ourselves as authors and also promoting our books. These avenues have brought the spotlight and attention to the work that we’re creating. These opportunities allow us to share our stories authentically and be received by those who value what we offer.
I’ve also seen an increase in Black authors’ awards ceremonies where we are honoring Black authors for the work that they’re producing. There are also a lot of book clubs that feature Black authors. I have noticed that here, in my hometown, many different reading events engage Black youth in promoting reading and getting them into that space. Overall, I’ve seen a lot of developments that have worked to our benefit and have allowed us to increase our presence while also acknowledging and celebrating what we’ve produced.
Can you highlight a challenge Black authors have encountered in the publishing industry?
As an editor, I, prospective clients, and actual clients have shared experiences working with white editors who don’t understand our manuscripts and don’t care about the content of their manuscripts. They disdain the Black culture or, lack of understanding, lack of sympathy or empathy, and just generally don’t have a concern for the work that Black authors are writing. That is a big challenge that I know about in the publishing space. As an editor and author, I know that’s a big one.
Are there any initiatives or organizations that aim to support and promote Black authors that you’d recommend?
I would recommend the Document Whisperer. They focus on formatting manuscripts and other documents.
Winn Publications is a publisher.
Ebony Nicole Smith is a writing coach.
Kelly B. Books is an author and also a publisher.
Ghost Readers is an audiobook company.
The Rochester Black Authors Association is a nonprofit located in the Rochester, NY area.
Those are some companies that are dedicated to working specifically with Black authors.
How can bookstores and libraries play a role in encouraging readers to discover books by Black authors?
Bookstores and libraries can encourage readers to discover books by Black authors by hosting book signings featuring Black authors and creating showcases or exhibits that highlight Black authors, not just during Black History Month. Libraries and bookstores can construct exhibits that are attractive to the readers, that draw them to Black authors. Staff can also seek out Black authors whose books they can add to their database or in their stores or libraries.
Do you believe that schools and other educational institutions do enough to include Black literature in their curriculum? How can they improve?
Black literature was sparse throughout my educational career. I’m not sure what it’s like today. Based on the frequency that books written by Black authors are banned there is much room for improvement. One success I will note is the introduction of A.P. African American Studies. A.P. African American studies include books, articles, texts, art, and other Black literature.
Have you seen any correlation between increased representation of Black authors in literature and positive societal change?
Yes. I’ve seen more TV shows and movies that feature Black publishers and authors like American Fiction. Books by Black authors are also being adapted into films featuring well-rounded, unique, complex Black characters that combat the often stereotypical, monolithic depictions of Black people. Finally, we are controlling the narrative by creating our own platforms (radio, podcast, blog, magazine, etc.) where we can be authentic and properly represent ourselves.
Can you share any experiences or stories where reading a book by a Black author has impacted your life?
Reading Fred Crump Jr.’s books changed my life. Reading stories featuring Black characters made me feel seen and special. Turning the pages of colorful, animated books offered me excitement and consolation in a world that told me I was not beautiful. Fred masterfully captured the beauty and enchantment of Blackness. Thank you, Mr. Crump!
Are there any upcoming events or activities in Rochester related to National Black Authors Day that readers should know about?
Literacy Extravaganza
2nd Annual National Black Authors Day Tickets, Sat, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM
What advice would you give aspiring Black authors to help them overcome obstacles and succeed in the literary world?
Seek out resources and people to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Vulnerability is an asset. Be persistent and consistent.
Thank you for checking out this interview with CaTyra Polland of Love for Words, the founder of Nation Black Authors Day! To learn more about her, her business, and National Black Authors Day click the links!
Until next time
Black Owned in Rochester
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