Celebrating 20 Years of an Afrocentric Small Scholarly Press
Universal Write Publications (UWP) is a name that has become synonymous with excellence and diversity in the world of publishing. As the Black- and female-owned press celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is a moment of pride and reflection for founder Ayo Sekai. In an exclusive interview with Sage’s Geane De Lima, Sekai shares her journey and vision for UWP’s past, present, and future.
UWP was founded in 2001 with a mission to provide a platform for marginalized voices in academia and beyond. As an Afrocentric press, UWP has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the publishing industry. Sekai, who has a background in social sciences, recognized the need for a space where scholars from underrepresented communities could share their research and perspectives. She says, “I wanted to create a space where diverse voices could be heard and celebrated. UWP was born out of a desire to challenge the dominant narratives and bring forth new perspectives.”
Over the years, UWP has published a wide range of scholarly works, including books, journals, and monographs, covering a diverse range of topics such as race, gender, and social justice. The press has also been instrumental in promoting emerging scholars and providing a platform for their voices to be heard. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity has earned UWP a reputation as a pioneer in the field of Afrocentric publishing.
As UWP celebrates its 20th anniversary, Sekai reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the past two decades. She says, “It has been a rollercoaster ride, but I am proud of what we have achieved. We have faced many obstacles, from financial constraints to navigating the competitive publishing industry, but our passion and determination have kept us going.” Sekai also acknowledges the support and contributions of the UWP team and authors, without whom the success of the press would not have been possible.
Looking to the future, Sekai envisions UWP as a leading global publisher, amplifying diverse voices and promoting social justice through scholarship. She says, “Our goal is to continue to expand our reach and impact. We want to publish more works from marginalized communities and collaborate with other publishers to promote diversity in the industry.” UWP has already established partnerships with several international publishers, and Sekai hopes to build on these collaborations to achieve their vision.
The success of UWP is not just limited to its publications but also its impact on the academic community. The press has been recognized for its contribution to promoting diversity and inclusivity in academia, and its books and journals are widely used in classrooms and cited in scholarly works. Sekai says, “It is heartening to see the impact of our publications. We have received positive feedback from readers and scholars, and that motivates us to continue our work.”
As we celebrate UWP’s 20th anniversary, it is also essential to acknowledge the significance of small scholarly presses like UWP. In a publishing industry dominated by large commercial publishers, small presses like UWP play a crucial role in promoting diversity and challenging the status quo. Sekai says, “Small presses provide a platform for voices that are often overlooked by mainstream publishers. We have a responsibility to amplify these voices and create a more inclusive publishing landscape.”
In conclusion, UWP’s 20th anniversary is a milestone worth celebrating. The press has not only made a significant impact in the publishing industry but also in promoting diversity and inclusivity in academia. As we look to the future, UWP’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and promoting social justice through scholarship is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to UWP on this remarkable achievement, and here’s to many more years of success and impact. Happy anniversary, UWP!
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