Diversity in Book Publishing

Join us for a discussion on the state of diversity in publishing. POC writers have raised concerns that the stories of our diverse communities are not told often or are written in stereotypical or inaccurate manners. Research has shown the mainstream publishing world is overwhelmingly white. As a result of this lack of diversity few books of any genre by POC writers are published. One study showed animals are depicted more often in children’s books than children of color. This doesn’t imply that only POC writers should write their stories. Instead, a fuller, nuanced and more accurate depiction of POC lives, emotions, and characterizations will more likely occur when written by people who experienced the stories. A diverse panel of educators, writers, and publishers will examine the issue of diversity in book publishing and what practical actions are necessary for POC writers to tell their stories in an increasingly culturally diverse country.

FREE and open to the public.

Panelists:
Dr. Laura Jiménez teaches at Boston University in the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. She is the Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Maricia Pérez Rodriguez from Del Alma Publications, an independent book publishing company focused on producing culturally relevant, bilingual and bicultural literature for today's growing U.S. Latino population in grades kinder through high school. Rachel Pilcher is a writer, a writing educator/coach, and micro press publisher at Sleeping Panther Press. Angie Ransome-Jones author and ghostwriter best known for her bestselling book, “Path to Peace, A Guide to Managing Life After Losing a Loved One" Moderator:
Richard J. Gonzales has published a non-fiction book, Raza Rising: Chicanos in North Texas, in March 2016, (University of North Texas Press), a historical novel Deer Dancer, July 2107 (Sleeping Panther Press) and a play Pauline and Louis, videotaped at Artes de La Rosa Theater. He was a contributing Fort Worth Star-Telegram op-ed columnist for six years and has published short stories in the Americas Review

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