Whether you’re submitting now or focusing on reading, check out these awesome publications that promote artists of color. And, of course, happy Black History Month!
“Smooth Operator” Josh Byer 2017
Aaduna seeks emerging writers and visual artists whose work gravitates towards the experimental and innovative. At the core of their publication is a mission to provide a publication venue for artists of color, giving preference to those traditionally denied access to publication (though they are open to receiving all work that addresses multicultural issues with dignity and thoughtfulness). They have subscribers in over 60 countries, so if you’re accepted, people in over 60 countries will have access to your work. Pretty cool. Read about how to submit to Aaduna here by March 14th for their Summer issue.
Polychrome Ink is a biannual literary magazine that celebrates diversity in literature by seeking under-represented voices and narratives, focusing on authors and poets who do not embody the majority of the publishing industry (White-Cis-Neurotypical-Abled-Heterosexuals). Oh, and they pay! But more than that, what I appreciate about this magazine is their mission, their aesthetic, and the spectrum of the work published. I don’t know, it’s like if you try and normalize diversity, you end up with really interesting and beautiful work, rather than the same old tired cliche writing. Send them your poems, short stories, short non-fiction, and essays here.
The African American Review is a scholarly journal of poetry, fiction, book reviews, essays on African American literature, theater, film, the visual arts, and culture. AAR has featured renowned writers Trudier Harris, Arnold Rampersad, Hortense Spillers, Amiri Baraka, Rita Dove, Charles Johnson, and Toni Morrison. They have serious editors, so send them your pore polished work. Submit here.
Founded in 1975, Obsidian supports contemporary poetry, fiction, drama, performance, and visual and media art of Africans globally. The journal has been recognized by the National Endowment of the Arts as one of the premier journals dedicated to Africa and African Diaspora Literatures. Obsidian is published biannually in print and online. Submissions re-open September 15th, so if you need a minute to polish up some things, this would be a good thing to mark on your calendar.
Callaloo is devoted to publishing work, both creative and critical, of African Americans and peoples throughout the diaspora. They publish an issue five times a year (and if that’s not impressive enough, check out this amazing 2015 cover art by Amy Sherald, the artist who painted Michelle Obama’s official portrait). Submit all manuscripts of poetry, fiction, scholarly articles, book reviews, interviews, nonfiction essays, and visual art.
loriamendoza.com 