
Jan 31, 2025
Torch is using this year’s Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor” to highlight the literary work we do to share our voices.
At Torch, we don’t use one (short) month to acknowledge the centuries of work Black women have contributed to culture and history as storytellers. However, we’re especially elated to celebrate Black women writers and their work this month. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor. To celebrate, we’re highlighting the importance of Black women writers and our labor across the literary landscape.
Despite Black readers having a higher engagement in books, Black women writers aren’t paid nearly as much as their counterparts in the writing industry. #PublishingPaidMe, solidarity statements in 2020, and other short-lived social media campaigns highlight these inequalities, yet there’s been little action to ensure Black women are paid for their work and contributions in publishing.
“Working in publishing has exposed me to both sides of the publishing sun. I see how grim and competitive it can be,” said Camari Carter-Hawkins, founder of Mama’s Kitchen Press. “Knowing that not enough Black writers are being published and afforded opportunities makes me want to find ways to open doors for us.”
Camari Carter-Hawkins decided to tell her experience as a Black woman by publishing independently. She founded Mama’s Kitchen Press in 2021 to encourage writers to tell their stories their way, creating doors for others. She realizes that, outside of monetary value, writing also pays her by increasing her well-being. To learn more about Mama's Kitchen Press, visit mamaskitchenpress.com.
To learn more and keep up with Black women and their contributions to literature, be sure to follow our Instagram page! If you’re looking for some February fun or want to see how you can support Torch’s work this month, here are a few ways:
Donate to our Amplify Austin campaign: We’re raising $10,000 this year for one of the biggest giving days in Austin. Your contribution automatically enters you to win some really cool prizes.
Join us for Solar Saturday at the Carver Museum: Torch community members, Marzetta and Shasparay will be sharing their work during the Torch Poetry Showcase. The event is free and open to all.
Celebrate World Read Aloud Day with Torch x Kendra Scott: Kendra Scott is donating 20% of purchases when you use code GIVEBACK-IMGQX online or in-store at the Domain location on February 5th and 6th.
Celebrate 30 Years of Waiting to Exhale at the Paramount: A movie night at the Paramount? Count us in! Join Torch and the Paramount Theatre for a special screening of an iconic masterpiece based on the book by Terry McMillan.