Today's Read Contributor On March 22, 2023, New York City hosted the First Annual Global Writers’ Symposium, an event designed to bring together writers, literary agents, publishers, and academics to discuss the role of diversity and representation in contemporary literature. The symposium, held at the Javits Center, focused on the need for a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape, featuring panel discussions, keynote speakers, and workshops on how to create and support diverse voices in the publishing world.
Angela Robertson, founder of the Global Writers’ Symposium, kicked off the event by highlighting the importance of representation in literature. Robertson shared how the symposium aimed to create a space for authors from underrepresented communities to connect with industry professionals and share their stories with the world. “This is a platform for diverse voices to be celebrated, and we hope it will inspire change across the industry,” Robertson said in her opening remarks.
Kwame Alexander, an award-winning author and poet known for his works focusing on the African American experience, was one of the symposium’s keynote speakers. Alexander discussed how literature can be a powerful tool for social change, emphasizing the importance of telling stories that reflect the complexity of different cultures, identities, and experiences. “We need to see more stories about people from all backgrounds, not just the mainstream narrative,” Alexander stated, advocating for a greater emphasis on inclusivity in literature. His words resonated with many attendees, particularly emerging authors looking to make their voices heard.
Lila Green, an editor at Harlequin Enterprises, participated in a panel discussion on the challenges of promoting diversity in publishing. Green spoke about how the industry has evolved in recent years to include more stories by and about people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. “There is still work to be done, but we are seeing more progress than ever before,” Green noted, emphasizing the importance of pushing for more inclusive narratives both in fiction and non-fiction.
In another session, Dr. Jennifer Collins, a professor of literature at New York University, shared her research on how literature can shape public perceptions of identity and belonging. Collins discussed how literature can be a vehicle for empathy, helping readers understand and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. “As writers, we have a responsibility to reflect the world as it truly is, not just as we wish it to be,” Collins said.
The symposium concluded with a networking dinner, where authors and publishers had the opportunity to discuss potential collaborations and exchange ideas on how to further diversify the literary world. The First Annual Global Writers’ Symposium was a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and representative publishing industry, with a renewed focus on elevating voices that have been historically marginalized.
