“When African Voices came on the scene thirty years ago, it was like a refreshing new voice in the literary and cultural magazine world. From the start, what attracted writers like me to this organization was its wide scope, its vision of embracing and being open to artists from the African Diaspora. At the root of African Voices’ mission is a strong foundation on being connected to the community it represents. This has allowed readers and art aficionados to not only grow with artists and writers here in North America, but enjoy the work of artists and writers from around the world…As the book review editor, I feel tremendous pride being part of the AV team.”
— Debbie A. Officer, Book Review Editor
Dear Community Arts Pioneer,
I founded African Voices in 1992 with a small group of writers, artists and visionaries because I believe in the power of art to heal and transform our community.
As a nonprofit arts institution devoted to preserving art, literature and film, African Voices publishes one of the few print magazines devoted to people of color.
In 2021, we were elated to partner with Spelman College, a renowned HCBU, to house past editions of the magazine, videos and digitized photographs spanning three decades, alongside the archive of the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series in The Spelman College Archives repository.
African Voices sponsors Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Oscar qualifying film festival for women of color. Reel Sisters screens 70+ films directed, written and produced by women from across the globe.
From offering script to screen opportunities for emerging women filmmakers to hosting literary readings, workshops and art exhibitions for writers and visual artists, African Voices is a community space for audiences to honor our history and stories.
Located in the bustling family-centered neighborhood of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, our pop up gallery features local visual artists, offers storytelling, creative writing and craft workshops. We provide fellowships and residencies for emerging writers to create screenplays and memoirs. Get Your Read On! (GYRO!) program trains young people in the art of storytelling, architecture, playwriting, quilt making and other artistic traditions.
We need your support to continue our mission. Become an African Voices Family Member today and enjoy special benefits while helping us sustain an institution that create jobs and opportunities for artists to share our stories.
Your membership and donations ensure the legacy of our history is passed on to the next generation of artists and nurtures young artists through initiatives like Get Your Read On!’s Storytelling & Architecture Program. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
Special thanks to our loyal circle of AV Family Members for carrying us through our first 30 years of supporting visionary artists!
Thank you in advance for your support!
Peace & Blessings,
Carolyn A. Butts
Carolyn A. Butts, Founder/Publisher