BBWaSA welcomes Black writers and scholars of all genders and sexualities. 

Our members come from all sections of the community, including LGBTQI+ people, disabled people and neurodiverse people. We recognise the intersectionality of our challenges within the cultural and academic sectors, and this includes sexuality and gender identity. As writers and scholars of African descent, we face specific, persistent discrimination and inequity. This network provides an uplifting, positive space to effect change from within, free from the need to justify ourselves to each other. Our main criterion is to maintain a nurturing atmosphere of respect. 

FAQs

How do you define Black British?

  • We define Black as anyone of African, African Caribbean, mixed African or mixed African Caribbean descent.
  • We define British as relating to being from or based in the UK.
  • You do not have to be British or currently residing in the UK to join but you do need to have an interest/specialism in Black British Writing.

 

I’m not a published writer. Can I still join BBWaSA?

  • Yes! You don’t need to be a published writer to join BBWaSA. Anyone who self-defines as a writer of any genre – including academic scholars – is welcome to join. 

 

I’m not sure whether I qualify as a scholar. Is this network for me?

  • You don’t need to be linked with an educational establishment. Scholarly work can, and does, happen outside academia.
  • You don’t need a BA, MA or PhD to join.

 

What is the required commitment? Do you meet in person? 

  • We currently meet online on a monthly basis. Your only commitment is to attend when you can.


If you have any other questions or need clarification on any of the above, contact us to find out more!
 

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