Kweli Journal
@kwelijournal.bsky.social
Award-winning literary magazine and nonprofit. Kweli means truth. We seek out, support, and publish writers of color who sing the truth. See upcoming workshops, events, and programs: linktr.ee/kwelijournal. Photo: Tandem Collective
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Kweli Journal
@kwelijournal.bsky.social
· Dec 12
✨COVER REVEAL ✨ We're thrilled to share SING THE TRUTH: The Kweli Journal Short Story Collection will be published by Authors Equity, distributed by Simon & Schuster in MAY 2025! Feat. Edwidge Danticat, K-Ming Chang & more. Learn about the book 👇🏾
#booksky #writersky #writersofcolor #bipocwriters
#booksky #writersky #writersofcolor #bipocwriters
Reposted by Kweli Journal
The application for the 2026 Read in Color Cohort is open now through Friday, November 28!
If selected, you may receive more than $10,000 in support from Little Free Library to increase access to diverse books in your community.
Learn more and apply: https://lflib.org/ric-get-involved
If selected, you may receive more than $10,000 in support from Little Free Library to increase access to diverse books in your community.
Learn more and apply: https://lflib.org/ric-get-involved
November 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The application for the 2026 Read in Color Cohort is open now through Friday, November 28!
If selected, you may receive more than $10,000 in support from Little Free Library to increase access to diverse books in your community.
Learn more and apply: https://lflib.org/ric-get-involved
If selected, you may receive more than $10,000 in support from Little Free Library to increase access to diverse books in your community.
Learn more and apply: https://lflib.org/ric-get-involved
Reposted by Kweli Journal
For decades, Black writers have enriched the Booker Library with stories that inspire, challenge and move readers.
This Black History Month, rediscover these voices with a reading list, introduced by Booker Prize 1991 winner, Ben Okri. Find it below...
https://thebookerprizes.pulse.ly/dba9hahipf
This Black History Month, rediscover these voices with a reading list, introduced by Booker Prize 1991 winner, Ben Okri. Find it below...
https://thebookerprizes.pulse.ly/dba9hahipf
A Booker Prize reading list for Black History Month | The Booker Prizes
Ahead of Black History Month, Ben Okri, the first Black writer to win the Booker, says that the genius of the Black spirit in literature has been set free
thebookerprizes.pulse.ly
October 25, 2025 at 8:59 AM
For decades, Black writers have enriched the Booker Library with stories that inspire, challenge and move readers.
This Black History Month, rediscover these voices with a reading list, introduced by Booker Prize 1991 winner, Ben Okri. Find it below...
https://thebookerprizes.pulse.ly/dba9hahipf
This Black History Month, rediscover these voices with a reading list, introduced by Booker Prize 1991 winner, Ben Okri. Find it below...
https://thebookerprizes.pulse.ly/dba9hahipf
Reposted by Kweli Journal
We call it: Widening the Pipeline, a year of monthly meetings to support journalists of color.
Alumni call it: "Life changing."✨
Now is your chance to be part of the Class of 2026: https://nationalpress.org/training/widening-the-pipeline-fellowship-2026-journalists-of-color/
Alumni call it: "Life changing."✨
Now is your chance to be part of the Class of 2026: https://nationalpress.org/training/widening-the-pipeline-fellowship-2026-journalists-of-color/
October 21, 2025 at 2:12 PM
We call it: Widening the Pipeline, a year of monthly meetings to support journalists of color.
Alumni call it: "Life changing."✨
Now is your chance to be part of the Class of 2026: https://nationalpress.org/training/widening-the-pipeline-fellowship-2026-journalists-of-color/
Alumni call it: "Life changing."✨
Now is your chance to be part of the Class of 2026: https://nationalpress.org/training/widening-the-pipeline-fellowship-2026-journalists-of-color/
Reposted by Kweli Journal
And our annual 25% off picture book sale starts this Saturday! Get your teachers and kids their holidays gifts #ShopLocal
October 27, 2025 at 8:24 PM
And our annual 25% off picture book sale starts this Saturday! Get your teachers and kids their holidays gifts #ShopLocal
Imani Perry follows Sara Birmingham to Random House in a two-book deal, Viking takes Isle McElroy’s third novel, and more.
Book Deals: Week of October 27, 2025
Imani Perry follows Sara Birmingham to Random House in a two-book deal, Viking takes Isle McElroy’s third novel, and more.
buff.ly
October 28, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Reposted by Kweli Journal
Banned Books Week may be over but the fight for the freedom to read and the first amendment continues. I talked with author/artist Mike Curato (FLAMER) about his experiences as an often-banned creator in Massachusetts and beyond. #massfreedomtoread @massaabb.bsky.social @authorsabb.bsky.social
#HBOutoftheBox: In support of "An Act Regarding Free Expression" (S.2328/ H.3594) in MA, author @malindalo.bsky.social asked author/illus @mikecurato.bsky.social #5Qs about #bookban challenges to his #graphicnovel FLAMER: "We all deserve to be seen and understood fully" www.hbook.com/story/five-q...
Five questions for Mike Curato
In support of the Massachusetts Freedom to Read bill, author Malinda Lo spoke with author and illustrator Mike Curato about his experiences with challenges to his graphic novel Flamer, whose protagoni...
www.hbook.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Banned Books Week may be over but the fight for the freedom to read and the first amendment continues. I talked with author/artist Mike Curato (FLAMER) about his experiences as an often-banned creator in Massachusetts and beyond. #massfreedomtoread @massaabb.bsky.social @authorsabb.bsky.social
Reposted by Kweli Journal
"Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is teaming up with local entrepreneurs to create a literary salon in the landmarked Bed Stuy building."
Y'all know I was born for a time where one could discuss the prose of James Baldwin and then messy gossip
www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-lif...
Y'all know I was born for a time where one could discuss the prose of James Baldwin and then messy gossip
www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-lif...
Bookstore to Open in Former Macon Hardware Digs
Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is teaming up with Bed-Vyne's owners to create a literary salon in the Bed Stuy building.
www.brownstoner.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
"Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is teaming up with local entrepreneurs to create a literary salon in the landmarked Bed Stuy building."
Y'all know I was born for a time where one could discuss the prose of James Baldwin and then messy gossip
www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-lif...
Y'all know I was born for a time where one could discuss the prose of James Baldwin and then messy gossip
www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-lif...
🚨 Today is the LAST DAY to register for Kweli International Literary Festival.
Registration includes all-access to Opening Weekend program featuring keynotes and breakout sessions OCT 18-19, + access to multimedia readings, convos and craft talks scheduled thru NOV 18.
🎟️ SIGN UP at link in bio!
Registration includes all-access to Opening Weekend program featuring keynotes and breakout sessions OCT 18-19, + access to multimedia readings, convos and craft talks scheduled thru NOV 18.
🎟️ SIGN UP at link in bio!
October 16, 2025 at 1:01 PM
🚨 Today is the LAST DAY to register for Kweli International Literary Festival.
Registration includes all-access to Opening Weekend program featuring keynotes and breakout sessions OCT 18-19, + access to multimedia readings, convos and craft talks scheduled thru NOV 18.
🎟️ SIGN UP at link in bio!
Registration includes all-access to Opening Weekend program featuring keynotes and breakout sessions OCT 18-19, + access to multimedia readings, convos and craft talks scheduled thru NOV 18.
🎟️ SIGN UP at link in bio!
⏰ Registration CLOSES Thurs, Oct 16!
REGISTER NOW for full access to Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
See full roster and program schedule at REGISTRATION link in our bio!
👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽👆🏽
REGISTER NOW for full access to Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
See full roster and program schedule at REGISTRATION link in our bio!
👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽👆🏽
October 15, 2025 at 1:50 PM
⏰ Registration CLOSES Thurs, Oct 16!
REGISTER NOW for full access to Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
See full roster and program schedule at REGISTRATION link in our bio!
👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽👆🏽
REGISTER NOW for full access to Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
See full roster and program schedule at REGISTRATION link in our bio!
👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽👆🏽
💐🧡 Happy Book Birthday to A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF, a finalist for the National Book Award and an Oprah Book Club pick for October, by @meghamaj.bsky.social, who will be giving a keynote at our upcoming Kweli International Literary Festival!
Another starred review! Big thanks to the anonymous Publishers Weekly reviewer who read with such attention and thoughtfulness. “Majumdar proves once again that she is a master of the moral dilemma.”
October 14, 2025 at 3:35 PM
💐🧡 Happy Book Birthday to A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF, a finalist for the National Book Award and an Oprah Book Club pick for October, by @meghamaj.bsky.social, who will be giving a keynote at our upcoming Kweli International Literary Festival!
🎉 Writers of Color, there’s still time to join us!
REGISTER NOW for Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
REGISTER at link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
REGISTER NOW for Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
REGISTER at link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
October 14, 2025 at 11:20 AM
🎉 Writers of Color, there’s still time to join us!
REGISTER NOW for Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
REGISTER at link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
REGISTER NOW for Kweli International Literary Festival, featuring workshops, panels, and MORE with award-winning authors of color and top industry editors and agents!
REGISTER at link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
Reposted by Kweli Journal
It's #LetFreedomReadDay! Take at least ONE action today to defend the freedom to read. When we all #UniteAgainstBookBans, we can make a difference. All you need is 5 minutes to make an impact! #BannedBooksWeek
🧵 Check out the thread below or UniteAgainstBookBans.org/LFRD/ for some ideas 👇
🧵 Check out the thread below or UniteAgainstBookBans.org/LFRD/ for some ideas 👇
October 11, 2025 at 4:25 PM
It's #LetFreedomReadDay! Take at least ONE action today to defend the freedom to read. When we all #UniteAgainstBookBans, we can make a difference. All you need is 5 minutes to make an impact! #BannedBooksWeek
🧵 Check out the thread below or UniteAgainstBookBans.org/LFRD/ for some ideas 👇
🧵 Check out the thread below or UniteAgainstBookBans.org/LFRD/ for some ideas 👇
Reposted by Kweli Journal
2,452 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2024, the 3rd highest ever recorded by @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social For #BannedBooksWeek & #LetFreedomReadDay, curb censorship by joining #UniteAgainstBookBans to get action opportunities, info & tools/resources: uniteagainstbookbans.org/take-action
October 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
2,452 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2024, the 3rd highest ever recorded by @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social For #BannedBooksWeek & #LetFreedomReadDay, curb censorship by joining #UniteAgainstBookBans to get action opportunities, info & tools/resources: uniteagainstbookbans.org/take-action
Reposted by Kweli Journal
📚This #BannedBooksWeek, co-owner/publisher Jason Low reminds us: book bans aren't just about books—they're part of a broader attack on truth, institutions, and democracy itself.
➡️Read his call to action in @ala-booklist.bsky.social: www.booklistonline.com/products/981...
➡️Read his call to action in @ala-booklist.bsky.social: www.booklistonline.com/products/981...
October 9, 2025 at 4:58 PM
📚This #BannedBooksWeek, co-owner/publisher Jason Low reminds us: book bans aren't just about books—they're part of a broader attack on truth, institutions, and democracy itself.
➡️Read his call to action in @ala-booklist.bsky.social: www.booklistonline.com/products/981...
➡️Read his call to action in @ala-booklist.bsky.social: www.booklistonline.com/products/981...
Reposted by Kweli Journal
Can you believe I’m still going to be talking about banned books in March 2026?! Yes, because the problem isn’t going to go away at the end of Banned Books Week. This will be an amazing event!
Check out this #AWP26 featured event: “The Right to Read vs. Book Bans: Stories & Advice from the Front Lines, Sponsored by Blue Flower Arts”! Join @malindalo.bsky.social, Ibi Zoboi, and @mobrowne.bsky.social with @andrewkarre.bsky.social on March 5!
The Right to Read vs. Book Bans: Stories & Advice from the Front Lines, Sponsored by Blue Flower Arts
Thursday, March 5, 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
conference.awpwriter.org
October 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Can you believe I’m still going to be talking about banned books in March 2026?! Yes, because the problem isn’t going to go away at the end of Banned Books Week. This will be an amazing event!
Reposted by Kweli Journal
Remember when I said something nice was coming today? Well: I was asked to write the introduction to the new edition of Toni Morrison’s BELOVED! I’m so honored and happy! Here’s the new cover—that’s my name down at the bottom!!!!
October 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Remember when I said something nice was coming today? Well: I was asked to write the introduction to the new edition of Toni Morrison’s BELOVED! I’m so honored and happy! Here’s the new cover—that’s my name down at the bottom!!!!
Reposted by Kweli Journal
We believe that every person, of every age, of every race, of every gender, no matter who they love, or where they live, should have access to books that reflect and expand their worldview. #UniteAgainstBookBans #BannedBooksWeek
October 8, 2025 at 6:46 PM
We believe that every person, of every age, of every race, of every gender, no matter who they love, or where they live, should have access to books that reflect and expand their worldview. #UniteAgainstBookBans #BannedBooksWeek
ICYMI:
🎉 Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN! 🎉
Join us in-person for opening weekend OCT 18 - 19 at New York Law School for workshops, keynotes and convos, as well as the year’s best chance for emerging writers of color to connect w/ agents and editors!
🎉 Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN! 🎉
Join us in-person for opening weekend OCT 18 - 19 at New York Law School for workshops, keynotes and convos, as well as the year’s best chance for emerging writers of color to connect w/ agents and editors!
October 9, 2025 at 12:32 PM
ICYMI:
🎉 Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN! 🎉
Join us in-person for opening weekend OCT 18 - 19 at New York Law School for workshops, keynotes and convos, as well as the year’s best chance for emerging writers of color to connect w/ agents and editors!
🎉 Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN! 🎉
Join us in-person for opening weekend OCT 18 - 19 at New York Law School for workshops, keynotes and convos, as well as the year’s best chance for emerging writers of color to connect w/ agents and editors!
Reposted by Kweli Journal
October 9, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Let’s go!
🎟️ Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN.
Join us opening weekend, Oct 18–19, for keynotes and craft talks, and continuing w/ multimedia events and master classes thru Nov 18.
Connect w/ agents, editors + BIPOC creatives.
LEARN MORE at Link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
🎟️ Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN.
Join us opening weekend, Oct 18–19, for keynotes and craft talks, and continuing w/ multimedia events and master classes thru Nov 18.
Connect w/ agents, editors + BIPOC creatives.
LEARN MORE at Link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
October 8, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Let’s go!
🎟️ Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN.
Join us opening weekend, Oct 18–19, for keynotes and craft talks, and continuing w/ multimedia events and master classes thru Nov 18.
Connect w/ agents, editors + BIPOC creatives.
LEARN MORE at Link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
🎟️ Kweli International Literary Festival registration is OPEN.
Join us opening weekend, Oct 18–19, for keynotes and craft talks, and continuing w/ multimedia events and master classes thru Nov 18.
Connect w/ agents, editors + BIPOC creatives.
LEARN MORE at Link in bio 👆🏿👆🏾👆🏽
Reposted by Kweli Journal
Today at 3:00 pm CT.
Find inspiration and ideas for your own advocacy from the students on the front lines of the fight against censorship.
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek
Find inspiration and ideas for your own advocacy from the students on the front lines of the fight against censorship.
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek
TOMORROW: Join #BannedBooksWeek youth honorary chair Iris Mogul & student advocates from around the country for a conversation about how young people can fight book bans! 10/8, 3pmCT
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
w/ @ncacensorship.bsky.social
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek #CensorshipIsSo1984
w/ @ncacensorship.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Today at 3:00 pm CT.
Find inspiration and ideas for your own advocacy from the students on the front lines of the fight against censorship.
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek
Find inspiration and ideas for your own advocacy from the students on the front lines of the fight against censorship.
bit.ly/YouthFightingBookBans
#BannedBooksWeek
Reposted by Kweli Journal
Last week, PEN America released its fourth annual report on the state of book banning and censorship in America, and I learned that Last Night at the Telegraph Club was the fourth most banned book in schools during the 2024-25 school year. How do I feel about it? www.malindalo.com/blog/2025/10...
Telegraph Club is the 4th most banned book in America — Malinda Lo
Last week, PEN America released its fourth annual report on the state of book banning and censorship in America, and I learned that Last Night at the Telegraph Club was the fourth most banned book...
www.malindalo.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Last week, PEN America released its fourth annual report on the state of book banning and censorship in America, and I learned that Last Night at the Telegraph Club was the fourth most banned book in schools during the 2024-25 school year. How do I feel about it? www.malindalo.com/blog/2025/10...
❤️💐 Congratulations to SONG OF MY SOFTENING by Omotara James, whom we were thrilled to have at Kweli’s International Literary Festival in 2022!
🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 Lambda Literary Award Winner for Lesbian Poetry: Song of My Softening by Omotara James! 🎉🎉🎉
#Lammys2025 #LammyAwards
#Lammys2025 #LammyAwards
October 7, 2025 at 1:24 PM
❤️💐 Congratulations to SONG OF MY SOFTENING by Omotara James, whom we were thrilled to have at Kweli’s International Literary Festival in 2022!
Reposted by Kweli Journal
It's Banned Books Week! It's time for the MA legislature to pass a Freedom to Read bill that protects librarians & educators from harassment, and protects authors, creators, booksellers & publishers from economic harm. I support An Act Regarding Free Expression (H.3594/S.2328). #MassFreedomToRead
October 6, 2025 at 8:01 PM
It's Banned Books Week! It's time for the MA legislature to pass a Freedom to Read bill that protects librarians & educators from harassment, and protects authors, creators, booksellers & publishers from economic harm. I support An Act Regarding Free Expression (H.3594/S.2328). #MassFreedomToRead
Reposted by Kweli Journal
It's Banned Books Week. The topic of banned books is something Lee & Low is (unfortunately) very familiar with given our commitment to publishing diverse children's books. We don't hide the fact that we specifically focus on publishing diverse titles, nor will we ever hide that fact.
October 6, 2025 at 9:41 PM
It's Banned Books Week. The topic of banned books is something Lee & Low is (unfortunately) very familiar with given our commitment to publishing diverse children's books. We don't hide the fact that we specifically focus on publishing diverse titles, nor will we ever hide that fact.