Participants: Shani Akilah, Abi Daré, Kevin Morosky, Marvin Rees
Chair: Sarah Gwonyoma
Time: 16:30 – 17:30
This event will bring together a diverse group of writers who are making significant impacts with their storytelling, offering unique perspectives and fresh narratives that reflect the richness of the Black experience.
Engage in thought-provoking discussions as our panellists explore their creative journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the triumphs they’ve achieved in bringing their stories to life. Whether you are an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply passionate about literature, this event promises to enlighten and inspire.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the voices that are redefining the literary landscape. Join us for an evening of insightful dialogue, powerful readings, and a celebration of the vibrant storytelling traditions within the Black community.
Meet Our Incredible Panellists:
Shani Akilah: A Black British Caribbean writer and screenwriter from South London, Shani Akilah is a prominent book influencer and co-founder of the Nyah Network, a book club for Black women. She served as a literary judge for the Nota Bene Prize 2023 and holds a Master’s degree in African Studies from Oxford University. Shani’s debut short story collection, For Such a Time as This, is published by Oneworld.
Abi Daré: Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Abi Daré holds a degree in law from the University of Wolverhampton, an MSc in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, and an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck, University of London. Her debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, was a New York Times and international bestseller, shortlisted for multiple awards, and has been translated into 21 languages. In 2023, Abi founded The Louding Voice Foundation to empower women and girls in underserved communities in Nigeria. She currently lives in Essex with her family.
Kevin Morosky: A multidisciplinary creative and film auteur, Kevin Morosky co-founded Pocc (People of Culture Collective) in 2018, a network that champions Black and Brown voices in advertising. His award-winning short film, Bruce, aired on Channel 4 in 2021 and was featured in the Edinburgh Film Festival. Kevin is working on three feature films and a TV show. His first book, Black Women Always: Conversations on Life, Culture & Creativity, draws wisdom from influential Black women such as Candice Brathwaite, Jamelia, and Julie Adenuga.
Marvin Rees: Marvin Rees was born in Bristol and raised by his mother. He began his career with a leading international development agency, then moved to the USA to work with a social justice organisation. Upon returning to the UK, he worked with BBC Bristol, the Black Development Agency supporting the BME-led voluntary sector, and NHS Bristol’s Public Health team. Marvin is a Yale World Fellow and co-founded the City Leadership Programme. He became Mayor of Bristol in May 2016 and is deeply committed to building a fairer, more inclusive world. Marvin lives in Bristol with his wife and three children.
Chair: Sarah Gwonyoma: A book critic and writer, Sarah Gwonyoma is known for her popular online presence through her Instagram platform @whatsarahreadnext. After a 20-year career in International Development, she followed her passion for books, writing reviews, and interviewing authors like Douglas Stuart and Musa Okwonga. She also runs the online book club What We Read Next and has been a guest speaker at Fearne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place Festival.’