Students Invited to Submit Creative Works by December 15
Alabama A&M University to Launch First Literary Journal for HBCU Students
The Creative Writing Committee in the Alabama A&M University Department of English and Modern Languages is launching a groundbreaking literary journal exclusively for HBCU students. Students from any HBCU are encouraged to submit their creative works, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, plays, and artwork, by December 15, for a chance to be featured in the inaugural issue.
The journal is open to all currently enrolled HBCU students, whether undergraduate or graduate, part-time or full-time. The goal is to provide a unique creative platform for HBCU students and to fill a significant gap in literary opportunities.
“We have a vibrant Poetry Club and English Club full of excellent writers, and we've seen our creative writing workshops grow over the last two years,” says English Instructor Pamela Manasco. “So, starting the journal felt like the next logical step. We also found there seems to be a lack of HBCU literary journals. We were not able to find many that are currently publishing, so we hope that our journal helps to encourage and lift up the voices of HBCU writers and artists.”
With no official title yet, the journal’s name will be selected from the accepted submissions. Manasco hopes this distinctive opportunity will motivate students even more, as one of their works could become the permanent title of the journal. “We will publish poetry, fiction, nonfiction, plays, and artwork. There’s no restriction on genre. Science fiction and fantasy would be fine, as would literary works,” she adds.
The Creative Writing Committee includes Manasco; English Instructor and Director of the Writing Center Kiietti L. Walker-Parker; Assistant Spanish Professor Dr. Koji Nishida; Assistant English Professors Dr. Jonathan Lampley and Dr. Deepak Pant; and English Instructors Alliyah Finley; Linda-Raven-Woods; Hannah Thomas and Jonathan Tyler.
The Committee aims to launch the first issue in April 2025, with the publication available digitally on the department’s website. Featured authors will be highlighted with personal biographies, and a celebratory reading event will take place in April to mark the release.
MORE DETAILS AND SUBMIT YOUR WORK HERE
(Photo L-R) Kiietti L. Walker-Palmer, Linda-Raven Woods, Pamela Manasco, Linda Woods, Alliyah Finley, Hannah Thomas