This year, I embarked on organising the Black British Book Festival while carrying a significant secret – my pregnancy. Initially, I kept this fact hidden, reflecting the pressure society places on working women. This feels particularly acute in fields traditionally dominated by women, such as publishing. However, as the festival took shape, I realised it was time to change the narrative. 

I curated a Black literature event with the acclaimed artist George the Poet at Glastonbury, and I did it while eight months pregnant. One of my core missions is to advocate for working women during pregnancy and early motherhood. I believe women should not have to hide their pregnancies in professional circles and should never feel compelled to sacrifice their careers for their families. My work is about spotlighting the positive shifts in work-life balance while acknowledging that there’s still much progress to be made. 

And then there’s my crusade to transform the publishing landscape in the UK. My vision is to reshape an industry known for its lack of diversity and representation. I am passionately championing Black British authors and voices. The partnership between the Black British Book Festival and the Southbank Centre is a testament to the festival’s growing prominence and influence on the literary arena. 

Headline sponsors and renowned publishers have all recognised the festival’s significance. It stands as a beacon of change and inspiration, with a commitment to engaging marginalised communities and revolutionising the literary landscape.  

I hope my journey is an example for women everywhere. It is possible to balance the demands of motherhood and a successful career in the creative world. You don’t have to choose between your family and your career. With the right mindset, absolutely anything is possible. 

As the Black British Book Festival moves to the Southbank Centre, it promises to showcase the UK’s
finest Black authors, alongside leading content creators, influencers, and journalists. 

My story is a reminder that women can shatter barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a more inclusive and diverse literary world. I hope it will inspire other women to prove that they too can achieve their dreams while celebrating all facets of their lives. 

This article is taken from The Big Issue magazine, which exists to give homeless, long-term unemployed and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy!

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