The San Diego Writers Festival Brings Black Voices Together

April 9, 2025

The 6th annual San Diego Writers' Festival took place on April 5, 2025, at Coronado High School, bringing together writers and book enthusiasts with a mission to provide affordable access to writing conference experiences. A notable panel hosted by Laura Cathcart of the "Only One in the Room" podcast featured Black journalists and novelists discussing challenges in the predominantly white publishing industry, where Black people represented only 5. 1% of industry professionals according to the 2023 Lee & Low Books' Diversity Baseline Survey.

Who is affected

Black writers and authors
Aspiring writers from minority backgrounds
Readers seeking diverse literature
The Southeast San Diego community (where Marilyn Harvey plans to open her wine and book bar)

What action is being taken

The San Diego Writers' Festival is providing affordable access to writing conference experiences
Laura Cathcart is hosting panels highlighting Black writers' experiences
Marilyn Harvey is opening Mvinyo, a wine and book bar creating 'a literary space for Black people in Southeast San Diego'
Dr. Catherine Grace Pope and her son are submitting their play to The Old Globe for production
Black authors are sharing their experiences and advice about navigating the publishing industry

Why it matters

Black people represent only 5.1% of publishing industry professionals according to the 2023 Lee & Low Books' Diversity Baseline Survey
The festival provides networking opportunities for underrepresented writers
Laura Cathcart states 'Being seen together like this is important because we exist despite our barriers'
The event highlights the persistent challenges faced by Black writers in a predominantly white industry
Initiatives like Marilyn Harvey's book bar aim to create dedicated literary spaces for Black communities

What’s next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint