The African Australian Literature Development Program is an initiative to support, develop, share and celebrate the richness of the stories of African Australians within the multi-cultural context of Western Sydney.
Run by WestWords and the African Australian Advocacy Centre, and supported by the Adès Family Foundation, the program aims, through stories, to create a bridge of understanding and empathy between communities and generations, create a sense of belonging and pride.
The program began in 2020 with an online writers’ group as we traversed the upheavals the pandemic brought to our lives. In December we launched their first publication: Smile ‘Cross the Oceans click here to read it online.
In 2022 the online group continues and we are SO excited to be launching our new in-person writing groups. The groups run fortnightly and are free of charge. They are open to writers working in various genres and at varying levels. You would be most welcome.
Blacktown continues: 6:30 pm, Tuesday 10 May 2022, then fortnightly – This session is hybrid. Email chris@westwords.com.au for the Zoom link.
Max Webber Library, Community Room, Flushcombe Rd and Alpha St, Blacktown
Proudly supported by Blacktown City Council
If you would like more information or to join any one of these groups please contact our Associate Producer Chris: chris@westwords.com.au
Introducing our Facilitator
Mawunyo Gbogbo
Mawunyo Gbogbo is a music & pop culture reporter for Double J and ABC News, and an award-winning radio and TV producer. Her debut book, Hip Hop & Hymns will be published by Penguin Books this year and is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication – Journalism) from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Technology Sydney.
To express your interest in joining us,
African Australian Writers Group
Sign up form for AAWG
The African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC) is the new peak body representing the interests of African Australian Communities by providing innovative research, advocacy and policy outcomes in collaboration with academic institutions, government and non-government agencies be Australia’s platform and channel for African Australians to communicate their vision, their cultural diversity and heritage, their energy, and their entrepreneurial innovation from an African-Australian perspective. The leadership team represents more than 15 African Australian communities.
Program supported by The Adès Family Foundation