Authors have their stories published in Short Story Stations as part of Black History Month.
Writers from South London have been selected to have their short stories available from vending machines as part of Black History Month.
Award-winning author, poet and activist Bernardine Evaristo, selected five black authors to have their stories published in Canary Wharf’s Short Story Stations.
The Short Story Stations are innovative vending machines that will dispense one, three and five minute stories for free to help raise the profile of black writers.
Among the authors featured are Nicola Williams and S.I. Martin, who are from Lambeth, and Judith Byran from Hammersmith & Fulham .
The stories cover topics including race, class, sexuality, freedom and religion across generations, time and cultures.
Ms Evaristo said: “Some of the chosen stories are part of my curated series with Penguin called Black Britain: Writing Back, and I hope that all of these writers find new readers.
Great literature transcends all perceived boundaries and are for everyone.”
Ms Williams’ story, Without Prejudice, is a gripping courtroom thriller following barrister Lee Mitchell as she uncovers the dark secrets of the obscenely rich.
Bernard and the Cloth Monkey by Judith Bryan is shattering portrayal of family, guilt and unshakable bonds as a family’s deepest secrets explosively unravel, while the submission by S.I. Martin, Incomparable World, is a visceral reimagining of 1780s London, showcasing the untold stories of African-American soldiers grappling with their post-war freedom.
It is hoped the initiative will help give black authors the platform to showcase their work, as currently there is not a single black author represented in the top 50 bestselling books in the UK.
The Short Story Stations will also publish an extract from Bernardine Evaristo’s new book, Manifesto released this week.
Camilla Mcgregor, arts and events planner, Canary Wharf Group, said: “The Short Story Stations at Canary Wharf are the first of their kind in the UK, having first gained popularity in the US, France and Hong Kong, with thousands of stories printed on recycled paper and read each week.
“Thousands of people visit Canary Wharf each month, which is a huge platform to showcase writing talent, so we’re proud to be able to play our part in helping Bernardine Evaristo put the spotlight on black authors to help them get the recognition they deserve.”
Pictured: Author and activist, Bernardine Evaristo unveils stories featured in the ‘Short Story Stations’ at Canary Wharf in London. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Wire
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
