Picture Book Parade aims to promote a love of reading by hosting storytelling exhibits in nontraditional settings. They’re committed to featuring BIPOC artists and stories from underrepresented communities, reflecting the beautiful diversity of our state, and ensuring all children can see themselves and their culture in books. Learn more at the project’s website.
Black Bears & Blueberries Publishing aims to create and develop Native children’s books for all young people written by Native authors and illustrators.
Aya Collective aims to to cultivate Black women writers who understand that our experience, expertise, and way of knowing is enough to educate others. They do this by centering their spirituality and cultural selves, as well as by being in community.
Vermillion Ink Press aims to publish literature that uplifts underrepresented voices and illuminates the world in vivid color. In this work, they seek to increase empathy, foster discussion, and cultivate community through the power of the written word.
Burn Something Collective aims to work at the intersection of curation, publishing, and mentorship to create support, connection, and autonomy for Black and POCI femme, nonbinary, and trans artists, writers, curators, and cultural workers. BSC envisions a world in which expression from queer Black and POCI artists is not erased, overlooked, undercut, or confined by imposed categories.
The Witness Project aims to create and implement strategies for the development and dissemination of literary work by and for underrepresented populations and, by creating opportunities for traditionally silenced voices to be heard, to serve as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding.
Strive Publishing aims to provide a community-informed space that celebrates and supports independent publishers and local authors, by serving as a go-to source for books and promoting literary events that bring readers and authors together across race and culture to share their love of books. They promote social good by elevating overlooked voices and coordinating book give-ways to local schools and homeless shelters.
Sigma’s Bookshelf aims to exclusively publish the works of teen authors ages 12-19 at reduced cost.
Poetry for People aims to design projects that center poetics and the word to grow community and cultivate connections between curious people.
Holy Cow! Press is an independent small press publisher with a primary focus on Midwest authors and artists.
Cow Tipping Press aims to teach and publish writing by people with developmental disabilities, encouraging readers to reconsider the dynamism and assets of this rich form of human diversity.