Draft:Universal Write Publications

  • Comment: It starts well, but even in the lead it can't help turning promotional with the "with a mission to reclaim and amplify the intellectual contributions of Black academics within global discourse." From there on it sounds like an average "About" page, complete with Vision & Mission, Impact, and Academic Influence. Sam Sailor 13:57, 17 October 2024 (UTC)

Universal Write Publications (UWP) is an independent Black-owned academic publisher based in the United States, founded in 2004 by Dr. Ayo Sekai, a political scientist and linguist. UWP specializes in publishing peer-reviewed works by Black and African-centered scholars, with a mission to reclaim and amplify the intellectual contributions of Black academics within global discourse.

History

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Universal Write Publications was established by Dr. Ayo Sekai as a platform to address the underrepresentation of Black scholarship in academic publishing. Initially focused on fiction and children's books, UWP evolved into a publisher of rigorous academic literature that highlights African agency and decolonial perspectives. Over the past two decades, UWP has grown its catalog to include titles such as "Revolutionary Pedagogy and The African Pyramids of Knowledge" by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, and "We Will Tell Our Own Story: The Lions of Africa Speak!" by Dr. Adebayo C. Akomolafe.[1][2]

Mission and Vision

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The mission of Universal Write Publications is to create a scholarly platform that centers the voices of Black academics, challenging the structural inequalities that have historically marginalized these perspectives. The company aims to shift the narrative from Black people being subjects of study to being the authoritative voices and agents of their own stories. UWP's vision is to continue expanding its catalog with works that address and dismantle systemic racism while promoting culturally accurate and inclusive research methodologies.[2]

Notable Publications and Impact

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UWP's catalog includes a variety of influential works that are widely used in academic institutions. The publisher has made a significant impact in advancing Black scholarship, with titles that explore themes such as Afrocentric pedagogy, media racism, and the politics of African diaspora. The company's recent initiatives include the "Little Black Books: Research Methods for the African Diaspora" series, which aims to provide culturally valid research methodologies.[1][3]

UWP's partnership with global academic publisher Sage, established in 2021 and extended through 2026, has further enhanced the visibility and impact of its publications. This collaboration focuses on amplifying Black voices in academia, promoting inclusive scholarship, and providing mentorship opportunities for emerging Black scholars.[2]

Community and Academic Influence

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Universal Write Publications has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of academic publishing by advocating for the inclusion of Black voices and perspectives. Under Dr. Sekai's leadership, UWP has become a critical resource for scholars in Africana Studies and related fields, contributing to the broader movement for racial equity in academia.[1][3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Universal Write Publications Marks 20-Year Milestone". Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. 2024-02-21. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  2. ^ a b c "Sage Extends Partnership with Universal Write Publications to Help Amplify Black Voices in Academia". Sage. 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  3. ^ a b "Dr. Ayo Sekai is the founder and CEO of Universal Write Publications/>". AALBC.com, the African American Literature Book Club. Retrieved 2024-10-16.