Permission to Write
In 2017, we were working on our business plan for a physical writing oasis when we came across this statistic.
88% of the publishing industry is self-identified as white.
We realized that we needed to advocate for ourselves the best way we could. If the gatekeepers to the industry didn’t look like us, how could they connect to our stories and deem them valuable to share far and wide?
We began our journey by publishing five issues of a literary magazine and featuring work from Black writers and writers of color on our blog. Over the last few years, we’ve defined exactly how we want to show up for Black writers and writers of color.
We show up by creating an encouraging and supportive community both online and in-person; connecting writers to professional writing opportunities, jobs, and fellowships; providing mentorship for working writers; providing resources to help develop writers’ craft through courses and email content.
Our goal is to cultivate the craft of independent Black writers and writers of color, give them space to create, a platform to amplify their voices, and a community to support their journey. We want to help readers find their new favorite writer and help writers grow and find new audiences for their work.
For Building Relationships
Mentorship Program
For craft development
Masterclasses
For Going Deeper
Membership Community
Meet the Team
Founder
Ashley M. Coleman
Ashley M. Coleman is a storyteller and community builder moonlighting as a writer and project manager. Whether she is working with music makers or writers from marginalized communities, creating safe gathering spaces and education for creatives is at the center of her world. Her freelance writing has been featured in ZORA Magazine, GRAMMY.com, and The Cut among others. She covers culture, lifestyle, and personal narrative. She released her debut novel GOOD MORNING, LOVE with Simon & Schuster in June 2022.
Administrative Assistant
Jana L.
Henry
Jana L. Henry is a Storyteller by way of writing, acting, and educating. Her passion is to create stories that stay with you and promote positive change in one's life. In 2022 she debuted, produced, and performed her one-woman play "Hello, How Are You?" at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. When she is not chasing her dreams, she is most likely drinking coffee, exploring somewhere new, or trying to finish reading one of the many books she started in her free time. Read some of Jana's short stories and blogs here.
Meet our Inaugural Board!
Download their full bios HERE.
