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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

His honors include the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa, the Ingrid Jonker Poetry Prize, and the Chilean government’s Pablo Neruda Award. He is currently the National Poet Laureate of South Africa and will read from his book Listen (2024) and have a conversation on the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The award-winning author of numerous books of poetry and fiction, Mongane Wally Serote is a celebrated South African anti-apartheid activist and writer. He emerged as a core voice of the Black Consciousness Movement during the 1970s before spending years in exile as a military operative.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

📍 Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Poetry Reading + Q&A + Book Signing 5:30–7:30pm CT University Galleries of ISU 11 Uptown Circle 103 Normal, IL

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

📍Monday, October 19, 2026 Informal Conversation + Q&A 1–3pm CT Publications Unit, Williams Hall Annex Illinois State University, Normal IL

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

October 19 & 20: Two in-person events with Mongane Wally Serote 📣 Join us in welcoming South Africa's National Poet Laureate Mongane Wally Serote to Normal, Illinois, for a poetry reading, conversation & book signing. These events are free and open to the public.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

SAVE THE DATES! Two in-person events in Normal, IL A Revolution We Can Live For: South Africa's National Poet Laureate Mongane Wally Serote Comes to Illinois October 19 & October 20. For more details and to RSVP: bit.ly/SeroteEvent #ObsidianLit #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #ObsidianCommunity

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Obsidian is excited to announce Prince Bush & Monifa Love are this year's raffle winners! Our friends at Bookshop.org have generously donated gift certificates to Prince & Monifa in support of this AWP26 raffle. 🎉 Hope to see you in 2027 in Chicago!

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AWP @awpwriter.org · 18/03/2026

ICYMI: We were thrilled to present the 2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award to @obsidianlit.bsky.social! Learn more about this award and this year’s deserving winner and finalists on our website.

awpwriter.org

AWP Small Press Publisher Award

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

📣 Submission Deadline EXTENDED: April 15, 2026 We've extended the submission deadline! Submit by April 15 to Obsidian's themed issue 52.2 on Bond of a Nation: Ekphrasis & the Promise of America, edited by Duriel E. Harris & D. Lenaé Littlefield. obsidianlit.org/open-calls/

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Thank you ALL for another great gathering at AWP! We love being with you in person and in love for Black literature & arts ❤️ #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Don't miss Latorial Faison at Obsidian Table 211 in the AWP26 Bookfair in Baltimore today from 11:30am to 12:30pm ET for a book signing! #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Become an Obsidian Member at AWP26 in Baltimore! Stop by Obsidian's table (211) in the #AWP26 Bookfair and ask about our membership program. You'll get an Obsidian subscription, swag, invites to special events, insider info & more! #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #ObsidianMembership #ObsidianMember

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Did you catch Jerry T. Johnson at Obsidian table 211 in the AWP26 bookfair signing his book Bad Fruit? Don't miss our final author signing on Saturday! #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Gillian Foster stopped by Obsidian table 211 in the AWP26 bookfair with a copy of Obsidian (volume 6, number 3) from 1991 that included her work. Thank you for sharing and celebrating with us Gillian! 50+ years of publication! #ObsidianContributors #ObsidianCommunity ❤️🎉🔥

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Obsidian team member and Director of Illinois State University's Publications Unit Steve Halle is signing his latest book with Veliz Books at table 633 in the AWP26 bookfair in Baltimore TODAY at 1pm ET. Stop by and get a copy of Cow Stomach and Mother Fat!

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

A chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Bookshop.org! Stop by table 211 in the AWP26 bookfair (Baltimore) to enter the Obsidian raffle. Sponsored by our friends at Bookshop.org. #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Obsidian is at table 211 in the AWP bookfair in Baltimore. Stop by to check out our new limited edition t-shirt hot off the press 🔥 #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

🌟 Author Signings at the Obsidian table at AWP26 in Baltimore! Stop by Table 211 in the AWP Bookfair to connect with M. Nzadi Keita, Jerry T. Johnson & Latorial Faison. #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026 #AWPBookfair #ObsidianCommunity #ObsidianContributors #BlackLit #BlackArt #BlackPoetry #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

What a night! Let's continue this dangerous work of small press publishing, together.

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Reposted by Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora

AWP @awpwriter.org · 05/03/2026

Please join us in congratulating @obsidianlit.bsky.social, winner of the 2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award!

Please join us in congratulating Obsidian, winner of the 2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award!

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

With its accompanying rush of endorphins and the energy—o possibility—the mythic joy and euphoric amnesia that has us endeavor to do it all again without even a beat to lose. This dangerous work of small press publishing."

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

As Editor Duriel E. Harris said during her acceptance speech: "It’s a recognition that we are moving in alignment with our mission and such a recognition by members of the field—who know the sacrifices, balancing acts, and tricks of the mind—the as if—sudden alchemy with which a volume appears.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

🔥 Obsidian was announced the winner of the AWP Small Press Publisher Award! 🔥 Congratulations to our fellow finalists The Adroit Journal and The Massachusetts Review 🌟

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

📣 Obsidian has been named a finalist for the 2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award! The winner will be announced March 4 at the AWP Awards Reception & Celebration, 6:30-8pm, Watertable Ballroom, 5th Floor, Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore #ObsidianatAWP #AWP26 #AWP2026

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Online TODAY! Obsidian Town Hall on Praxis 🔥 Fred L. Joiner & Kristina Kay Robinson will discuss encounters with visual & sculptural art in writing practice, as part of Obsidian's Ekphrasis Series. Moderated by Duriel E. Harris & D. Lenaé Littlefield. Find details and RSVP at bit.ly/praxistownhall

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

🎤 This Thursday—Join us for an online Obsidian Town Hall! Fred J. Joiner & Kristina Kay Robinson will discuss encounters w/ visual & sculptural art in writing practice as part of our Ekphrasis Series. Moderators: Duriel E. Harris & D. Lenaé Littlefield. Event details & to RSVP: bit.ly/praxistownhall

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Reposted by Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora

AWP @awpwriter.org · 11/02/2026

We’re thrilled to share the finalists for the 2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award. Congrats to @adroitjournal.bsky.social, @themassreview.bsky.social & @obsidianlit.bsky.social! The winner will be announced at the AWP Awards Reception & Celebration in Baltimore.

awpwriter.org

2026 AWP Small Press Publisher Award

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Next Week—An Obsidian Town Hall! Panelists will discuss encounters with visual & sculptural art in writing practice, as part of our Ekphrasis Series. Join us Feb19! Details: obsidianlit.org/obsidian-tow... #ObsidianTownHall #OnPraxis #Ekphrasis #BlackLit #BlackPoetry #BlackArt #ObsidianCommunity

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Obsidian Call for Submissions 📣 Submit to Obsidian's themed issue 52.2, Bond of a Nation: Ekphrasis & the Promise of America, edited by Duriel E. Harris & D. Lenaé Littlefield. Deadline: April 1, 2026 Details: buff.ly/mRFlJXW #Obsidian #Ekphrasis #Obsidian52.2 #BlackLit #BlackPoetry #BlackArt

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

🌟 Let's build a literary legacy together! Your support is appreciated and celebrated. (Link in bio for how to support Obsidian) #Obsidian #ObsidianAt50 #DonateToday #BlackLit #BlackPoetry #BlackArt #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Despite obstacles, Obsidian has continued to do the urgent work of preserving our histories, imagining our futures, and safeguarding the creative expressions that give shape to Black life everywhere. Our work continues to affirm that Black art is not optional—it is a vital lifeline.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

2025 was especially meaningful as Obsidian marked 50 years of publishing Black literature and arts—a milestone that has invited us to reflect on our legacy while illuminating the future we are building with you.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Elevate your gifting game this year! 🌟 Give the gift of Obsidian that keeps giving, page after page, issue after issue. 🎉 Link in bio for subscriptions & memberships. #GiftIdeas #Obsidian #BlackLit #BlackPoetry #BlackArt #ObsidianContributors #LitMag #ObsidianSubscription #ObsidianMembership

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Congrats to all the Pushcart Prize nominees! 🔥 Chaun Ballard Liza Michelle Bevams Justin Danzy Asli Mahdi Dana Murphy Arianne Elena Payne You can find their works in Obsidian 49.2 and 50.1 #PushcartNominees #PushcartPrize #Obsidian #BlackLit #BlackPoetry #BlackArt #ObsidianContributors #LitMag

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

📍 share an online collection of soundscapes, visuals, and text from a diverse array of artists pushing the envelope of creative expression in the O|Sessions Listening Room Your support will amplify the voices of Black authors and artists, creating a space for critical and creative exchange.

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

📍 come together during Town Hall events to discuss topics such as being transformed by the process of making 📍 offer innovative programming such as the free online #ObsidianVoices series in celebration of newly created work

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

📣 Together we triumph! Help Obsidian uplift Black creatives, Black literature & Black art. 🔥 On this global day of giving, your donation makes it possible for Obsidian to: 📍 produce much needed special issues such as the upcoming VRY PRSNT BLK: The Black Artist as Moral Witness issue

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Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora @obsidianlit.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

🌟 Want a chance to win a signed copy of Ellis's Aster of Ceremonies and a limited-edition Obsidian 50th anniversary t-shirt? If you make a donation to Obsidian in any amount, your name will be entered into a raffle that closes on Friday, October 3, 2025.

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