African Voices Magazine: A Home for Bold Stories
African Voices Magazine is a celebrated literary journal dedicated to uplifting the rich creative expressions of writers and artists of color. Since its founding in 1992 by Carolyn A. Butts, the magazine has championed fiction, poetry, visual art, and narrative forms that reflect the depth and diversity of the African Diaspora. Over three decades, it has become a trusted platform for emerging and established voices alike, publishing work that challenges, inspires, and enriches readers around the world.
At its core, African Voices is more than a magazine — it’s a nonprofit arts institution devoted to cultural preservation and community engagement. In addition to print and digital issues released each year, the organization runs programs like workshops, readings, exhibitions, and collaborations with institutions such as Spelman College, which now houses much of its archive.
Basics — What African Voices Is
African Voices Magazine
• Literary & arts journal publishing fiction, poetry, visual art, essays by creators of color.
• Founded in 1992 by Carolyn A. Butts, who remains Publisher/Executive Director.
• Operates as a nonprofit arts organization devoted to cultural preservation, public programs, workshops and community engagement.
Print Schedule & Publication
Print & digital frequency:
✔ 3 issues/year (2 print + 1 digital) plus monthly short fiction/poetry online.
Editor Selection Process
• Submissions are open year-round via Submittable and are read by African Voices’ editorial team.
• They prioritize writers/artists of the African diaspora & people of color and look for original, human-crafted, creative, transgressive work.
Where Carolyn A. Butts Has Spoken / Live Engagements
Major Events & Programs
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
• Annual event with screenings, panels, workshops and awards.
• Oscar-Qualifying film fest for shorts directed/written by women of color.
• Runs in October each year with additional year-round film chats.
Contact Information
Instagram: @africanvoices
X (Twitter): @africanvoices
Facebook Group: African Voices Magazine (active community/events)
Reel Sisters Film Festival: Facebook page exists (events/films)
Website: africanvoices.com (archives, calendar, submissions)
African Voices / Reel Sisters Highlights
Editorial Team
Carolyn A Butts, Executive Director Contact email: africanvoicesart@gmail.com
Sandrine Dupiton, Contributing Writer, Contact email: africanvoicesart@gmail.com
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