About Me

Seven years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York from Atlanta to follow my passion for print and bookmaking. At the time, I was running a small community ephemeral art space and organizing Atlanta Zine Fair. Many of you also know me as a writer, and for the last 13 years, I have poured my heart into poetry, short stories, and supporting brands and editorial projects in community, corporate, and freelance capacities.

In 2023, I was awarded a year-long Workspace Artist Residency with the Center for Book Arts. This opportunity elevated my practice in book arts, providing invaluable resources like educational classes, workshops, studio space, and essential printing equipment. For the first time, I had the resources and space to fully realize my creative concepts, showcasing and selling my work at a higher level.

The Vision

(Click here to view summary of next 120 day activities.)

During my residency, I learned how the physical form and tactile experience of books can forge a unique connection between the reader and the stories within. Books are not just vessels for information; they are portals that immerse readers in history and narratives in a deeply personal way.

The unfortunate reality we all are witnessing is the bleak shift in the economy. This has affected my work as traditional routes have not yielded a full-time job for me. I founded my own independent small press, Grace Issues, because now is the right time. It's been a challenging endeavor to sustain a living and fund this project with my own limited resources while being unemployed, but I'm committed to this work.

Named after my grandmother, Grace Issues is creating a living archive by producing books and printed matter that take on the role of expressive objects. It's about experimentation and making rare books, zines, and historical work available to a wider audience. Books are something me and my grandmother shared and found a special connection through. My grandmother dreamed of being a librarian, and she'd be singing "Glory be to God!" if she could see what I've been working on!

The Need

The publishing industry presents many barriers, especially for Black and Brown voices, which represent only about 15% of the industry (Publishers Perspective, 2023). Ownership is even less, leading to underrepresentation of our stories and histories. As a Black woman in publishing working to furnish this endeavor with my own resources, I am acutely aware of these struggles. Black-owned and Black women-led publishers are vital for a more inclusive industry, yet we represent less than 1% of the U.S. publishing market. I am committed to creating a platform that amplifies these voices of color and challenges the industry's systemic inequities, but my resources have been stretched thin.

Achievements

This journey, though demanding, has already borne fruit. I was commissioned to design and produce an incredible artist book that launched in May, and Grace Issues has exhibited at the Black Zine Fair and the Schomburg Literary Book Festival. Recently, I was selected to exhibit at the Brooklyn Art Book Fair this September (20-22), reinforcing my belief that this is my calling!

The Campaign

Over the next 120 days, I'd like to raise $10,000 for the production of my next three book projects and collaborations. Additionally, I aim to raise an extra $5,000 through December to recoup some of the funds I invested in Q1 and Q2, helping me sustain my living and continue this important work.

The funds will be allocated as follows:

Why It Matters

I deeply love this work and believe in the potential of Grace Issues. Raising $15,000 is ambitious, but the work of Black publishers like myself is crucial. I ask for your support at whatever level you can contribute. Your support shows your commitment to amplifying the work of black and brown print and book makers like me.

How You Can Help

I will be raising funds through GoFundMe and applying for small grants, and I promise to keep you updated on this journey. This campaign is about ensuring that essential voices and stories continue to have a platform.

Your support, whether through a donation or sharing this campaign, is crucial for sustaining this important work. Please know that no donation is too small

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. I look forward to sharing more updates with you along the way!

To learn more about me visit my website.