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Happy Holidays and Thank You
-
By
Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa
- 4 minutes
- SiteNews
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Thank you!
To everyone who ventured through the storm on Saturday 23rd November to attend the Way Wive Wordz 10th Anniversary celebration – we say a heartfelt thank you. We dreamed of 80 of our valued supporters being part of this historical moment, and to our surprise we topped that, despite predicted terrible weather.
The occasion was hosted by the fabulous Nicole-Rachelle Moore, who is also one of Way Wive Wordz’s debut authors. Her polygenre book Memories, Musings and Unfinished Conversations was launched last year. There was a beautiful libation conducted by Nana Sankhkara and Akosua to start us off with ancestral blessings. We had the honour of a preview reading of her forthcoming memoir, This Girl, by the exceptional Aunty Joyce Trotman. We have been promising you this publication for a while – hang tight – it’ll be here very soon. You can pre-order a copy, in the meantime. Aunty Joyce won one of the free raffle prizes – a set of new and classic books by independent publishers like ourselves: Bogle L’Ouverture Publications, Jacaranda Books and New Beacon Books – who generously donated copies for our raffle.
In attendance were a number of our former students from over the years and across our courses, including, the African Women Resistance Leaders, Toni Morrioson, James Baldwin courses and Write to Heal courses. Kafayat Okanlawon, one of our students gave an engaging interview with Michelle Asantewa about her time at Way Wive Wordz and its inception 10 years ago. Warming poetry performances by former students, Delroi Williams and Ola Balogun, as well as Nana Sankhkara added to the edutataiment. Young Eva read beautifully a poem from the new Mami Wata Children’s Activity Book. Her great grandfather, the legendary publisher and activisit Baba Eric Huntley was there too, with several members of the Huntley family. Chauncey Huntley was accompanied by fellow Akindread drummers, Blaggy and Desmond, along with members of the Guyana (UK) Kwe Kwe Group, opening and closing the event with familiar folk songs.
Way Wive Wordz’s co-founder Ateinda Ausarntu was kept busy with the sales as attendees enjoyed our 10% discount on all books – this special offer has now ended but do keep an eye out for more offers and books in the new year.
We launched two books at the celebration – The Re-Awakening Updated and New Poems and Rupunnuni Affair – our short story pocket book.
The celebration would not have been possible without the generous donation by BAME Voice (Merton). We were delighted that the Chair Rev. Hannah Beale was in attendance. Merton Libraries allowed us to use the Art Space, which proved a perfect setting for the occasion – we are so grateful to them for this kindness. We’re especially grateful to all who helped to make the occasion a warming, memorable experience that will last another 10 years of independent publishing.
Happy Holidays!
Way Wive Wordz extends warm wishes to all our clients, students, supporters for a wonderful festive season and a happy new year. Here’s to a successful and productive 2025 to all. We look forward to your continued support and custom in the new year.
