Canada’s literary scene is rich with diversity, including a significant contribution from Black African authors who bring unique perspectives, stories, and cultural heritage to the forefront. These authors often explore themes of identity, migration, racial discrimination, and the intersectionality of their African heritage with Canadian culture. Here’s a look at some notable Black African authors in Canada:
Esi Edugyan – Born to Ghanaian parents in Calgary, Alberta, Edugyan has received critical acclaim for her novels, including “Half-Blood Blues,” which won the Scotiabank Giller Prize, and “Washington Black,” which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Her work often explores the African diaspora and its impact on identity and belonging.
Lawrence Hill – Though Hill’s heritage is American and not directly from Africa, his work significantly contributes to discussions around Black identity and history in Canada. His best-known work, “The Book of Negroes,” is a powerful narrative about the transatlantic slave trade and has won various awards, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.
David Chariandy – Of Trinidadian heritage, Chariandy grew up in Toronto and has contributed to Canadian literature with novels like “Soucouyant” and “Brother,” which delve into themes of memory, identity, and belonging within the Canadian context.
Dionne Brand – Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Brand is a celebrated poet, novelist, and essayist based in Toronto. Her work often explores themes of gender, race, sexuality, and the injustices faced by Black women. “A Map to the Door of No Return: Notes to Belonging” is one of her notable works, reflecting on the diasporic experience.
Cecil Foster – A Barbadian-Canadian author, Foster has written extensively on issues of multiculturalism, immigration, and identity in Canada. His novels, such as “Sleep on, Beloved,” and non-fiction works like “They Call Me George: The Untold Story of Black Train Porters and the Birth of Modern Canada,” provide profound insights into the Black experience in Canada.
Wayétu Moore – Although more associated with the United States, Moore was born in Liberia and has connections to Canada. Her debut novel, “She Would Be King,” reimagines the dramatic history of Liberia with deep, magical realism.
Yvonne Owuor – A Kenyan author who has lived and spoken in Canada, Owuor’s critically acclaimed novel “Dust” explores Kenya’s turbulent history and its impact on one family. While not based in Canada, her interactions with Canadian audiences have been significant.
Kagiso Lesego Molope – Originally from South Africa, Molope’s novels, such as “This Book Betrays My Brother,” explore themes of youth, gender, and power dynamics within both the South African and broader contexts, resonating with Canadian and international readers alike.
These authors, among others, enrich Canada’s literary landscape with their stories and perspectives, contributing to the global dialogue on race, identity, and the immigrant experience. Their works not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought about the complexities of living between cultures.
LCCMEDIA held a panel for Black Authors recently.
We had Chidi C.Iwuchukwu
I am a first-time author. My book, Coming to Canada: The Ultimate Guide for New Immigrants and Travelers, is Amazon No. I Bestseller in the USA and Canada in travels and Canada Travel. It is written from my experience as a new immigrant, helping other families settle in Canada and the work I did as Director of Humanitarian Services for the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton. I wrote about the things I wish I had known before landing and those I discovered through the maze called settlement. I am seeking information about how to come as a guest on your podcast (and blog) to talk about my experience, why I decided to write a book and how I believe it will be useful to newcomers.
This is the home of Alison Clarke, poet, fantasy author, and visual artist. Alison is an award-winning author and visual artist, having received the 2016 Writer Of The Year Award by Diversity magazine and the 2020 Fil Fraser Award for her contributions to literary and visual art. As a writer of different worlds, Alison transcends space and time by creating books that are a part of The Sisterhood Series and her book of poetry, Phillis, which enters the genre of magical realism. Delve into her world, Immerself Yourself In Magic. From this hub, transport yourself through the various social media channels connected to this website. Enjoy. Embrace. Experience.
Yaa is a trained writer and speaker. She is a trained teacher with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Education, Ghana. She is currently living and working in Alberta, Canada. Yaa arrived in Edmonton in the spring of 2008. She has worked with many families in Edmonton. She volunteers her talents for many organizations, such as The Afrikan History Library Project, The African Centre of Edmonton, Sinkunia Community Development Organization, and Historica-Dominion Institute, as well as many churches in the city and in her home country, Ghana.
Yaa has published numerous books that can be found across bookstores and on Amazon.
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