Pioneering publisher, editor, writer and cultural campaigner Margaret Busby comes to Birmingham Literature Festival to reflect on more than half a century spent transforming the landscape of British publishing.
In Margaret Busby: Part of the Story, Busby will discuss the writing, people, politics and cultural movements that have shaped her remarkable life and career in conversation with Birmingham Literature Festival Director Shantel Edwards.
Busby made history when she co-founded Allison & Busby in the 1960s, becoming Britain’s youngest and first Black woman publisher. Over the decades that followed, she became one of the most influential champions of African, Caribbean and diasporic literature in Britain, helping broaden both who could be published and what kinds of stories could reach British readers.
Her new collection, Part of the Story, turns the spotlight towards Busby’s own writing. Bringing together work produced across more than fifty years, the book encompasses reflections on publishing, politics, culture and the many writers, intellectuals, artists and activists whose paths have crossed hers.
The collection also traces a life shaped by experiences stretching from Busby’s childhood in Ghana to literary London and decades spent championing writers whose voices were frequently marginalised by the mainstream publishing industry.
Busby’s influence extends far beyond her work at Allison & Busby. She edited the landmark anthologies Daughters of Africa and New Daughters of Africa, bringing together generations of women writers of African descent from around the world.
Her career provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Black British literary culture and on the battles that were required to broaden Britain’s understanding of whose stories deserved to be published.
Taking place during Black History Month 2026, this Birmingham Literature Festival event offers an opportunity to hear directly from a woman whose work has helped change Britain’s bookshelves for generations.
Margaret Busby: Part of the Story is not simply a retrospective. It is a conversation about literature, cultural memory, representation and why ensuring that Black writers are genuinely part of the wider story remains as important now as it was when Busby first entered publishing more than half a century ago.
More Birmingham Listings MORE
S.O.U.L. Fest 2026: Short Film Programme
A new generation of Black British filmmakers takes centre stage at S.O.U.L. Fest 2026, with a specially curated…
And Still I Rise
And Still I Rise brings an inspiring evening of new Black creativity to Midlands Arts Centre, showcasing emerging…
Celebrating Black History Month: MOBBO – Music of Black British Origin & More
MOBBO – Music of Black British Origin & More opens October with an evening celebrating the sounds, stories…
An Evening of Excellence
An Evening of Excellence brings contemporary art, fine dining, entertainment and community together for a sophisticated celebration of…
Sylvia
Sylvia tells the powerful and often overlooked story of Sylvia Pankhurst — a fearless, complex and determined figure…
Margaret Busby: Part of the Story
Pioneering publisher, editor, writer and cultural campaigner Margaret Busby comes to Birmingham Literature Festival to reflect on more…
African Soul Rebels
African Soul Rebels returns for a new generation, bringing some of the most adventurous voices in contemporary African…
Melanin Marvels Festival – Black History Month Children’s Festival
Melanin Marvels Festival – Black History Month Children’s Festival comes to Birmingham for a vibrant celebration of children’s…