Cassava Republic Press has announced the winners of the inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize 2024. Here is a list of all selected winners:
Winner
- Cherise Morris (United States) for the cosmic matter of Black lives
First Runner-Up
- Desta Haile (Eritrea) for Black Beauty Model Agency
Second Runner-Up
- Pamella Gysman (South Africa) for Through The Lens Of Food: A Decolonised Exploration Of Black, Middle-Class Identity
Emerging from over 100 submissions across 36 countries, these winning manuscripts embody the prize’s mission which is to celebrate critical, thought-provoking non-fiction from Black women with distinct and compelling perspectives.
Expressing her excitement in winning the prestigious prize, Cheris Morris says:
“I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have my work recognised with this prize. I began this manuscript six years ago, and it has been a long road to get to this point. I am beyond grateful that Cassava Republic has embraced my work in all of its uniqueness, and I am excited to share it with the world.”
Commenting on her recognition as a runner-up in the Prize, Desta Haile says:
“I am so grateful to be a finalist for the Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize, for a project that has been so close to my heart for many years, in such inspiring company, by such inspiring judges. Cassava Republic Press has always been in the business of ground-breaking and representation; this prize is a brilliant and generous extension of that vital work, and it aligns perfectly with the historic & diasporic vision of Black Beauty Model Agency”.
Expressing her joy, Pamella Gysman says:
“I want to thank Cassava Republic, the judges, and the sponsors of the Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize. Winning this prize is a deeply affirming moment for me, as it not only recognises my work but also honours the people I write about. The Black middle class, often treated as an anomaly— ‘too white to be Black’ or ‘too Black to be truly middle class’—has long been overlooked. This prize gives us the space to tell our stories, in our own voices, and showcase new knowledge drawn from these narratives. I’m grateful to Cassava Republic Press and the sponsors for this opportunity, which allows me to contribute to a broader understanding of our experiences.”
Chair of Judges and Booker Prize-winning author, Bernardine Evaristo, expressed her thoughts on the prize and the exceptional manuscripts saying:
“Chairing this prize has been a richly rewarding process of discovery…The talented winning writers show us that the universe of Black women’s ideas, experiences, and perspectives is full of talent, promise, and adventure.”
As the winner, Cherise Morris will receive a $20,000 advance and a publishing deal with Cassava Republic Press. The runners-up, Desta Haile and Pamella Gysman, will each receive a $5,000 advance along with publishing deals.
As Cassava Republic Press continues its mission to reshape the literary landscape, the Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize will return in 2025, promising another platform for transformative narratives that inspire and challenge global audiences.
Supported by Alitheia Capital, a female-led private equity fund manages the largest Gender-Smart fund in Africa and the Open Society Foundations Africa, The Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize was created to spotlight exceptional non-fiction works by Black women and make space for Black women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The prize is dedicated to fostering literary excellence and providing a platform for transformative narratives that inspire, educate, and challenge global audiences.
Congratulations Morris, Haile and Pamella on this well deserved win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
