PPGJLI is pleased to announce our inaugural writing competition, focused on children’s picture books by authors and illustrators of African descent. This project furthers our goals of celebrating Black artists, showcasing the rich cultural histories of the African diaspora, and offering opportunities and resources for children and families to access absent narratives by supporting diverse authors.

For Authors of African descent living in Minnesota:

We encourage submissions in the following categories:

• Best Illustration

• Book of the Year

• Social Change (1st - 3rd place winners)

• Black History (1st - 3rd place winners)

For Authors of African descent Across the US:

We encourage submissions in the following category:

• Book of the Year

Important Dates:

Submissions Close: February 1, 2024

Winners Contacted: March 1, 2024

Public Announcement: March 18, 2024

Awards Ceremony: May 2024 (final date TBA)

Who is eligible to apply? 

Any author or illustrator of African descent. Submitted works must be published between 2020 and 2023.

How Do I Submit My Work?

In order to submit your work for consideration, please send:

• 5 copies* of the book to:
  Planting People Growing Justice
  1654 Sherburne Ave, Suite 200
  Saint Paul, MN 55104

• $50 entry fee per book/category

• Complete the submission form below

Can I submit my work for more than one category?

Certainly! However, a separate entry fee is due for each category.

*Please note: Books submitted become the property of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, and will not be returned after the end of the competition.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”