Partnership to promote Black storytelling project

Wave Staff Report

ATLANTA — Rolling Out and Penguin Random House have launched #AmplifyBlackStories: a content partnership between publishing giant Penguin Random House and Black-owned media companies Rolling Out and BlackBookStore.com.

The mission is to introduce more stories by Black authors to a diverse group of readers.

“As our content and media partner, Rolling Out has developed a full slate of programming throughout the year,” said Anthony Key, director of multicultural marketing at Penguin Random House. “Our collaboration will allow us to propel the awareness of Black literary excellence and introduce more stories by Black authors to a diverse group of readers.”

#AmplifyBlackStories will give power to the truth and testimonies of a wide array of Black voices through deep-dive discussions and thoughtful insights sharing from the book selections, Key said. The collective will include authors across the spectrum of gender identities, multigenerational writers, faith-based thought-leaders, and creatives in the LGBTQIA+ community.

The partnership between Rolling Out, BlackBookStore.com, and Penguin Random House will help inject more pivotal Black stories into the American literary canon, Key added.

This partnership and cultural collaboration with Penguin Random House will herald Black creativity and promote cultural understanding by amplifying Black storytelling and Black voices,” said Munson Steed, CEO at Rolling Out. “We are on a mission to celebrate Black authors, both familiar and new, who are helping to tell a more complete cultural story — from social justice and betterment to romance and sci-fi.”

“Our partnership with Penguin Random House demonstrates the importance and impact of connecting culture and commerce,” Steed added. “Giving content creators — our equity partners — opportunities to learn and grow with a Black-owned company produces real economic progress.”

To join the virtual programming for #AmplifyBlackStories, visit www.rollingout.com and follow Rolling Out on social media channels. Books can be purchased at www.blackbookstore.com.