Central Coast Writers Conference
Press Release
Media Contact:
Teri Bayus, CCWC Conference Director
centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com
Cell: 805–305–0579
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Central Coast Writers Conference Shines the Spotlight on People of Color
In support of the #AmplifyMelantedVoices #BlackLivesMatter movements, the Central Coast Writers Conference is keeping the momentum going locally by launching two new ally initiatives: spotlighting a diverse and richly talented group of presenters of color in 2020 and launching its first-ever Voices of Color Scholarship.
“We want to make it easier for the underrepresented to be heard, to write and to hone in on their story,” CCWC Director Teri Bayus said. “Writers of color share wonderful and important literary work with the world, and it’s now more important than ever to celebrate and encourage that.”
This year’s conference will be a special three-day Zoom gathering from September 24 to 26. Hosted by San Luis Obispo’s Cuesta College, the annual event offers intimate and small-group workshops and discussions in screenwriting, beginning writing, poetry, fiction, and business. Registration is $225 and available at www.centralcoastwritersconference.com.
Presenters of Color
From a filmmaker who worked to map sunken slave ships between Africa and the Americas to a journalist who shared the untold story of Black New Orleans and many more, these presenters of color are among 40 presenters sharing their skills and experiences in more than 100 workshops at the conference this year. They’ll be spotlighted on the conference’s website and social media campaigns this year. Reporters: See the Presenters of Color Supplementary Bios PDF attached.
Voices of Color Scholarship
The Central Coast Writers Conference’s first-ever Voices of Color Scholarship is open to any persons of color interested in attending the conference and sharing their story. Like other conference attendees, applicants can be at any level — from aspiring writer to published author. Complimentary registrations will be awarded to the first six people of color who apply, with no essay due to win. Just email centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com with your name, address, and contact information by Sept. 20, 2020.
