#BHM: Margaret Busby: power of representation

Photograph of Dr Margaret Busby OBE, Hon FRSL, on 12 February 2019 by Andy Mabbett licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International. Image background edited.

Anjolaoluwa Fashawe examines legacy of  first black female publisher

My interest in reading and writing began as a child. I enjoyed online magazines like gal-dem, stories about Black British culture, social justice, and inspiring figures like intersectional feminist Audre Lorde. These stories made me feel seen, empowered, and motivated to share my own ideas.

At 14, I joined Youth Journalism International, which opened doors to explore the versatility of creative expression, from film to music. My love for English Literature flourished as I studied it at A-level. In my coursework, I compared the works of Bernardine Evaristo, with the poetry of Grace Nichols, exploring how their heritage influences their storytelling.

For my Black History Month piece, I’m excited to highlight Margaret Busby, whose pioneering work in publishing has paved the way for diverse voices.

Successful author Zadie Smith recently wrote, “[She] helped change the landscape of both UK publishing and arts coverage and so many black British artists owe her a debt. I know I do.”

Margaret Busby, born in 1944 in Ghana, developed a love for literature at a young age, learning to read from the colonial-themed Nelson Royal Readers. This early exposure likely sparked her awareness of race and the impacts of colonialism.

At 17, Margaret Busby studied English at London University, where she edited the literary magazine and published her own poetry. She graduated with a BA Honours degree at just 20.

Busby made history as Britain’s youngest publisher and its first Black woman in the role

Busby brought her rich experiences to influence British publishing in remarkable ways. In 1967, she co-founded Allison and Busby, making history as the youngest publisher in Britain and the first Black woman to do so. Her editorial vision brought to light significant works, such as Wole Soyinka‘s plays and the powerful ‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door’ by Sam Greenlee.

Britain’s publishing sector has long been dominated by white male viewpoints, making Busby’s dedication to amplifying marginalised voices even more inspiring. When the poet WH Allen took over Allison & Busby, in 1987, Clive Allison stayed on, but Busby wasn’t given a job.

Undeterred by this setback, Busby went on to become President of English PEN, a charity that protects writers from persecution and censorship. She continued her advocacy for free expression while nurturing the next generation of diverse writers. When she discovered that more than 90% of people who edit Wikipedia pages were male, it prompted her to anonymously create hundreds of entries for overlooked women.

In her 1992 anthology Daughters of Africa, Busby broke barriers for African writers, featuring women of African descent spanning from ancient Egypt to the late 20th century. As a Nigerian woman, I appreciate the growing visibility of Nigerian authors also recognising the diverse landscapes across Africa. From East Africa’s rich storytelling traditions to South and North Africa’s vibrant scenes, each region offers unique perspectives that shape the broader African narrative.

Raised by my Nigerian mother in London, exploring and writing about my heritage is vital

Busby not only amplifies individual voices but also paves the way for future generations to realise their potential and place in the literary world. She inspires young African women like me, showing that we can express every part of our identity without concealing our culture.

Growing up with my Nigerian mother in London, exploring and writing about my heritage is important to me. Though I once hesitated to read books that broke grammar rules, The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abimbola Daré, opened my eyes to authentic narratives, with its broken English and imaginative metaphors describing the Nigerian landscape.

While I sometimes feel pressure to shorten my name, ‘Anjolaoluwa’ (to Anjola) to fit in, I proudly embrace my African identity through my writing. As a Senior Reporter with Youth Journalism International, I cover topics like the Merky Book Literature Festival and Black maternal healthcare.

I look up to young Black women like Maya Egbo, who is a freelance journalist, working to showcases Black creatives. Her work inspires me to be proactive, chasing original stories to elevate neglected perspectives.

Busby’s legacy gives me hope, and by following in her footsteps, we can honour her work and continue to blaze a trail for future storytellers.