International platform
Black Voices
Thought, literature, culture and human rights. A global space by Casa Hispana Group for the African diaspora and Afro-descendant communities.
Voices that think, cultures that transform
ApplyWhat is it?
The Black Voices International Platform is a global, collaborative and interdisciplinary space created to promote, make visible, connect and strengthen the intellectual, artistic and community work of the African diaspora and of Afro-descendant communities. It disseminates and values the thought, culture and intellectual work of Black women.
It works as a meeting network for thinkers, writers, activists, creators and human rights defenders, aimed at recovering their own narratives, challenging the hegemonic canon and driving sustainable social change through culture and living memory.
It is a Casa Hispana Group project, with its central cultural management base in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and an international reach, from Brazil to Latin America and the Caribbean. The platform brings together activities mainly in dialogue, training, publishing, networks and cultural events, with the aim of strengthening the voices, stories and contributions of Black women in every field of knowledge and creation.
Objectives
- To consolidate an international ecosystem that promotes Afro-descendant critical thought, literary dissemination, cultural preservation and the active defence of human rights.
- To promote and make visible the intellectual, literary and cultural work of Black women.
- To foster dialogue on thought, culture and human rights.
- To create opportunities for training, exchange and project development.
- To advance the leadership of Black women in cultural, academic, social and institutional spaces.
- To strengthen national and international networks of collaboration and support.
- To be a meaningful bridge for disseminating the literary and intellectual work of Afro-descendant authors and researchers.
- Defend and promote human rights Denounce structural racism and systemic violence, and advocate for inclusive and reparative public policies.
- Foster intergenerational and transnational dialogue Connect experiences from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and North America to exchange knowledge.
- Preserve memory and intangible heritage Document oral traditions, community philosophies and ancestral artistic practices.
Why it matters
- Because it contributes to social justice and to gender and racial equity.
- Because it makes visible careers, ideas and works that have historically been silenced.
- Because it enriches culture, education and intellectual debate with new perspectives.
- It strengthens the leadership of Black women and the training of new generations.
- Because it promotes a more inclusive, aware and plural society.
- Narrative sovereignty It allows Black communities themselves to tell their stories, build their own theoretical concepts and set their own agendas without paternalistic mediation.
- Political and social advocacy It strengthens the collective capacity to demand racial justice, equity and dignity before multilateral bodies and local governments.
- Decolonising knowledge It brings Afrocentred epistemologies into academia and public debate, enriching our understanding of history, philosophy and human coexistence.
- A network of protection and solidarity It offers mutual support to community leaders, activists and creators exposed to censorship or persecution.
Who is it for?
- Black women, Afro-descendant writers, researchers, artists, intellectuals, poets and essayists, researchers of Black literatures, educators, students and community leaders.
- Cultural, academic and social organisations.
- Public and private institutions.
- Allies, networks and people interested in promoting equality, culture and human rights.
- Philosophers, academics and researchers in ethnic studies, sociology, history and the humanities.
- Visual and performing artists and musicians whose work engages with identity and cultural resistance.
- Human rights defenders, anti-racist activists and grassroots community organisations.
- Educators, reading mediators and librarians interested in anti-racist curricula.
- The general public and young people interested in learning about critical thinking and cultural diversity.
Requirements to take part
To take part in the programme’s calls, activities and projects, the main requirement is to share the project’s purpose and values.
- Ethical commitment Adherence to the principles of non-discrimination, social justice, human rights and the eradication of structural racism.
- Thematic alignment Projects, works or careers connected with Afro thought, literature, culture or community advocacy.
- Openness to collaboration Willingness to engage in networked dialogue, share learning and take part in joint transnational initiatives.
- Respect for internal diversity Recognition of the plurality of identities within Afro-descendance itself (gender, territory, language, spirituality).
- Complete the registration form or portfolio (when required).
- No previous experience or published books are required.
- Participation is free of charge.
- A not-for-profit cultural initiative.
- What matters most is the motivation and interest in being part of this network of voices and transformations.
Activities
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Circles and networks of Black women
Gatherings for dialogue, exchange and networking.
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Dialogue panels
On slavery, racism, exclusion, silencing and other relevant topics.
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Writing workshops
For emerging writers and writers in training.
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Black Voices Latin American Prize
Awards for excellence and cultural impact.
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Training and mentoring
Key to developing cultural and social leadership.
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International Summits and Forums
Annual gatherings (hybrid or in person) on Afro-descendant critical thought and human rights.
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Book Fairs and Travelling Literary Salons
Spaces for selling and launching books and for literary gatherings devoted to Black writing.
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Artistic and Creative Residencies
Short fellowships for writers and researchers, in collaboration with universities and cultural institutes.
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Human Rights and Racial Justice Observatory
Regular reports on the situation of Afro leaders and communities at risk.
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Open Training School
Online workshops and diploma courses on Black epistemologies, creative writing, community cultural management and strategic litigation.
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Publishing House and Open Digital Archive
An open-access repository of essays, monographs, oral audio archives and audiovisual productions.
Requirements to register
- Self-identify as a Black or Afro-descendant woman (no certificate needed).
- Share the platform’s purpose and values: respect, memory, racial and gender justice, and collaborative work.
- Complete this form.
- Attach a short presentation or portfolio (text, link, video or file).
- Accept the declaration and consent in the final section.
No previous experience is required. Partner organisations and institutions also complete section H.
Together, culture is also a form of justice.
Cultural management base: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil · International reach
Black Voices
Registration form
This form is the first step to joining the network and taking part in its circles, dialogues, workshops, publications, training, mentoring and events. Participation is free. You can answer in Spanish or Portuguese.
Fields not marked “optional” are required.