ABOUT
Selina Brown
Recognised for her creativity, innovation, and impact on the publishing world. In just a few years, she has helped shape the UK’s literary landscape by establishing Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature—a testament to her visionary leadership and passion for uplifting under-represented voices.
As a prolific children’s author, Selina recently secured a two-book deal with Penguin, underscoring her growing influence in children’s literature. Among her forthcoming releases is the eagerly awaited My Rice Is the Best, which explores themes of friendship, culture, and the joy of food. Selina’s other works, such as Nena: The Green Juice, take readers on lively journeys of discovery—reminding every child that their perspective matters.
Before founding the BBBF in 2021, Selina honed her skills in marketing, event management, and community engagement across various global roles—including with MTV, the BBC, and Freud Communications—in locations such as New York, Kenya, Jamaica, and The Gambia. Witnessing the lack of platforms dedicated to elevating Black voices in literature led her to create the BBBF. Today, the festival’s partnerships with top publishers—Pan Macmillan, Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette—have significantly expanded its reach and sparked industry-wide changes.
Selina’s work goes far beyond festival organising. In 2023, she opened a library in Croydon dedicated to Black literature, providing a permanent space for readers to discover and celebrate diverse stories.
She also launched the Writers on the Rise initiative in collaboration with Pan Macmillan, offering support and mentoring to more than 50 emerging Black authors—five of whom have already secured book deals. She has worked with brands such as Tik Tok, Paramount, National Express and Waterstones . Meanwhile, the BBBF has showcased over 100 Black authors at iconic events such as Glastonbury, We Out Here, Cheltenham, and the Hay Festival.
From hosting workshops in schools across the UK to orchestrating the BBBF’s flagship 2024 event in partnership with the Barbican Festival—attended by a record-breaking 5,500 guests.
Selina’s commitment to community and inclusivity continues to shape a more equitable future for publishing.