“Decolonising Graphics Design”
The Black Young Authors Conference 2026 was a global, youth‑centred creative event dedicated to celebrating, nurturing, and amplifying the voices of young Black writers. Taking place on Saturday 7 March 2026 at Isleworth Leisure Centre and Library, the conference brings together children and young people aged 6–18 for a vibrant day of storytelling, workshops, design exploration, and cultural celebration.
This year’s theme—Decolonising Graphics Design—invited young authors to consider not only what stories they tell, but how they tell them visually. Participants will explore the powerful relationship between words, images, fonts, illustration and layout, learning how design can shape identity, reclaim narratives, and challenge colonial aesthetics in mainstream publishing and media.
The 2026 keynote lineup featured internationally acclaimed Black designers and visual storytellers, including Saki Mafundikwa (Zimbabwe), Osmond Tshuma (New York), and Sindiso Nyoni (South Africa), renowned for their work in typography, font design, and illustration. Their presence supported a central aim of the conference: to empower young Black writers by giving them direct access to world‑leading creative role models.
Attendees enjoyed a:
- Hands‑on workshops in writing, design, and visual communication
- Interactive storytelling sessions led by creatives and educators
- Live demonstrations in illustration, lettering, and decolonial design principles
- Opportunities to publish, display or perform their work
- A celebratory, family‑friendly environment that uplifts creativity and confidence
The conference also included the showcase and signing of Black Young & Gifted: In My Own Words, the publication from the previous year’s event, featuring contributions from 14 Black young authors.
Organised by Wasuk Godwin Sule-Pearce through the Centre for Access to Sport and Education (CASE) C.I.C., the Black Young Authors Conference continues its mission to create inclusive, empowering, culturally affirming spaces for Black Young creatives.
