(September 26, 2018) – Black-owned publisher Just Us Books, which marks the
beginning of its 30th year this October, and BCP Digital Printing, the printing arm of Black Classic Press, which is also Black owned and celebrating its
40th year, have announced a joint printing relationship.
Just Us
Books will use the printing services of BCP Digital for its middle reader
fiction and non-fiction titles. BCP Digital has already begun printing five
Just Us Books titles: Book of Black Heroes: Great Women in the
Struggle; Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers, and three books in its Kid
Caramel mystery series: Werewolf of PS 40, Case
of the Missing Ankh and Ghost Ranch.
Wade
Hudson, president and co-founder with his wife Cheryl of Just Us Books, says
attending Black Classic Press’ 40th anniversary celebration this
past May is what sparked the idea for the printing services of BCP Digital.
“We’ve
known Paul for decades and have worked together on initiatives to make both our
publishing community and cultural communities stronger,” says Hudson. “We knew
BCP Digital as a great short run printer. But when we toured the facility in
May and saw how much their operation and printing capabilities have expanded –
we knew we had found the right company to print our middle reader titles.”
“Just Us
Books partnering with BCP Digital is another way for Black businesses to
continue high quality work while supporting each other,” Hudson adds.
Paul Coates,
owner of Black Classic Press and BCP Digital Printing is also pleased with the
new partnership. “Working with Just Us, the largest and oldest of our young
adult and children’s book publishers is great honor. Just as important - it’s a
continuing example of how Black businesses can support each other,” says Coates.
BCP Digital
prints for publishers, self-publishers, and organizations large and small. The company currently prints books for several
other Black owned publishers including Third World Press
Foundation, founded
by Haki Madhubuti, and Africa World Press/The Red Sea Press, founded by Kassahun Checole. Together
with Black Classic Press and Just Us Books, the companies comprise the few
remaining “legacy Black publishers” that are still operating in the US.
About Black Classic Press
Founded in 1978, Black Classic Press is devoted to publishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent. It specializes in republishing works that are out of print and quite often out of memory. The company began publishing because it wanted to extend the memory of important books that have helped in meaningful ways to shape the Black diasporic experience and our understanding of the world. BCP Digital Printing was launched in 1995 as a short run press.
Founded in 1978, Black Classic Press is devoted to publishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent. It specializes in republishing works that are out of print and quite often out of memory. The company began publishing because it wanted to extend the memory of important books that have helped in meaningful ways to shape the Black diasporic experience and our understanding of the world. BCP Digital Printing was launched in 1995 as a short run press.
About Just Us Books
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Just Us Books is an independent, Black-owned publisher of books for young people that focus on African-American history, culture and experiences. Founded in 1988 by husband and wife team, Wade and Cheryl Hudson, the company’s titles range from concept books for Pre-K to novels for young adults. Just Us Books’ titles can be purchased at booksellers and via its website: justusbooks.com
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Just Us Books is an independent, Black-owned publisher of books for young people that focus on African-American history, culture and experiences. Founded in 1988 by husband and wife team, Wade and Cheryl Hudson, the company’s titles range from concept books for Pre-K to novels for young adults. Just Us Books’ titles can be purchased at booksellers and via its website: justusbooks.com
Pictured:
1) Legacy
Black publishers: Paul Coates of
Black Classic Press; Cheryl Willis Hudson
of Just Us Books; Haki Madhubuti of
Third World Press Foundation; and Wade
Hudson of Just Us Books
2) Wade and
Cheryl Hudson tour the BCP Digital facility
