Margaret Busby is a prominent figure in the publishing industry, known for her work as a writer, editor, and publisher. She made history in 1967 when she co-founded Allison & Busby, becoming the first black female publisher in the United Kingdom.
With a career spanning over five decades, Busby has championed the works of many Black writers and has been a tireless advocate for diversity and representation in the literary world.
Early Life and Career
| Full name | Margaret Olivia Busby |
| Age | 77 years old |
| Date of birth | August 28, 1944 |
| Place of birth | Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana) |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Occupation | Publisher, editor, writer |
| Spouse | Lennox Carty |
| Education | English Literature degree from Bedford College, University of London |
| Notable works | “Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Words and Writings by Women of African Descent” |
| Awards and honours | Order of the British Empire (OBE), African Poetry Book Fund’s Editorial Award, Royal Society of Literature’s Benson Medal |
| Net worth | N/A |
Margaret Busby was born in Ghana in 1944 and moved to London in 1960. She studied English at Bedford College, University of London, and began her career as a journalist, writing for publications such as The Guardian, The Times, and The Observer. In 1967, at the age of 23, she co-founded Allison & Busby with Clive Allison, and together they published important works by Black writers such as C.L.R. James, Buchi Emecheta, and Walter Rodney.
Career
Busby continued to make significant contributions to the publishing industry in the following years. In 1987, she became editorial director of Earthscan Publications, where she focused on publishing books on the environment and sustainability.
She also worked for BBC Radio as a producer and presenter, hosting the weekly program “The Arts This Week.” In 1992, Busby became a consultant for the Commonwealth Institute’s book prize, and in 2005 she was appointed honorary fellow of Queen Mary, University of London.
Busby has been a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in literature. She has worked to ensure that Black writers and writers of color are given a platform to share their stories and has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups.
In 2020, she published “New Daughters of Africa,” a collection of writing by more than 200 women of African descent, showcasing the diversity and breadth of their experiences.
Awards and Honors
Busby has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2006 for services to literature. In 2019, she was awarded the London Book Fair Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2020 she was named as one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women.
FAQs:
Q: What was Margaret Busby’s role in the publishing industry?
A: Margaret Busby was a writer, editor, and publisher. She co-founded Allison & Busby in 1967, becoming the first black female publisher in the United Kingdom.
Q: What books did Allison & Busby publish?
A: Allison & Busby published important works by Black writers such as C.L.R. James, Buchi Emecheta, and Walter Rodney.
Q: What has Margaret Busby advocated for in the literary world?
A: Margaret Busby has been a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in literature. She has worked to ensure that Black writers and writers of color are given a platform to share their stories and has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups.
Q: What awards and honors has Margaret Busby received?
A: Margaret Busby has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2006 for services to literature, the London Book Fair Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and being named as one of BBC’s 100 inspiring and influential women in 2020.