By Danielle Donham and University Press of Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 2, 2020): The University Press of Kentucky is highlighting several titles written by Black authors throughout its list, including several which are as part of their open access initiative in collaboration with UK Libraries. Some of these authors are faculty members of UK’s College of Arts & Sciences.
“The University Press of Kentucky has a long tradition of showcasing Black voices and stories,” said Ashley Runyon, director of the press. “From our award-winning Civil Rights series to the struggle for equality in Kentucky, Appalachia and beyond, these works highlight the historical and cultural impact made by BIPOC ” UPK remains committed to publishing future diverse voices from our region and nation.”
The press’s open access initiative enables faculty and students from colleges and universities across the Commonwealth and beyond to use these online texts for coursework and research. University Press books will be open to anyone who accesses the UKnowledge platform at this link regardless of institution through the end of this summer.
The following titles are included in the open access initiative and can be accessed at this link:
- ““Buffalo Dance: The Journey of York” by UK College of Arts & Sciences professor Frank X Walker.
- “When Winter Come: The Ascension of York,” also by Walker.
Other titles available from the University Press of Kentucky to buy on the press’s website. These titles include:
- “The Birds of Opulence” by Crystal Wilkinson, associate professor in the College of Arts & Science’s creative writing program.
- “The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia” edited by UK College of Arts and Sciences history professor Gerald L. Smith, Karen Cotton McDaniel and John A. Hardin.
The University Press of Kentucky is the scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, representing a consortium that includes all of the state universities, five private colleges and two historical societies. The press’s editorial program focuses on the humanities and the social sciences. Offices for the administrative, editorial, production and marketing departments of the press are found at the University of Kentucky, which provides financial support toward operating and publishing expenses.