A statement from the AWC Board
A little more than six months ago, the AWC finalized a major transition -- from being a "Conclave" to being a Cooperative. We made that change carefully, deliberately, and with a renewed commitment to "Engaging and nurturing a diverse community of Alabama writers." It wasn't simply a name change. It reflected our attitude, what we expect from ourselves. It signaled our larger aspirations for the kind of inclusivity and tolerance we are committed to fostering amongst Alabama writers everywhere.
As communities across America are again -- still -- squarely facing the pain of persistent racism and racist violence, and as they also express their mounting anger and frustration at waiting for meaningful systemic change -- the Alabama Writers' Cooperative's position is unwavering: we value the lives, contributions, ideas and ideals of people of color, whether they're writers or not. We recognize the longstanding struggle for racial equality in America is far from over, and we as an organization feel a duty to advance that vital effort on behalf of a membership that reflects an array of races, religions, and ethnicities.
Above all, our organization values curiosity and empathy for our fellow human beings -- as those values (curiosity, empathy) are essential to any authentic writing life.
Alabama has a long history of being on the wrong side of history when it comes to Civil Rights and social justice issues, particularly as it relates to its Black citizens, who have been central to its economic and cultural development over its 200-plus years of existence. The AWC has been in existence for almost half of that history. Six months ago, we formally announced to Alabama (and everywhere else) our organization’s path and values. We pledge, now and in the future, to work with renewed vigor to help bridge gaps, right wrongs, and provide platforms for voices that need to be heard as our state and nation forges a new path toward real and meaningful change for the better.